Many college students must stick to strict budgets to navigate through college expenses. While some might argue that students shouldn’t spend on luxuries, the follow are ways students can gain experiences throughout their time in college without breaking the bank.

No cost method: Colorado’s plethora of hikes and wilderness areas are free for public use.

University of Denver students can also capitalize on the Colorado outdoors through Alpine Club, which offers weekly student trips around the state at highly discounted prices. Horseback riding in Estes Park, pictured here, regularly runs for $75 per person. Alpine Club members only paid $50, which also included transportation to and from the University.

Many University of Denver students are grateful for local restaurants giving student discounts, however many wish higher-end restaurants offered the same deals.

Qdoba Mexican Grill offers students a free drink with the presentation of a valid Student ID.

“The places that offer student discounts are places that are already pretty cheap,” said second year student Allie Phocus. “I don’t break the bank going to Chipotle or Burger King. It’s when I want to treat myself and go out to a nice restaurant that my wallet takes a hit.”

The Clarion, University of Denver’s student run newspaper frequently advertises student discounts for local venues.

Even marijuana dispensaries are hopping on the student discount-train. This advertisement was seen in The Clarion.

“Movie tickets are so expensive these days,” said second year student Halle Farago. “A 3D movie costs as much as a nice dinner!” Lucky for Farago, DU Programming Board shows movies every Thursday, free for university students.

Need to get away? Zipcar offers discounted student memberships to their premier car-sharing program. Zipcar users can reserve cars for days at a time and gas is free.

Driscoll Information Center, located in Driscoll Student Center, offers University of Denver students free and discounted tickets to local sporting and entertainment events.

The Colorado Rockies offer college nights throughout the regular season where students can receive up to 60 percent off of tickets.

Over 70% of University of Denver students study abroad, many of which wished that airlines would offer student discounts. Travel websites like STA.com advertise exclusive student prices for travel on their websites, but search results still show very expensive options.

Chase Bank, conveniently located a block off campus, offers student checking accounts with no monthly service fees for up to five years while students are in school.

US Bank, the official bank of the University of Denver, also offers students checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee, four free non-US Bank ATM transactions per statement period, free US Bank logo checks, and free online statements.

Never forget to ask: many restaurants and retail spaces do not openly advertise their student discounts. However one flash of your card could save you lots of money in the long run.