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person making a heart with their hands at a concert
person making a heart with their hands at a concert
Photo by Anthony DELANOIX from Unsplash
UIC | Culture > Entertainment

Concert Season as an University Student

Cindy Nguyen Student Contributor, University of Illinois - Chicago
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UIC chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Concert season is finally here, and if you’re anything like me, your bank account is already crying. But between midterms, part-time jobs, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, going to concerts as a college student requires some serious strategy. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of live music without completely making your semester a mess.

Planning your concert Calendar (without breaking the bank)

Let’s be real: concert tickets aren’t cheap. The key is being strategic about which shows you can’t miss and which ones you can catch next tour. I’ve learnt to set a small “concert fund” each month, even if it’s just $20. It adds up faster than you think, and suddenly dream show doesn’t seem so impossible. 

Sign up for presale codes from your favorite venues and artists. Most offer student discounts or early bird pricing that can save you serious money. Apps like Spotify and NCT will also alert you when artists you follow announce tour dates in your area.

The Art of the concert outfit

Finding the perfect outfit is a delicate balance between looking cute and being practical. Trust me, I learnt this the hard way when I wore new shoes to an outdoor festival in my hometown and ended up with blisters that lasted a week. Your outfit needs to work for standing or dancing for hours, weather changes, and on Instagram posts.

My favorite formula: comfortable shoes you’ve already broken in and a small crossbody bag that won’t get in the way. Save the brand-new heels for another occasion. Your feet will thank you when you’re still jumping around during the encore.

Going solo vs. with your friends

There’s something free while going to a concert alone. You can get there early to secure a good spot, you don’t have to worry about losing anyone in the crowd, and you can fully enjoy the music without distractions. Moreover, you’ll probably make friends with the people around you anyway; concert crowds are usually friendly.

That said, going with friends creates memories. Just make sure everyone’s on the same page about arrival time, meeting spots, and energy level. Nothing kills the vibe faster than a person wanting to leave early while everyone else is living their best life.

crowd in concert
Hanny Naibaho via Unsplash

Concert season as an university student is about more than just the music. It’s about taking a break from the chaos of classes, making memories with friends, and reminding yourself that life exists outside of the library. So grab those tickets, plan that outfit, and get ready for the best night of your semester.

Best,

Cindy

Her Campus at UIC, Editorial Team

UIC Department of Communications 

nnguy142@uic.edu

Cindy Nguyen

UIC '29

Cindy Nguyen is an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), majoring in Communications with a strong academic interest in journalism, media, and marketing. Her educational background has helped her develop skills in written communication, audience engagement, and storytelling across digital platforms. Through her coursework, Cindy has gained experience analyzing media content, crafting clear and compelling messages, and understanding how branding and communication work together in modern media spaces. She is particularly interested in editorial work that blends creativity with purpose, allowing writers to inform, connect, and engage diverse audiences.

She values responsibility, organization, adaptability, and approaches new opportunities with a strong willingness to learn. Her academic training has encouraged her to think critically, manage deadlines effectively, and communicate thoughtfully with others. Cindy is especially interested in roles that allow her to contribute creatively while developing practical skills relevant to journalism, editorial writing, and brand-focused media.

In her free time, she enjoys finding new cafes and restaurants with her friends, staying up-to-date with current trends, and engaging with creative content that combines visuals and storytelling. These interests continue to inspire her long-term career goal in communications or media, where she can amplify meaningful stories and create engaging content with a lasting impact.