After paying for tuition, rent, bills—you name it—money gets tight. Being a graduate student isn’t cheap, but good news: I’m here to share some of my favorite budget-friendly activities in the area.
-
Museums & Local Attractions
First and foremost, get yourself an EBT card. Not only does it provide a monthly grocery stipend, but it also gives you free access to a variety of museums, aquariums, and more. My personal favorite is the Natural History Museum in LA, located near the USC main campus. Admission is free with an EBT card, and there’s also a student discount available. The museum features rotating exhibits, a rose garden, and even educational tours. This was one of my favorite museums to go to as a kid, and that still holds true today. Some other museums you can check out for free with your EBT card that are worth mentioning are the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Huntington Library & Museum, and LACMA. There’s no shortage of things to do with that magical EBT card, so take advantage of it while you can.
-
Movie Deals
One of my favorite things to do if I’m trying to turn my brain off and relax in some free AC, is go to the movies. If you’re a film lover like me, one of the best offers out there in my opinion is the AMC Stubs A-list. For $27.99 a month, you can watch up to four movies a week. Which sounds like a lot, but even if you only see two movies a month, it pays for itself. Not to mention there are no additional fees for seeing IMAX and DOLBY screenings, which one ticket alone is upwards of $20! If you don’t go to the movies enough to make the A-list price worth it, AMC also has $5 Tuesdays for tickets, and during the summer 50% off tickets on Wednesdays. So, if you’re on a budget like I am, definitely take advantage of these deals.
-
Local Hiking Trails
If you’re looking to get out into nature and take a break from your studies, there are some great hikes around the OC area. I highly recommend Crystal Cove trail and Moro Canyon. With stunning ocean views, and classic California scenery, these hikes are a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. Other worthwhile spots include Chino Hills State Park and Carbon Canyon, but there are so many others that it’s impossible to mention them all here. If you’re feeling adventurous, I highly recommend the app AllTrails. It gives you the chance to discover more hikes and read reviews from fellow adventurers.
-
Beaches to Explore
No guide would not be complete without mentioning some of the beautiful beaches around the area. My personal favorite is Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach. It’s a short 30-minute drive from MBKU (with light traffic) , but the trick here is that you should plan to get there a little early to get a good spot or arrive later in the day to catch the sunset. The beach is on the smaller side and can get crowded on hot days, but the views and seclusion make the trip out there worth it. While the water and views are great, the real highlight for me are the tide pools. Explore the rocks at either end of the beach and you’ll find them teeming with life. From sea anemones to small fish and clam, exploring these natural wonders are always a treat. If you’re looking for a more social beach with plenty of food and shops, Huntington Beach has it all: bonfire pits, beachside bars, restaurants, and shopping. Prefer something more lowkey? Bolsa Chica is just down the street and offers a quieter, more spacious experience.
Grad school can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself in the middle of it all. But self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Whether it's a walk in nature, a quiet beach sunset, or a discounted movie night, small breaks can make a big difference. Make time for joy—you’ve earned it.