Academic
Top 10 tips:
1. Buy used books\ Rent books
2. Skip books altogether
3. Use free printing
4. Use free tutoring
5. Apply for scholarships
6. Get free supplies
7. Graduate early
8. Get free food on campus
9. Use free bike repair on campus
10. Use SAA card for discounts
Necessities
1. Coupon
2. Eat on campus
3. Use discount books
4. Energy-efficient house
5. Carpool
6. Make coffee/snacks at home
7. Use RTS bus system
8.Use UF/public healthcare
9. Go to hair school for cuts
10. Platos closet/consignment
Social
Get on a promoters list
Gainesville is teeming with club promoters who want your business as badly as you want their discounts. It's a mutually beneficial situation. Chances are, you know someone who knows someone who works in marketing or promotions locally, but if you don't:
Our best bet: "Like" the Uber Promotions Facebook page to get on an exclusive list for discounted entrance and special events at of of their major clients establishments such as 08:, Grog House and Club Envy.
Pre-game
Getting food and drinks at bars and restaurants is always monumentally more pricey than getting the same things at home. Don't believe us? Buy a bottle of Grey Goose vodka at ABC Liquors and it will set you back $39, but the same bottle through bottle service at Sharab Lounge will cost you $100. Moral of the story? Pre-game at home. meet friends at a common location to eat homemade food ot drink store-bought beer and liquor before you go out (see #5 on our list for safe and free transportation.) Getting a head start before you go out will save you money because it means that you're buying less of the inflated prices of alcohol at bars and clubs.
Go to UF events
Some of the best perks of living in a college town are college-sponsored events. UF hosts an array of activities ranging from theatrical performances to nationally-televised sporting events. Date nights to dinner and a movie can run a hefty bill, but you can likely get the same level of excitement (if not more) sitting in the student section of a UF basketball game.
Living Social and Groupon
There is no fee to sign up for Living Social or Groupon. When you sign up, they will end daily deals to your email or phone about specials that are running in Gainesville. Everything from a massage to a weekend kayaking trip, these websites offer deals that are 60-to-90 percent off the regualr cost of social activities, food and events.
Take the Later Gator
A DUI will cost you thousands, but a taxi is just a fraction of the cost. Avoid the dangers and costs of driving to popular mid-town and downtown locations by taking the free Later Gator service. Sometimes, people watching on the 3 a.m. route of the Later Gator can be more intertaining than your night out.
Navigate your nights correctly
For food, drink and activities, most nightlife locations have special nights of the weel where their products are cheaper. If you navigate the town to attend special events, you can save a ton in food and drink prices.
Our best bet:
Monday: Mother's Pub- .35 wings, .50 tacos, $5 buckets of domestic bottled beer
Tuesday:Grog House- $5 all you can drink. Print off the $2 coupon from their website and or Facebook, and get the deal for only $3
Wednesday: Gator City\Envy- Ladies night, free entry for all females and any male with a promotional card. Ladies drink free all night, so if you're a guy, bring your lady so you can share the free booze.
Thursday: 8 Seconds- Discounted entry of $5 gets you $1.50 bottles, free well drinks, and free line-dancing lessons if you're feeling adventerous.
Friday: Mars Pub- Two games of laser tag for $10 and a free bottle of beer per game.
Saturday: Lake Wauberg- UFowned lake allows up to six people to enter per valid Gator 1 card and includes free beach and trail access and free rentals of sporting equipment, rock climbing and ropes courses.
Sunday: Cantina- Sunday Fun-Day, free entry, discounted mexican entrees and free shots of tequila every hour starting at noon.
State Parks
Gainesville is home to some of the most loved state and private nature parks in Florida, so when you're not in the mood for a rowdy restuarant or bar, enjoy the serenity of Devils Millhopper Park, a natural sinkhole that you can explore. If you have some friends and a full day, travel to Ginnie Springs for a $12 day pass to float down the three mile river-run and swim in any of the seven natural underwater caverns. Camping on their private grounds only costs an additional $10 per night on a day pass.
Use rewards cards
Using reward cards like Regal Cinemas Crown Reward Card is good way to build up "free" gifts and discounts. Go to the movies once a week and by the fifth or sixth time, the next movie is free. Not lucky enough to score free movi8e3 ticket? Take advantage of some free soda or popcorn. Just don't tell your date that, she might think you're cheap.
Have house parties
Despite the glorious nights out on the town, why not sit back and kick it with your friends at your place for the night. Grab a Natural Light beer keg for $55 at Sweetbay, and let the partying begin. Why spend $55 on just a few drinks at a bar, when you can buy 155 beers for the same price?
Rent RedBox and cancel cable
Despite living in the land of nightlife, everyone needs a night-in once in a while, but that doesn't mean you have to be condemned to boredom. Invite friends over to watch a movie or rent a video game. Redbox rental locations can be found all over Gainesville, including UF's campus.
Our best bet:
Use the promotional code: BREAKROOM for a free, one-night rental per person. Also, websites such as www.letmewatchthis.com have thousands of brand new movie titles and TV shows to watch onlone (if you stream it, rather than download-it's totally legal!)