Tough economic times encourage creativity in cutting costs so that you can still participate in the adventure of life and studying abroad. The phrase, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade" suggests making the best of your situation. This article offers plenty of ways to make free lemonade while you are a student in the USA. Maximize your money and time by taking advantage of free, and almost free, opportunities. Everything from a table for your apartment to a night of jazz music can be found without opening your wallet. By Kristen Oliszewicz

Whether you are on campus or on the road, free Internet access is essential for finding other free stuff. WiFi for your laptop or web-enabled phone can be found at many campus buildings, coffee and sandwich shops, and public libraries. In Denver, Colorado 23 library locations throughout the city offer free WiFi and public computers. When you are online, stay in touch with new friends and family back home with free communication tools like email at Yahoo or Gmail, social networking with Facebook, Flickr for your photos and Blogger to record your USA adventures. Another way to save money, and space in your backpack, is to search for travel advice online. Lonelyplanet.com has tons of travelers' opinions about where to go, how to get around, practical information, and also links to interesting blogs written by locals.

When traveling off campus, CouchSurfing is a network of individuals that open their homes to travelers for a free place to sleep. If you don't want to CouchSurf, check into hostels for an excellent inexpensive way to stay. In the early evenings hit happy hours at local bars that have free appetizers to go with your pint. If you prefer free alcohol to food, many small neighborhood wine shops offer free wine tastings. The Grapevine Market in Austin, Texas has a weekly tasting that includes food samples as well.

Everywhere you go look around for free entertainment. From Boston to San Diego, cities of all sizes put on public concerts in parks and cultural centers. Museums often have free days or evenings, so check their websites. Are you into animals? Chicago, St. Louis and Washington all have free zoos. If you like movies, go to an outdoor screening. In Portland, Oregon, movies are shown outside in the summer at parks throughout the city. You even get popcorn at no cost. Also check out filmmetro.com to get free tickets to film screenings around the country.

Free public festivals are a great way to explore local culture. During the summer months, it is relatively easy to find a festival to attend, especially in larger cities. In June, the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington D.C. has two full days of free jazz on the National Mall. Independence Day, held every 4th of July, is a holiday full of summer picnics in the parks and big fireworks displays. Public celebrations also happen year round. In February, the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival includes a big nighttime parade filling the streets with Chinese dragons, fireworks and illuminated displays. Saint Paul, Minnesota holds their annual Winter Carnival at the end of January involving ice carving contests and a 5K run. No matter where you are, you will find free entertainment at local festivals and holidays.

Keep your body and budget healthy with free workouts. Grab your Frisbee and towel and head out to a local park or public beach. On campus, exercise and sports facilities are free or very cheap. Yoga classes are a great way to keep moving. Yoga studios often are free for first time guests, and Yoga to the People in San Francisco and New York City uses a suggested donation policy instead of a determined fee. Many outdoor ice skating rinks are free and ready to use when it is cold outside. You usually only need to rent ice skates for a small charge, if you don't have your own.

As a student, you will find plenty of free opportunities around campus. Interesting lectures are frequently scheduled, and admission to many sporting events is waived. Local volunteering is a great way to engage in the community. You will feel good about helping out and may even get a free t-shirt or meal as part of your service. If you ever find yourself in need of an item that you do not particularly want to purchase, such as a coffee table for your apartment, check out craigslist.com before heading to the store. An entire section of Craigslist has things people are giving away for free.

Studying in the USA is a life-changing experience. Do not let a tight budget affect your spirit for adventure. Remember, you can always look for cost-conscious ways to travel and live that will enhance your time studying abroad. Make sure you enjoy the free lemonade along the way.

Kristen Oliszewicz is an Intern at Hostelling International Chicago