When You Want to Party But Your Wallet Says No…
Let’s be real – everyone’s told you that staying in is the smart financial move. But most students still find themselves hitting up bars and clubs way more than their budget can handle.
We broke down the real costs of partying at home versus going out – and the numbers might surprise you. Plus, we’ll show you how to throw epic house parties that’ll have everyone talking.
A Student Night In: The Costs and Benefits
Your Drinks Budget Goes 4x Further
A single drink at most bars costs $5-8, but you can grab the same beer or spirits at the store for $1.50-2. That’s literally 3-4 times cheaper! Even “cheap” student nights rarely have drinks under $3, and that’s before cover charges.
Do the math: if you’re planning to have 4-5 drinks, you’re looking at $20-40 at a bar versus $6-10 from the store. That’s serious money right there.
Skip the Restaurant Markup
Going out usually means dropping $15-20 on dinner before you even start drinking. But ordering takeout (or better yet, cooking together) saves you from paying for service, tips, and inflated restaurant prices.
Pizza is your best friend here – it’s cheap, feeds everyone, and comes in its own plate (aka the box). Many places have student deals or group specials that make it even more affordable. Pro tip: apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash often have first-time user promos or student discounts.
Entertainment Without the Entry Fees
Netflix, Spotify, gaming – you’re probably already paying for subscriptions that can entertain your whole crew. Why pay $10-15 cover charges when you’ve got unlimited movies and can be the DJ of your own party?
Create collaborative playlists beforehand so everyone gets to hear their favorites. No more suffering through the same overplayed club bangers or waiting 20 minutes for the bartender to notice you exist.
Student Night In vs. Night Out: Cost Comparison
NIGHT IN
TOTAL COST: C$60, or just C$15.00 per person when split between four friends
- Party drinks for four: C$30
- Two takeout pizzas: C$25
- Movie rental: C$5
NIGHT OUT
TOTAL COST: C$69.00 (approximately per person)
- Average restaurant meal: C$18
- 4 drinks at a club (average C$6.50 each): C$26.00
- Entry fee for a leading nightclub: C$15
- Taxi home: C$10
The best choice for students on a tight budget is obvious! By choosing to party at home, you can save over C$50 per night while still having an amazing time with friends. Those savings can add up to hundreds of dollars over a semester – money that could go toward textbooks, groceries, or building up your emergency fund.
Making the Most of Your Night In
The key to a successful student night in is planning ahead. Stock up on snacks and drinks when they’re on sale, create collaborative playlists with your friends beforehand, and don’t be afraid to get creative with entertainment. Board games, video game tournaments, or even themed movie marathons can make for memorable nights that cost a fraction of what you’d spend downtown.
Remember, the goal isn’t to never go out – it’s to be strategic about when and how you spend your entertainment budget so you can enjoy both affordable nights in and the occasional splurge on a night out.
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