If you have ever helped plan or coordinate an event on campus, you have probably heard someone suggest, “there should be free food, that way we know people will come.” It’s a well-known fact that on a student budget you are bound to do a double-take when you see “FREE” in big bold letters. Luckily, there are plenty of adventures you can go on in Boston without ever taking out your wallet. I’ve made a list of five great — and free — opportunities around the city that can keep you active, help you learn something new and kick your BAC up a notch.

Seal watch. Admission to the New England Aquarium is costly and college night only comes around once a year. Yet the Atlantic harbor seals are on display outside 24/7. Every day at 11:45AM the seals are trained and open for viewing.

Try out a meditation program. The Shambhala Meditation Center in Brighton offers free meditation programs every Wednesday at 7PM. You can attend a meditation session, as well as learn a bit about the Buddhist-inspired Shambhala practice.

Go stargazing. Instead of sitting at home and watching an episode of Into The Wormhole, head over to the Harvard College Observatory on the third Thursday of every month. Listen to and watch a presentation by professional astronomers and authors.

Spend a night out dancing at a Latin nightclub! Everyone hates cover charges. If you and your friends are looking for a fun and free night out, head over to Mojitos Latin Lounge & Nightclub just steps away from the Park Street T Station on Thursday nights. In addition to no cover charge, there is a free salsa lesson at 9PM, no reservations necessary.

Get a free buzz from a local brewery. For the 21+ crowd, there is nothing better than a free drink (except multiple free drinks). The Harpoon Brewery in South Boston holds a free tasting during the week at 4PM Tuesday through Thursday and 2PM on Friday. Free samples of the different brews are handed out while you learn a little bit about how the craft beer is made.

(text by: Jeeyoon Kim)