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Living on a Student’s Budget in NYC

by | Jun 14, 2017

New York City never sleeps, which means you can always find things to do or see in the city. However, it’s no secret that NYC is one of the most expensive cities to live in. As a student, is it even possible to live here on a budget while avoiding the dreaded FOMO feeling? In short, yes. Here are some pointers on how to live on a student’s budget.


Roommates

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PC: Giphy

Renting with roommates is one of the easiest ways to save a ton of money. Dividing the rent expense amongst one, two, or even three or more friends is a great way to live in a spacious, nice place on a budget.

Aside from the cost savings, there are tons of upsides, like division of labor regarding chores, company, and a family-like dynamic, if you’re lucky. After all, how are you supposed to honey roast yourself?


Free Events

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PC: Mule Army

One of the best things about this amazing city is that there are tons of freebies readily accessible to everyone. For example, the amount of free concerts in NYC is unparalleled.

Every May through August, you can hear music of all kinds, from classical music to pop, at different places around the city. Some of the more popular summer concerts include SummerStage across a variety of NYC parks, live acts at the Today Show in Rockefeller Center, and the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn event in Prospect Park.

Other fun, free events during summer months are the outdoor movies across NYC’s parks! No tickets are required. All you need is a blanket and maybe some snacks to enjoy with your friends.


Student Discounts

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PC: The RU Observer

Your student ID card doesn’t only get you into the library or school buildings, it can also be used to access exclusive discounts at clothing stores, restaurants, museums, movie theaters, tech stores, and even Broadway shows.

Keep your eyes peeled and you can build up your rolodex of places that accept student discounts or check out studentrush.org.


Be Part of a Studio Audience

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PC: Juliane L.

Do you know you can attend the filming of some popular NYC-based TV shows for free? Sometimes you even get paid. These TV shows range from comedy to politics, celebrity news, and so much more.

You could watch the live filming of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, The Dr. Oz Show, Good Morning America, or Inside the Actors Studio, to name a few. You can check out the tickets here.


Transportation

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PC: Carlo Occhiena

Transportation expenses can quickly add up into a huge portion of your student’s budget. Planning and a little forethought can go a long way to mitigating some of these costs.

Catching the bus and subway can save you money and time. If you ride daily, consider buying a monthly pass. If you’re not a regular commuter, daily or weekly passes can also be a good option. If you only ride occasionally, skip the pass and pay for a single ride instead. For ‘expert mode,’ use a bike to commute. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.


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