{"id":2352,"date":"2016-10-02T07:39:45","date_gmt":"2016-10-02T13:39:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.cuchicago.edu\/spectator\/?p=2352"},"modified":"2016-10-02T07:39:45","modified_gmt":"2016-10-02T13:39:45","slug":"dear-broke-college-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spectator.cuchicago.edu\/?p=2352","title":{"rendered":"Dear Broke College Student,"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cBroke College Student\u201d is a tagline that can be read on many student\u2019s social networks. With half of college students employed part-time, and the other half unemployed altogether, having a social experience off-campus can be seemingly impossible. Luckily, being so close to downtown Chicago provides a variety of free (or college affordable) options to choose from. The following are just a few selections from a list compiled by Thrillist<\/em><\/a> that would suit a college student, especially with the dropping temperatures to come.<\/p>\n

Lincoln Park Zoo<\/strong><\/p>\n

2001 N Clark St<\/p>\n

Chicago, IL 60614<\/p>\n

Admission Fee: Free everyday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parking: First 30min free. 2hrs $20 (+$5 per 30 minutes up to $35).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hours: 6AM-11PM Year-Round.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In case you\u2019re not from the area, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of two Chicagoland zoos. Open 365 days a year the Lincoln Park Zoo hosts a number of reptiles, birds, big cats, and aquatic animals. Check their calendar of events<\/a> for special events that they may be hosting.<\/p>\n

The DuSable Museum of African American History<\/strong><\/p>\n

740 East 56th<\/sup> Place<\/p>\n

Chicago, IL 60637<\/p>\n

Admission: Free Sundays. Other days: $5.00 Illinois Resident with Student ID. $7.00 Non-Illinois Resident with Student ID.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>The DuSable Museum aims to educate the public about African American history through its numerous exhibits. From African American artwork, the story that lead to racial equality, to African Americans in the Armed Forces, the museum hosts an educational experience that no textbook could ever deliver.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maxwell Street Market<\/strong><\/p>\n

Due to construction, please check the website<\/a> for location and directions.<\/p>\n

Admission: Free Sundays. Closed all other days.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Maxwell Street market is a flea market supreme. A Chicago tradition, you can find vendors selling food, clothes, jewelry, and other goods from various cultural background. The free admission gets you into looking at the people of Chicago and their cultures, however, you may want to bring some cash as it\u2019ll be hard to leave empty handed.<\/p>\n

Chicago Pedway<\/strong><\/p>\n

Various entry points. Download the map<\/a> to find an entry point that works for you.<\/p>\n

Admission: Free to walk<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hours: 7AM-5PM. Hours subject to change without notice.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Did you know that there is a city under<\/em> Chicago? A project that began in 1951, the 5-Mile long Chicago Pedway provides pedestrians a safe and convenient means of traversing the Central Business District. The Pedway links the Red and Blue lines, hosts a variety of shops and services, and is an interesting way to look at the city.<\/p>\n

Revolution Brewing<\/strong><\/p>\n

3340 N Kedzie Ave.<\/p>\n

Chicago, IL 60618<\/p>\n

Admission: (21 and Over Only) Public Tours are Free, limited to 30 people. First Come First Serve. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Hours: Wednesday-Friday 6PM and 7PM. Saturday-Sunday 3PM, 4PM, 5PM, 6PM.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>As Illinois\u2019 largest brewery, and one of the youngest, Revolution Brewing offers free tours of its facility. Get educated on how a craft beer is made. Sadly, free samples are not offered, but you can purchase a pint upfront at the bar.<\/p>\n

The Whistler<\/strong><\/p>\n

2421 N Milwaukee Ave<\/p>\n

Chicago, IL 60647<\/p>\n

Admission: (21 and Over Only) Free. Capacity capped at 74 people. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Hours: Monday-Thursday 6PM-2AM. Friday 5PM-2AM. Saturday 5PM-3PM. Sunday 5PM-2AM.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>The Whistler is a bar that hosts live music every night. Each night serves up a different genre from jazz to rock to country. The Whistler also hosts events such as film screenings and gallery exhibitions for artwork.<\/p>\n

The Playground Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n

3209 N Halsted St<\/p>\n

Chicago, IL 60657<\/p>\n

Admission: Varies by day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Playground Theatre is a community run comedy theatre. Concordia\u2019s own improv team \u201cThe Unprofessionals\u201d occasionally perform on Friday nights for \u201cCollege Improv Night,\u201d which you can catch at 10PM for $5 with a student ID. You can also catch \u201cThe Free For All,\u201d a free improv show hosted every Sunday at 7:30, unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\n

Closer venues.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a bonus, there are also affordable options closer to campus.<\/p>\n