- Always check the local newspaper to hear about different events going on around town, such as free concerts, festivals and shows. This is a great way to go out and have a good time without having to spend too much money.
9. Restaurants that offer CSU discounts
- There are many restaurants in the area that offer small discounts to CSU students. Atlanta Bread Company gives a $2 discount on every purchase. Brusters offers a 10 percent discount. Every Tuesday is CSU Day at Jersey Mike’s and they offer a meal for $7 plus tax to all CSU students. Don’t forget your student ID to prove you’re a student here at CSU if the restaurants happen to ask.
8. Geocaching
- Geocaching is a glorified scavenger hunt. You go online to their website (http://www.geocaching.com) and find coordinates to where the item is located, and then you go find it. It could be inside a small pill bottle or inside a large box. It doesn’t cost anything to take part and can turn into quite an adventure depending on your level of difficulty. And it’s been said there are some geocaches right here on our campus.
7. North Charleston Dream Center
- Planted by Charleston’s own Seacoast Church, the North Charleston Dream Center is a place where you can go volunteer your time in a fun environment. You can work with kids, work in the clothes closet or in the food bank. It’s an experience you’re not likely to forget and the volunteer coordinators are always welcoming. The dream center is at 5505 North Rhett Avenue, North Charleston, SC. Or you can call in advance at 843-225-1115. Just remember, it feels good to do good. Here is their website.
6. Wannamaker Park
- Wannamaker Park is right down the street from campus and costs $1 per person to enter. There are bike trails, a pond to fish in and large fields to play some Frisbee or touch football. Click here for more information.
5. Monday Night Football Bingo at Wild Wing
- If you love watching football and winning prizes, then Monday Night Football Bingo is for you. Every Monday night at the Wild Wing on Rivers Avenue, they hold a game of football bingo. It doesn’t cost anything to play, unless you order food or a drink other than water. But if you get bingo and then win the infamous flick contest at halftime or after the game, you are awarded a $25 gift certificate to use on your next visit. So you show up, watch some football and might just win $25.
4. Applebee’s Half Price Appetizers
- Every night after 10 o’clock, all Applebee’s restaurants offer their appetizer menu at half price. Go with friends and enjoy the atmosphere, all for half of the usual price.
3. Oakbrook Theater/Northwood Stadium Cinemas
- There are two theaters in the area that offer cheaper prices than most theaters. Oakbrook Theater offers $3 tickets during the week and $5-6 on the weekend. It is located at 4488 Ladson Road, Summerville. Also, Northwood Stadium Cinemas offers cheaper tickets. Not as cheap as Oakbrook however, charging $5 Monday through Thursday, and $8 Friday through Sunday.This theater can be found at 2181 Northwoods Boulevard, North Charleston.
2. Beach
- You can never go wrong with making a trip out to the Edge of America. Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are great places to go relax, hang out and soak up the sun. The only fee would be for parking, but there are plenty of places to park for free. Just remember, if you park on the street, make sure you are facing the way of traffic and have all four tires off of the concrete, or you may be ticketed.
1. Downtown
- Downtown Charleston is full of things to do, and the only thing you may have to pay for is parking. You could go relax in the lobby of topnotch hotels, such as the Francis Marion and Charleston Place. You can also walk around by the Battery or the Pineapple Fountain, and may just be lucky enough to spot a dolphin in the water.
Enjoy Charleston!! Let us know of other great economically friendly Charleston attractions. If you take some pics at these places or others feel free to send them our way and we will post your good time pics from time to time. buconline@csuniv.edu

I am a waitress at Applebee’s on Rivers Ave. I just thought I’d let you know that the Half-Off menu has changed and now only includes Boneless Wings, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Mozzarella Sticks, Queso Blanco, and Queso Blanco with chili.
Thanks for that info Renee!! Hopefully you will see some more CSU guys in there soon!!