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Quick weekend getaways for the broke college student

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Jessica Cooper Student Contributor, University of Arizona
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Yael Schusterman Student Contributor, University of Arizona
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Arizona chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Just barely into second semester and already ready for a vacation? Everyone knows that the second spring semester comes around we’re all counting down the days until summer. Luckily for us here on the west coast we get the beautiful weather that has us daydreaming about the beach as we sit in class. It’s easy to plan a nice Vegas trip, especially for those of us who are 21, but let’s be honest even if you carpool Vegas is never an inexpensive trip! To help save your bank account here are a few ways you and your friends can get away without giving up a week of eating.
 
1)    It’s called camping! Right here on campus we have clubs going camping, doing recreation programs, and surfing trips! Check out http://asua.arizona.edu/colist.htm for all the recognized clubs on campus and how to contact them. This gives you the opportunity to travel on your small budget and meet all kinds of people on the Arizona campus. Looking for a weekend just with you and your friends? Check out http://www.reserveamerica.com/ for great camping locations in any state!
 
However, the woods and the desert isn’t for everyone and ladies, we can all understand that. So consider this experience…
 
2)    Sleeping on the Beach! Right now in California both New Brighton State Beach in Santa Cruz and Oceano Dunes State Beach just south of Pismo allow you to sleep on their cozy sands. Carpool to the amazing California sun, pack your own meals, and set out for a memorable weekend on the beach. Check out http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542 for all the information on where you can build your fires and pitch your tents.
 
It’s hard to go wrong when you consider 3 days of tanning, surfing, and having fun but sleeping on the sands may not be for you. If so I’ve got one more idea…
 
3)    Hiking Trips! For the amount of time I spend at the Rec I know for a fact that a good majority of this school loves to get their exercise. How about getting off that stair master and take on some real mountains. All along the coast there are some truly incredible trails. Check out http://www.trails.com/activity.aspx?area=14202 for the best trails all along the coast. What makes this a cheap get-a-way? It’s all about the people you know! Stay with some family or friends, invite them to explore the trails with you and pitch in to make some nice home-cooked meals. Plus, imagine the sweet tan you’ll have by the end of the weekend!
 
So what’s stopping you? Grab your friends, grab your camera and head out on a weekend that’s far from the ordinary. Remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, and more times than not including your money. Save your wallet the sadness of being empty and try something new. I dare you to take this adventure! 

My name is Jessica Cooper and in the Fall I will be a Senior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in journalism with a dual minor in history and judaic studies. My focus is in both print and online journalism. I have loved being a part of the Her Campus team for the last semester and am so excited to be the campus correspondant for the 2011-2012 year.
Yael Schusterman is a journalism senior at the University of Arizona. She has freelanced for half a dozen publications and is ready to transition from a print to an online focus. She maintains a permanent residence in New Jersey and her goal is to live in Manhattan. The AP wire has picked up one of her stories, "Theft at gallery yields sale to help artists," as member enterprise while working for The Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. She looks forward to working with the Her Campus Team and spreading awareness on the UA campus.