CREDIT: ISTOCK (ARTISTICCO)
Not everyone can afford to spend their reading week at a five star resort in the Bahamas. Here are some cheap activities to do to make the most of your reading week.

Reading week is fast approaching which means students will have a well-deserved break from school. Our Instagram feeds may be filled with pictures of people visiting tropical countries and getting away from this torturous cold weather that we have been experiencing. However, going away to a five star resort is not realistic for many student budgets. Here are five budget friendly activities you could do to have fun on your reading week.

Tubing

Sometimes the best way to beat the winter blues is to embrace the cold. Activities such as tubing or skiing make the most of the snow and are cheaper alternatives to spending the week away. Although this is only a day trip, it is something to look forward to. River Valley offers a winter tube slide that is fun for all ages. They are open Wednesday to Sunday and offer evening specials on Wednesday and Thursday nights where you can tube from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for only $16. Visit rivervalleygolfandtube.com for more details.

Skating

Similar to tubing, skating gives you a chance to take advantage of the winter weather. There are a number of outdoor skating rinks in the area. You can use it as a fun night out with friends or a perfect date night. Victoria Park and Covent Garden Market both offer free outdoor public skating every day and Storybook Gardens has a 250-metre long skate trail. Visit london.ca for more details.

Escape rooms

One of the biggest trends in London right now are escape rooms. They are popping up all over the city and are a great way to spend a night out with friends. Escape rooms let you keep your mind sharp in a fun atmosphere. In downtown London you can find Exodus London Escape Rooms, Mystery Escape Rooms and Trapdoor London Escape Rooms.

Axe throwing

One of the best ways to take out your frustration is axe throwing. Feeling a little frustrated that all of your friends are soaking up the sun in Mexico right now? Why not throw an axe. Head over to Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL) to practice your aim, release some energy and fun while doing so. BATL offers walk in hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit londontourism.ca for more details.

Catch up on schoolwork

Although this option is not as fun, it is a chance to be productive if you cannot afford going on a trip. Everyone has assignments and readings they are not able to get done during the school week so reading week is the perfect chance to catch up. This will help you feel more refreshed and prepared for going back to school while some of your peers probably did not even open a textbook the entire break.