Going out is one of those things you know you shouldn’t do, can’t afford to do, but are going to do anyway.

You need to catch up with friends, but also want to eat and pay the rent. So the question is less “are you coming out tonight?” and more “oh dear god, how do I afford this?”

Since you know you can’t say no, here are some tips to stretch your student dollar further.

For Pre-Drinks, Aldi Is Your Friend

Did you know Aldi has good wine? And not just hey-I-can-actually-drink-this-for-$7 good, but real awards from real wine experts good.

Have a bottle on hand and you’ve got a cost effective way to get started. Buy the wine a few days earlier and it will feel like you spent less that night.

Look For Uni Events Where You Can Get Free Drinks

You can join your student union for around $10, and the amount of free drinks they offer at events makes it more than an investment. Keep an eye on your uni calendar and you might have a primer to start the night off.

Or Attend Networking Events

Networking events also know how to pull people (free drinks). And many of them chuck in free fancy takeaway catering too. An additional tip is the more boring the event, the better the platter on offer. They have to do something to get people in on a Friday.

Old Pubs Are Cheaper Than Trendy Bars

There is probably an old pub near your place that you’ve just never noticed. It’s a good idea to check it out, because not only are the decor and music stuck in the 70s, but so are the drink prices.

Always Look For Happy Hours And Student Discounts

Bars are always trying to get people in early to get the party started. Plus you can use an early start to convince yourself you’ll go home early, and get up early enough to attend that 8am tute tomorrow (yeah right).

And what feels more like #adulting than cocktails at 7?

Going Out At Off-Peak Times Is Cheaper

A lot of venues do weekday deals to pull the after work crowd. It’s also great to go out without the lines and the packed spaces. On top of that, you won’t get many chances to drink during the week after uni. Make the most of it while you can.

Go To The Bars Your Friends Work At (Or Make Friends With The Bar Staff)

You have two options: go to whatever dive would hire your delinquent friends, or go to one place enough that the staff start to recognise you.

When your hospo mates drop their favourite group chat banter, ‘I can’t, I’ve got work that night,’ you can swing by so they don’t feel left out.

(Lead Image: Broad City/Comedy Central)