Students dish out some of their favorite hot spots for a night on the town

Finding inexpensive places to go can at times be a difficult task, for a college student strapped for cash. Everyone is on a budget. Your funds can easily become depleted if you're going to the wrong places. But there are plenty of moderately priced bars and clubs in the area. You just have to know where to look.

"I like Git R Dun," said junior Cara Wehman, "the new country bar."

Git R Dun is located on Military Highway and offers a comfortable, light-hearted atmosphere. It features line-dancing and have a live bands. Drinks are relatively inexpensive, and they have a wide selection of assorted beers.

"I try not to spend more than $15 to $20 when I go out, and they play really good country music," said Wehman. "Everyone always has a lot of fun there."

Just down the road from Git R Dun is its popular rival, The Banque. The Banque is well known for its Male Review on Thursday nights and has become a favorite among VWC women. Their beverages are a little bit more expensive than Git R Dun, and there is a cover charge for both those under and over the legal drinking age. But the club has a massive amount of patrons every night. Though it is a fairly large venue, it is not uncommon to see The Banque packed to the gills.

Another popular bar in the area famous for its Thursday night male review is Klub Ambush on Lynnhaven Road. Klub Ambush is home to trans-gendered performers, better known as drag queens. They have Tuesday and Wednesday night performances and it is not uncommon to see someone in full on drag every day of the week. Monday nights feature karaoke performances and Saturdays occasionally feature guest DJ's, who play mostly dance and techno music. Their beverages are incredibly inexpensive, and for those of us beyond the drinking age, admittance is usually free. But don't fret if you're not; the typical Klub Ambush cover is only $1.

"I like AJ Gators on Granby Street next to the MacArthur Center Mall," said senior Tiffany Strock. “From your table you can play a game with others around the room--you get a controller and start a game competing against others sitting around playing the same game with their remote."

This place is popular among area sports bars, featuring seven locations in Hampton Roads. NTN stations are set up for patrons to challenge each other in games of trivia. There are television sets at the bar with touch-screen games.

"I usually go in groups," said Strock. "That's how most of the tables are set up, for a lot of people to hang out."

A controversial favorite among VWC students has been Secrets, just down the road on Wesleyan Drive. The bar hosts a “College Night” on Wednesdays and has the best prices in town. Underage drinking has been a problem there, however, and some Wesleyan students have gotten into trouble for bar fights.

It's best to steer clear of Wednesday nights, but Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Secrets are great. It's not too crowded, and there are pool tables and a jukebox to play with. Thursdays occasionally host karaoke. Overall, the best things about Secrets are that it has that hometown feel and is in close proximity to campus.

If you're more into the artsy scene, there is Cogan's in the Ghent area of downtown Norfolk. Cogan's has a phenomenal outside lounge area and its even heated on cold nights! Their drink menu is extensive and reasonably priced. Make sure to soak up the atmosphere while you sip your drink. And the food is knee-shattering spectacular! Don't believe it? Try the breadsticks.

As college students, we have to watch what and where we spend our cash. Luckily, there's something for everyone here in Hampton Roads. You just have to know where to go.