It's the second week into the semester, boredom has already set in and the checking account is dangerously close to reaching negative digits. Watching reruns on "Nick at Nite" just isn't cutting it for stimulating entertainment.
For the student with a little imagination and a bit of spunk, finding something to do on little or no money in Buffalo is easy.
Thursday night is student night at Manor Lanes II, which means cheap bowling. One dollar per game and one dollar for shoe rentals from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Located five miles north of North Campus at 170 Tonawanda Creek Road, the bowling alley offers drink specials, dollar-a-slice pizza and a trendy selection of music.
"It's a good time," said Hans Samaniego, a senior business major. "It's cheap and everybody has fun."
Elmwood Avenue, a ten-minute drive west of South Campus, is home to an assortment of boutiques, bars and coffee shops to get one's mind off of schoolwork. The Albright-Knox art gallery, at 1285 Elmwood Ave, has a continual rotation of artwork on display, which is free to the public on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Off the Wall, at 534 Elmwood, is a funky restaurant where one can lounge around on comfy couches and enjoy a variety of distinctive meals ranging from sweet potato pancakes to almond and hazelnut crusted tuna, all for a reasonable price.
The Buffalo Zoo, at 300 Parkside Ave., is open year-round with $8.50 tickets for students. Walking distance from the zoo is Delaware Park, 350 acres of green grass perfect for Frisbee games or a quiet afternoon spent reading by Hoyt Lake.
South Campus veterans know to head across the street to Amy's Place, at 3234 Main St., for a great meal. With large tasty portions and vegetarian and vegan options, they offer a healthy change from dull dining hall menus. Just don't let the greasy spoon d?(c)cor fool you, a early bird breakfast at just under a buck (two bucks with coffee) can't be beat.
"The breakfast special includes 99-cent eggs, and the food is so good," said Merlinda Dsouza, a junior accounting and economics major.
The Amherst Dipson Theater, also on Main St. across from South Campus shows films that don't always come to the bigger theaters, like current flicks Little Miss Sunshine and The Illusionist. A student ticket is $6 - just don't forget to bring your UB Card. On Tuesdays all tickets are $5.
Walk down the street and enter the 1950's-era Lake Effect Diner. Open 24 hours a day it is great for a warm meal on the walk back to South from a night of partying. For daytime eats the Pizza Hut is a short stroll away and boasts an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet Monday through Friday for less than $6.
Tired of the same old scene? For Chinese food lovers, Gin Gin restaurant at 3244 Sheridan Dr. is a favorite among the international students. For great appetizers, and wings try Shannon Pub at 2250 Niagara Falls Blvd., for a hearty meal and Irish music.
"The appetizers are amazing," said John Cleveland, a graduate student majoring in art education. "They have some of the best wings in Buffalo."
While the weather is nice a short road trip to Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park, or Zoar Valley is always an option, costing nothing but the gas. The Tonawanda River Walk is a great place for people watching or admiring the sunset across the Niagara River.
For entertainment, join or listen in at a local open mic. Try Spot Coffee at 227 Delaware Avenue, Mondays at 7 p.m. or, hit-up Broadway Joe's at 3051 Main Street on a Tuesday night.
As always, the many free activities on campus are always a good fallback option. Tailgate with friends before the next football game, attend Fall Fest this Friday, or bring a date to the free movie in the Student Union.
If you're willing to spend some cash, the Center for the Arts has an entire schedule of events, which include comedy acts, ballet, music and performances such as the Belly Dance Superstars and Jesus Christ Superstar. Tickets are discounted for students and are usually ten dollars.
If all else fails, then there's always still "Nick at Nite..." but only as a last resort.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
