Your friends invite you to grab a coffee, go to dinner, or see a concert on Friday night, but it all costs money. You want to join in the fun but also need to balance the need to limit costs and save money.

"I can't afford that."
"I don't have time to go...I need to study."
"I'm not hungry. You all go ahead and go."

Just having to explain to friends why you can't join in can feel exhausting and sometimes even embarrassing. Rather than engage in this conversation over and over again, some students become more socially isolated or withdrawn.

So how can you create a fun and engaged social life with friends while minding costs and the other responsibilities you have on your plate?

  • Have a direct discussion with select friends about these challenges. Other students may not understand just how taxing it is to say no to activities you just can't swing. Get a few allies on board by letting them know why this is stressful and ask if you all can work together to find creative ways to make fun time more affordable and doable within your schedule. 
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience: $5 has to stretch a lot further than a latte. #LatteOrLightBill #FriendsButNoFunds #1stGenExperience  #UCSB
  • Get creative with social activities. Designate a night in the week where you all get together regularly to watch a movie or binge on your favorite Netflix series. Perhaps cook together instead of going out. Or check out some of the free concerts and events that are happening all the time. Remember that most of the fun you have with others is because of the company you keep, not necessarily the thing you are doing.
  • Budget for special activities that you want to go to.  Check out some of the strategies for creating a better financial balance so that you can build in activities that you really are wanting to do.