It can be easy to stay busy between classes, on-campus jobs, intramurals, and other campus involvements, but there are many local and affordable activities for Lee students to discover.
For some students, off campus activities are a breath of fresh air away from the stress of school.
“It allows us to remove ourselves from the Lee culture and kind of just interact with the Cleveland community as well,” said Tony Andrade, senior pastoral ministries major.
One way to experience a cheap off-campus activity is through Cleveland’s Leisure Time Bowling. Leisure Time Bowling has a discount on Wednesdays between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. for $1.50 per game, per person.
“It’s something cheap that everyone can go to,” says Andrade. Bowling with friends provides “a lot of opportunity to talk and just have fun.”
Exploring local communities gives students the opportunity to expand their college experience off campus.
“It helps students get a variety of information and affects the overall well-being of the student as well,” said Abby Browning, a freshman accounting major.
Another way for Lee students to get off campus and explore is by checking out the Tennessee Chattanooga Aquarium.
“I think it is very educational. Every exhibit had a description about each animal, and I like how they display the animals in their own habitat making sure whatever tank they were in was big enough for life to flourish,” said Browning.
The Chattanooga Aquarium is providing a 50% off admission discount for the month of February to college students, faculty and staff.
“It’s a very fun thing to do. I think it’s something everyone needs to experience. Even though I'm not a big museum or aquarium person, I was glad I went. I liked the glow in the dark fish,” said Jessica Ryan, freshman and computer science major.
Pickleball at Tinsley Park is another cheap activity to get outside and engage with the surrounding community.
“For months I have seen many of my friends fall in love with the game of pickleball and the outlet it provides,” says David Williams, senior health science major.
Pickleball with friends can be a way to be active and have some fun on or off campus.
“Pickleball is a growing sport and a big part of the Cleveland community. Whether it's pro, amateur, or casual players, you can typically find someone playing on the courts at Tinsley Park,” said Caleb Pope, sophomore biology major.
To join in the growing sensation of pickleball, head to The Devos Rec Center at Lee University to rent pickleball paddles with your student ID.
“It is also typically a safe environment for players new to the trending sport,” said Pope. “The pickleball community at Tinsley is super welcoming. My friends and I have never had a negative interaction with the experienced players we’ve met. I went from not knowing the sport to having my own paddles and playing weekly … some might even say I’m now a #pickleballer.”
Lee university also provides other resources for students to have affordable fun. You can check out board games at the Squires Library.
“Checking out games at the library is just such a cheap and enjoyable way to spend time with your friends. They have a ton like uno, apples to apples, and skip bo,” said Adam Belford, pastoral ministries major.
And of course, Lee University has multiple sporting events throughout the week that provides a way for some cheap fun as well as the chance to cheer on your fellow peers.
“Going to Lee sporting events is a fun way to hang out with your friends while cheering on the people that are in your classrooms,” Belford said.
All Lee athletic events are free for Lee students.
Whether it's on or off campus, finding budget friendly ways to get to know your local community or simply checking out what all Lee has to offer can greatly add to experiencing college to the fullest.
