Learning on the side
Discover nonacademic reasons to take community college classes.

By Camper English

THERE ARE A million academic reasons to take community college courses, whether you've already got a degree or not. You can learn a new language for your trip abroad, force yourself to start that autobiography by taking writing class, become an art snob, finally get some computer skills, or just learn about a topic you've been interested in for a while. But there are also hidden benefits that can enrich your career, your budget, your body, and your social schedule.

Networking

Many of the instructors at community colleges already have full-time jobs and are teaching out of generosity and a love of the subject. Others are retired professionals looking to share their knowledge and keep themselves busy. Either way, community college teachers tend to have great industry connections – often better than those of academics at private universities. This is good news for those looking to use their course work to change careers. If you impress your professor, he or she can give you a recommendation for a job or help you score an internship, or at least share tips on where to look for one. Some teachers pick the cream of the crop to hire at their own companies. At the very least, working professionals will give you the lowdown on what careers in their field are really like.

Postpone the loans

It's possible to postpone your student-loan payments while you're unemployed, but if you're just marginally employed, you're kind of screwed. You no longer qualify for unemployment but aren't making enough to get out of debt. The "economic hardship" deferment requires an annual income of less than $12,120, which wouldn't even cover the yearly rent on a Tenderloin studio. But by taking community college courses, you can get an in-school deferment without having to sign up for a graduate program. To qualify, you must be in school at least half-time, which usually equals two courses, or six credits, at a community college. That adds up to lots of homework, but you'll be expanding your horizons while postponing your payments.

Free drugs

With your student ID, you have access to the student health center. Granted, it's not an HMO, and you're not going to get free brain surgery from the nurse practitioners there, but when you can't afford health insurance, it's better than nothing. They provide first aid, treatment of common illnesses like the cold and flu, immunization shots, tests for all sorts of fun diseases (including STDs), and free condoms. Mental health services are usually offered, so you can get free short-term therapy if being poor makes you depressed. City College of San Francisco performs eye exams for 10 bucks and will fit your frames or contacts for less than Lens Crafters. Check your school's health center to see just what you can get – some offer additional discounts from private medical specialists.

Gym membership

Less-crowded colleges grant free access to gym facilities to registered students during off-peak hours. At worst you might have to enroll in a class to use the weight room, pool, or certain equipment (which means you'll actually learn to use them correctly). This still costs far less than a gym membership elsewhere. For example, a two-unit fitness class at City College (at the proposed increased tuition rate) costs $36 plus the student activities fee. That's less than one month's membership at most gyms in town, and your class lasts for four months. You might also look into fitness classes, which cost less than those at private studios, including fencing, aerobics, self-defense, dance, yoga, and activities from archery to badminton to volleyball. While you're on your health kick, sign up for classes on dieting and nutrition to round out your routine.

Student discounts

The student discount is useful in more places than you might imagine. Anywhere you pay admission, you should inquire about the student rate. The best deals are at museums and cultural attractions like the theater, symphony, and opera. Discounts are also available in tourist-trap spots, both at home and abroad, and for things like zoo admission, tours, and plane and train tickets. A few movie theaters, like the AMC 1000, offer matinee prices all day to students. You can also save a bundle on educational versions of software – search online for that. Some exercise and fitness centers, including those for yoga and self-defense, have reduced student rates. There's at least one discount parking lot downtown. Ikea has back-to-school specials at which students get 20 percent off. And finally, when you're in the vicinity of a college, ask everywhere about student discounts – some stores and even restaurants have special rates to attract local students.

Social distortions

It seems everyone is unhappy these days. Unemployed people complain about being broke, and people with jobs complain about being trapped because they're afraid to quit in this crappy economy. Either way, everyone can benefit from a low-cost class or two or three. It's amazing how quickly the creative juices start flowing when someone else is directing your education. Another way to keep yourself social and sane is to join a student organization – you're not too old. They range from professional groups to language clubs to break-dancing workshops to working at the school's radio station.

Or perhaps you party too much because you can't find anything better to do after you leave the office. Working students find they have less time to go out drinking when they're sitting in classes at night. And the homework will keep you busy the rest of the week.

Camper English is a freelance writer who lives in San Francisco.