Bloomington offers numerous kinds of cheap entertainment fun

College students are notorious for being poor. So when one has limited funds, what is there to do for entertainment? Not to worry -- Bloomington has plenty to keep its students happy. \nThe Indiana Memorial Union is a good place to start. The IMU offers many possibilities, says LaTasha Swanson, Union Board public relations director. \nAt 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday nights, Union Board sponsors free movies in the Whittenberger Auditorium. In addition to the more mainstay activities, Swanson adds that Union Board will be offering a lot of special programs in the coming weeks. \n"Comedy Caravan, a popular comedy troupe, will be back in Bloomington on Nov. 2. That's always a crowd pleaser," Swanson says. \nThe Union also has pool tables, and students can use the pool and ping-pong tables in residence halls for free with their student ID. Senior Cari Cline says she usually plays games with friends to refrain from emptying her wallet. Last week she played ping-pong with her pals, switching turns at each paddle. They also practiced a pool game called "Skittles" where players roll the ball instead of using sticks.\nFor fans of more "traditional" sports, IU offers many events to students free with their student ID. According to the IU Athletics Web site, www.athletics.indiana.edu, there are numerous sports to choose from, including field hockey, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis and volleyball. A complete list is available on the Web site or by calling 855-4006. The IU Art Museum, located by the Fine Arts School, is another fun option if you're on a budget. Admission is free, and it offers a unique opportunity to see artwork that wouldn't be available for the average person, says Richard Herendeen, assistant director of the facility. \n"Currently, in our special exhibitions gallery, we are showing 'Living with Art: The Legacy of Herman B Wells,' as a tribute to the late educator. The exhibit includes many of his gifts to Bloomington," Herendeen says. "We have many different things in the exhibit, from paintings to sculpture to furniture, and a lot more."\nHerendeen discusses what the various other floors have to offer. \n"On the second floor, the Youth Gallery, we are currently showing toys and games from India. The third floor is having an exhibit on art from the Southwest and the Mississippi River Valley. It highlights pieces from the 13th century through the 1940s. In November, however, we are having a new installment of ceramics from Cameroon, which is very exciting," he says. \nThe museum, which is open from Tuesday to Sunday, also offers a gift shop on the mezzanine level and a coffee bar on the second level. \n"We have some really interesting exhibits going on now and plenty more in the coming months," Herendeen says. "It's a great way to pass the time." \nFor those wishing to venture off campus for amusement, Kristen Kallner, a front desk employee at Magic Planet, 3470 W. Third St., says the establishment has arcade games that are under $1, as well as some food items like candy. Students can buy four tokens for $1. \nMagic Planet is similar to "Discovery Zone." It houses a playroom, arcade and food court.\nFor more fine dining with a little something extra, Encore Cafe on West Sixth Street offers live jazz music on Friday and Saturday nights. Steve Hall, a long time employee of the dining establishment elaborates. \n"From 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays, we have some great live acoustic jazz music, provided by Steve Sobiech," Hall says. "And the best part -- it's absolutely free and for all ages."\nEncore Cafe has long been a Bloomington favorite, Hall claims. \n"The live music really helps our business. You don't get to go very many places anymore and sit back and enjoy music without paying some sort of cover charge." \nA popular activity that doesn't need significant cash is visiting bars that don't require a cover charge -- as long as you don't drink a lot. \n"The bars are a good place to socialize and meet people," says senior Scott Present, adding that he thinks Nick's, Kilroy's and Upstairs rank near the top.\nOr students can visit the Bluebird Nightclub which has 15-cent draft night every Wednesday, although there is a cover charge. \nBefore partying, people can stop over at Lazarus department store in the College Mall for a complementary makeover, courtesy of the Clinique counter.\n"Our consultations are absolutely free, and it's so much fun," says Chris Hazel, the counter manager for the store. "We recommend that you have an appointment, but we also take walk-ins as well… Not only do you go away with a great new look, you also get a variety of free samples to try."\nOr stay in and get together witha group of friends. Hanging out, going for a stroll around campus or spending time with a significant other also could be entertainment at no cost, says senior Jeff Jacobs.\nFrolicking outdoors when the sun shines also could be inexpensive. Lake Monroe provides cheap canoe rentals and grassy spots for picnicking and frisbee tossing.\n"You can split a couple dollars each for an entire day," says graduate student Amy Rudser. "...It's more about socializing. You have to have some money, but there's a lot to do without some money. You have to be creative."\nEntertainment in Bloomington doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. It just takes a little thinking. \nIDS Weekend reporter Sarah Trotto contributed to this article.