Exploring Salt Lake City on a Budget: A Guide for Westminster College Students

As a college student at Westminster College, finding budget-friendly activities in Salt Lake City (SLC) is essential to make the most of your college experience. Fortunately, SLC is packed with attractions, events, and outdoor activities that cater to students without breaking the bank. Here’s a roundup of the best free and affordable activities to enjoy in and around your campus.

1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors: Parks and Nature

Salt Lake City is home to numerous parks and outdoor spaces perfect for students to unwind, engage in sports, or enjoy a picnic. Here are a few highlights:

• Liberty Park: This expansive park features walking trails, a pond, and plenty of green space to relax or play sports. Don’t miss the Tracy Aviary inside the park for a small admission fee.
• Mill Creek Canyon: Just a short drive from campus, this canyon offers breathtaking views, hiking, and biking trails—for free! It’s perfect for a quick nature escape.
• Red Butte Garden: While there is an admission fee, students can visit on select days for free or at a reduced rate. It’s a beautiful place to explore local flora and enjoy the serenity of nature.

2. Dive into Local Culture: Museums and Art

Cultural exploration doesn’t have to be expensive. Salt Lake City boasts several museums and art venues that offer free or low-cost admission:

• The Natural History Museum of Utah: Although regular admission is around $15, students can visit on certain days when discounts are available. The exhibits are fascinating and showcase Utah’s natural wonders.
• The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA): Admission is free, making it an excellent spot to enjoy rotating exhibits of contemporary art.
• Brigham Young University Museum of Art: Also free, this museum offers an impressive collection of art that students can enjoy just a short drive away in Provo.

3. Attend Local Events

SLC hosts a variety of events, many of which are free or very low-cost. Check these out:

• Salt Lake City Farmers Market: Held weekly, this vibrant market features local produce, crafts, and delicious food. Entry is free, and you can enjoy the local community vibe.
• First Friday Art Walk: Every first Friday of the month, galleries downtown and in Sugar House open their doors for an evening of art viewing with often free refreshments.
• Outdoor Concerts in the Park: Summer brings free concerts to Liberty Park and Pioneer Park, where students can enjoy live music at no cost.

4. Explore Local Neighborhoods

Some neighborhoods in SLC are perfect for exploration:

• Sugar House: Known for its eclectic shops and eateries, wandering around Sugar House is enjoyable. Check out local boutiques and coffee shops.
• Downtown Salt Lake City: Students can enjoy the beautiful architecture, visit the City Creek Center, or stroll through Pioneer Park.

5. Get Involved with Campus Resources

Westminster College often hosts various free events for students, including:

• Movie nights, live performances, and guest speakers.
• Student-governed clubs with activities and excursions.
• Wellness and fitness classes that are often subsidized for students.

Conclusion

As a Westminster College student in Salt Lake City, you have a wide range of free and affordable activities at your fingertips. From exploring nature to diving into local culture, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer while staying within your budget. So get out there, discover SLC, and make the most of your college experience!