Feeling the cost-of-living crunch? Here are some fun – and different – date ideas that won’t break the bank, along with ways you can save on massages, vet care and even legal advice.
Bills piling up and inflation squeezing your wallet? Same.
But we’ve got your back with a savvy solution: student-run services from TAFE SA, UniSA, Flinders Uni, and the Uni of Adelaide.
Plus, these educational institutions offer a whole bunch of free or cheap things to do too.
Want a fun, free (or very cheap) date idea?
Samstag Museum of Art: Bold art, zero cost
This isn’t your average art gallery – it’s where boundary-pushing ideas meet big creative energy. Its immersive installations and edgy visuals are free, fresh, and designed to make you think.
Forget dusty displays and ‘do not touch’ signs – MOD is hands-on science, art, and tech mashed up for maximum fun. Expect interactive exhibits that’ll stretch your brain and spark big ideas. Best part? Totally free.
Elder Con lunchtime concerts: Midday music fix
Having a rough day at the office? Escape for a lunchtime recharge with these super affordable concerts at the University of Adelaide, featuring some of SA’s best young musicians – guaranteed to lift your mood.
Waite Arboretum: Trees, bees and tranquillity
Escape the city buzz in the University of Adelaide’s lush 27-hectare green space packed with thousands of trees – including Adelaide icon, Elm Avenue. Wander through special gardens built for bees, butterflies and birds, or explore with the free Arboretum app. Always open, always free, it’s the perfect place to touch grass.
Flinders University Museum of Art: Culture fix sorted
Soak up some creative vibes without spending a cent: FUMA’s changing programs and exhibits feature everything from cutting-edge contemporary Aboriginal works to striking European prints. Check out their latest show at the Bedford Park campus.
Dining: Affordable fine dining experiences
This is a seriously awesome saving: TAFE SA’s Regency Campus training restaurants serves delicious meals for less than your Uber Eats sushi order. Enjoy top-tier dishes made by supervised culinary students, with mains well under $30 – and attentive service guaranteed.
Saving dollars with student-run services
These affordable, quality offerings not only save you cash but also help train the next generation of professionals.
Yes, you might need to be a little more patient – but Lisa, who’s been a regular client at the TAFE SA Adelaide Beauty Salon for two years, says it’s totally worth it: “I tell other people to come here and they say ‘oh no, not students!’ but I tell them they do a really good job. And because they’re learning, it’s so affordable.”
One of Lisa’s therapists, Rebeka, is a final-year student in TAFE SA’s Diploma of Beauty Therapy program. She says budget-conscious young people shouldn’t hesitate to try TAFE SA – students use the same premium products found in Adelaide’s luxury day spas that typically cost hundreds more.
With thorough training and professional supervision, treatments remain high quality but affordable. And at just $24 for an hour-long aromatherapy massage, it’s easy to unwind without stressing about the price.
Hamish, who’s studying a TAFE SA Certificate III in Barbering, agrees that client interaction is key: “Getting a haircut here helps everyone learn and build their character. Speaking to the clients and learning how to cut real people’s hair – it’s helping create our professionalism”.
Here’s your guide to saving with student services.
Hairdressing: Cut costs, not style
Fancy a fresh trim for less than the price of lunch? Get a haircut from a supervised student from just $13.20, or a barber cut for $7.80, at TAFE SA’s Hairdressing Salons. Students can enjoy an additional 25% discount by presenting their student ID.
Beauty Therapy: Spa-level pampering, budget-friendly prices
Relax with a full facial for $23.90, or a combined mani and pedi for just $17.40. Other services at TAFE SA’s Beauty Salons include waxing, tanning, tinting and makeup, all delivered using high-end products under professional supervision.
Vet care without the sting
TAFE SA’s PETSinTuition clinic offers affordable veterinary care provided by supervised veterinary nursing students. Services include health checks, vaccinations, and routine surgeries, so you can look after your furry friend properly and stay on budget.
Free dental care
Get completely free dental hygiene treatments at TAFE SA’s Dental Clinic, including exams, x-rays, and cleanings, provided by students under professional supervision. It might take a bit longer, but the savings are massive!
Tax help, no fees attached
UniSA’s Tax Clinic provides completely free tax support for individuals and small businesses, assisting with those pesky (and often baffling) tax returns and disputes.
Legal advice – for free
From tenancy disputes to traffic tickets, UniSA’s Legal Advice Clinic and Flinders Legal Centre have you covered. They both offer confidential, no-cost legal support, delivered by supervised law students.
Physio on a budget
UniSA Physiotherapy Clinics provide affordable treatments from supervised final-year physio students. That means help with sports injuries to get you through another footy season, and no need to let costs stop you from getting your back pain seen to.
Health appointments for less
Flinders’ Health2Go clinic offers not only budget-friendly physiotherapy, but also health services like optometry, audiology, and counselling. Initial appointments start at $20 and follow-ups at $15.
