So, you’re low on cash. No worries. The Red & Black understands there’s a recession. News reporter Raisa Habersham found the best places in Athens to make the most of the change laying around in your couch cushions.

1. Dawgs After Dark

Dawgs After Dark is known for the three F’s: fun, friendly and free. You will find monthly themed events filled with moon bounces, good eats and games. Funded through your student activity fee, Dawgs After Dark is usually on a Friday lasting from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and located on various parts of campus.

Past events include a Tacky Prom, Shipwrecked and UGA Night at Six Flags. The first event of the fall, Backyard BBQ, will be held at Tate Aug. 21 and will start at 10 p.m. It is free for students, and non-students can pay a $5 fee to participate.

For more information, e-mail Haley Houke at uniondad@uga.edu.

2. Movies at Tate

There is no rule saying you have to see a movie on premiere night. Why not wait a few months and see it at Tate for $1 (students) or $2 (non-students)?

Also funded throuh the student activity fee, the Tate Theater shows advanced screenings of movies by Universal Studios. In the past, students have seen advanced screenings of “The Express: The Ernie Davis Story”, “The Kingdom” and “Adventureland.”

For more information, e-mail Taylor Harris at unionca@uga.edu or call 706-542-6396.

3. Discount Tickets at Tate

Okay so maybe there is a rule saying you do have to see the movie as soon as possible. You can purchase discount tickets at Tate for Beechwood Movie Theatre every Tuesday. Tickets are $6.50 with a student ID and can be purchased at the Tate cashier window. The discount varies depending on movie and isn’t offered for opening weekends.

For more information, call Beechwood Theatre at 706-546-1012 or visit the Tate cashier window.

4. Georgia Square Value Cinema

For those on a tight budget, the Georgia Square Mall shows movies for $1.99. The movies showsn are at least two to three months after their initial release. The theater does not give student discounts.

For more information, visit www.georgiatheatrecompany.com or call 706-548-3426.

5. Groovy Golf

Give Tiger a run for his money. In addition to $1.99 movies, The Georgia Square Mall offers putt-putt golf at Groovy Golf -18 holes of fun with a disco feel. For ages five and up the cost is $5 and students receive a $1 discount. Children of ages four and under are free with a paid adult. Groovy Golf is located on the lower level of the mall across from Belk.

For more information, call 706-546-0825.

6. Theme Park Discounts at Tate

Is Athens not providing enough excitement for you? Visit the Tate cashier window for discounts on tickets to Six Flags, Stone Mountain and other theme parks in Atlanta. You can purchase Six Flags one-day tickets for $27 and a season pass for $50, Stone Mountain tickets for $20 and White Water tickets for $26.

For more information, visit the Tate cashier window.

7. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

If you love the great outdoors, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is right up your alley. The garden features five miles of nature trails and classes on gardens, fitness, and arts and crafts. Located 10 miles from campus, the Botanical Garden has free admission for most of its events and offers free parking. The garden boasts a free tour and a seasonal concert series costing $15. Students can purchase a membership for $15 that allows for several discounts on events and classes.

For more information, call 706-542-1244.

8. The Dawg Pen

The newest addition to Tate II is the Dawg Pen, described as the “living room of campus.” The Dawg Pen has a sports bar-like feel and consists of five game consoles and five televisions – not including the ones for the game consoles. The game room is equipped with Wi-Fi and can be rented for student organizations. The Dawg Pen is free for students and funded through the student activity fee.

For more information visit the Tate Student Center information desk or call 706-542-7774.

9. Sandy Creek Park

There’s nothing like the sound of wildlife and a flowing lake to calm your nerves. Sandy Creek Park, filled with nature activities for you to connect with the out doors, sits on 782 acres of land and surrounds Lake Chapman. The park offers camping, fishing and a hiking trail. The park charges a $2 entrance fee and an additional $1 for disc golf, a game where a flying disc is thrown at a target. For those who enjoy horseback riding, Sandy Creek offers a four-mile horse trail. The park is closed Mondays and hours vary per season.

For more information, call 706-613-3631.