With exams to study for and assignments to hand in, finding spare time to do the things you want to can feel difficult. However, taking a break to recharge is important, and spending time outside can help reduce stress and improve your mood. There are several exciting activities you can get up to on sunny days, whether by yourself or with friends and family.
Why Sunny Days Don’t Have to Be Expensive
When you hear the phrase “day out”, you might automatically associate it with spending a lot of money. However, there are many activities that can be done for free or at a low-cost. The key to enjoying a sunny day is making it memorable, which can be as simple as catching up with friends in the park or appreciating nature.
Cheap Things to Do on a Sunny Day
Have a Picnic with Friends
A picnic is only expensive if you make it expensive. Instead of buying packaged food, look to see what you’ve got at home already. Versatile ingredients like eggs, tuna, lettuce, and mayonnaise can be used in a number of dishes, like sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Ask your friends to bring their own food as well, that way you can all contribute and save money.
Go On a Local Walk
If you’ve moved for university, there may be a large area of your town or city that you haven’t explored yet. Going for a local walk offers the chance to discover public footpaths, parks, and other interesting areas you never knew existed. There are many apps where you can find nearby walks, like AllTrails and Go Jauntly. Some council websites also include information about local footpaths and amenities. If you’re feeling creative, bring a camera or use your phone to take photos during your walk.
Play Outdoor Games or Sports
The NHS suggests that each week, adults aged between 19 and 64 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. Playing outdoor games and sports allows you to get active while socialising with others.
- Flying disc: These are cheap to buy and can be used in various locations, such as the garden, beach, or a park. You can throw it to each other, see who can chuck it the furthest, or make up your own rules.
- Football: While some footballs can be expensive, several shops sell cheaper ones. All you need is an open space, and you’re all set.
- Badminton: Some shops sell budget badminton sets that you can take with you to a beach or park. Badminton is a competitive sport that gets your whole body moving, making it an enjoyable way to stay active while spending time outdoors with friends or family.
Visit Free Events or Markets
Low-cost or free local events are often posted about on social media, and you can also find them using apps like Eventbrite. It’s common for towns and cities to hold markets that take place weekly, monthly, or seasonally. When attending these, give yourself a budget to ensure you don’t accidentally overspend.
Read a Book In the Garden
Outside sounds, from birds chirping to the wind blowing, create a relaxing atmosphere for reading a book. Reading for a few hours allows you to spend time away from your screen and take a break from your studies.
Plan a Beach Day
If you want to make sure your beach day is cheap, you need to plan in advance. Bring everything you need with you, such as food, shade, towels, and suncream to avoid spending money while you’re out. Do your research before leaving to find out where you can find the cheapest or free parking.
Watch the Sunset
Get some friends together and explore the best nearby spots for sunset watching, such as fields, parks, hills, and beaches. Don’t forget to bring a jumper, as once the sun goes down, it can start to get cold very quickly.
How The Student Energy Group Can Make Your Sunny Days More Affordable
At The Student Energy Group, we understand the importance of sticking to your budget while also enjoying time at university. As a trusted student bills company, we’ll combine all your household bills, including electricity, gas, water, internet, and TV licence, into one monthly statement, making student bill splitting simple and hassle-free for you and your housemates. We even plant a tree for every household that signs up with us. Get a free, no-obligation quote from us today to avoid financial stress and hassle.
