For many students, college can be a time when extra cash is hard to come by. A need to purchase books and pay rent can leave students at a loss when it comes time to enjoy some of life's extras or even some of its necessities.

Thankfully, area businesses and organizations recognize that the prevalent stereotype of broke college student often rings as true as church bells on Sunday morning.

To help you stay afloat, The State News has amassed a list of services and products students can obtain for no cost on and off campus. They range from health care to entertainment, but all share a spot among the best things in life — those that are free.

Health care

The cold and flu have arrived with all their unpleasantries. At the first sign of symptoms, you might want to stop by Olin Health Center. The clinic provides registered students with three free medical office visits each school year. This offer is limited to consultation only, said Kathi Braunlich, Olin communications and planning coordinator.

"Say someone has been sick and the doctor orders some lab tests," she said. "The visit would be covered, but there would be some charge for the lab tests."

If students exceed their three-visit maximum, Braunlich said the appointment is generally billed to their insurance company.

HIV testing and counseling also is free to registered students at Olin. So is nutrition counseling.

For students who don't have insurance and meet certain low-income guidelines, Olin offers the Student Health Subsidy Program, or SHSP. Through the program, students receive unlimited office visits, university-recommended immunizations and laboratory and radiology coverage of up to $2,000 annually. The plan also provides coverage for prescription drugs and dental services, though a copay of some sort is generally required.

For students who live within a mile of campus, Olin offers a courtesy van for free transport to and from the center, Braunlich said. She added that students living on campus also can have prescriptions delivered at no cost.

Computer consultation

At a time when viruses and spyware seem more prevalent than ever, you might find your computer isn't working as well as it used to. If your computer begins malfunctioning, you can turn to the MSU Computer Center for some free aid.

"They'll sit down with you — first come, first serve — but there is a limit to how much time they can spend with people," said Richard Wiggins, senior information technologist for MSU Academic Computing & Network Services.

Wiggins said free consultations are limited to about 15 minutes, and Computer Center workers will try to determine what problems the computer might have and recommend solutions.

Any services that would take longer than the allotted amount of time or require extensive work are referred to a pay computer repair service, Wiggins said.

Aside from in-person visits, the Computer Center offers a help line that allows students to speak with a technician on the phone.

Or if your Internet is still functional, information is available at www.computing.msu.edu and might provide you with a solution to your computer's problems.

Entertainment

If you're a student, there's no reason to fret if you can't swing the cost of renting a movie or attending a concert. MSU's campus offers a great deal of opportunities to be entertained at no cost.

Campus Center Cinemas in Wells Hall offers a choice of three to four movies every weekend. The movies are free for on-campus residents and $2 for students who live off campus.

In addition, free movie rentals are available to dorm residents through the Residence Halls Association Movie Offices in Brody, Mason, Holden, Akers and Gilchrist halls.

If movies aren't your thing, it's easy to catch a free music show on campus. Check out a performance provided through the School of Music. The college frequently offers free solo and duet performances on campus throughout the week as well as occasional group performances. For a calendar of these shows, go to www.music.msu.edu/events.

Miscellaneous

Some of the freebies the area has to offer refuse to be categorized. Below is a potpourri of activities and items that are free of charge.

Blue books: For the extremely broke who can't buy a 60-cent blue book, ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government, provides them for free at its offices on the third floor of Student Services. Don't rely on these, though. They often are in short supply during exams.

Arts and crafts: Can't afford glitter or a set of magic markers for your dorm room? Stop by the food court in the Union most Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. for "Craft Night." Each week, the University Activities Board provides all the supplies you need for an assortment of craft projects. This Wednesday, the event will feature "Valentine goodies."

Legal assistance: Minor in possession? Dispute with your landlord? ASMSU's Student Legal Services department offers registered MSU students free legal counsel for almost any situation (except felonies or domestic issues such as divorce). Simply visit its offices on the third floor of Student Services or call (517) 353-3716 to set up an appointment.

Sporting venues: Although some of the amenities provided by the university's IM Sports buildings cost money (the weight rooms, for instance), some are available for free. Whether you want to shoot some hoops or play a game of racquetball, just flash your MSU ID card at the door and you're in. However, a small fee is required for equipment rental.

Condoms: Being broke is no excuse not to practice safe sex. Planned Parenthood, 515 E. Grand River Ave., provides patrons with three free condoms. After that, they will cost you.

This story was originally published in The State News on Dec. 1, 2004.