The city of Topeka holds many pleasures to match a college student’s budget. For under $6 there are countless possibilities for fun and dining in Topeka if you know where to go.

For the more adventurous student, Topeka offers many hiking trails throughout the city. The Shunga Trail is Topeka’s largest walking trail. This seven and a half mile track begins at Crestview Park, 4801 SW Shunga Drive. The trail allows bikers, walkers and dogs, and is complete with a frisbee golf course, all of which is free.

Senior Alex Brown said her favorite entertainment is concerts at The Boobie Trap Bar . “I love going and listening to local bands play there, and they have a concerts almost every Friday and Saturday,” Brown said. “There is a cover, but it is only $5 and usually the shows are worth the money.”

The Boobie Trap Bar is located on 1417 SW Sixth Ave. and shows are for everyone ages 18 and over. For a full list of upcoming shows and bands visit The Trap’s MySpace at www.myspace.com/thetrap.

Another form of cheap entertainment Topeka offers is seeing movies at West Ridge 8 theater, 1727 SW Wanamaker Road. West Ridge 8 offers $2 tickets to movies that have already been in theaters and are getting ready to be released on video. Junior Stephanie Love said she always goes to the West Ridge 8 theater when she needs an escape from studying.

“I can’t afford to spend $9 every time I want to see a good movie,” said Love. “I could see four movies at the West Ridge theater for the price of one at Hollywood theater.”

Topeka also offers many cheap dining options. For a summer treat, Tad’s Tropical Sno is a great place to get something sweet. Tad’s, 4200 SW Huntoon St., has more than 50 different flavor combinations to choose from. The sno cones range in size from small to extra-large and the pricing starts at $2.

Another local favorite offering cheap food and drinks is Topeka’s Classic Bean with two locations at 2125 SW Fairlawn Plaza Drive and 722 SW Kansas Ave. This local coffee house is complete with restaurant and bar. Most of their coffee drinks are under $4 and their breakfast food is under $5. If you come late enough on certain days you can listen to live music at the Fairlawn location. For more information on their drinks, food and live music visit their Web site www.classicbean.com.

For senior Sarah Keller, she says that her favorite cheap place to dine is El Mezcal with locations at 511 SW Topeka Blvd. and 5321 SW 21st St.

“Their menu is very reasonable, but I always go for the beef nachos, cost under $6 and there is always enough to take home,” Keller said.

El Mezcal also has several other dishes under $6 including enchiladas, tostados, burritos and chalupas. They also offer $1 margaritas every Tuesday and Thursday.

“Cheap margaritas and cheap enchiladas are a great way to let the good times roll,” said Keller.