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NYC Student Hacks: How to Live Comfortably on a Budget?

Introduction

Living in New York City is every student’s dream. This dream comes with additional expenses and can be exciting and overwhelming. The Big Apple offers many exciting opportunities for students looking to grow their educational careers.

With renowned educational institutes and endless opportunities, New York is truly the city of dreams. Remember, the city’s high costs of living can get very challenging for students living on a budget. Your dream is not far, and you can achieve your New York City dream by undertaking effective cost-saving tips that help you strategize your budget better.

Here, we will explore important hacks to help students realize their dream of studying in NYC while living on a strict budget. From finding affordable accommodation options to opting for free and cheap entertainment options, this guide will help you make the best memories while you study in NYC.

Finding Affordable Housing

Due to the high cost of living in New York City, finding affordable housing seems almost impossible. Housing is one of the greatest concerns for students living in New York. While many educational institutes offer on-campus housing facilities, they, too, can get quite expensive.

Hence, to find it more affordable off-campus student housing in NYC you can opt to stay outside New York City and in the nearby boroughs. You will find more affordable rental options in Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn.

Moreover, to save extra costs, you can share an apartment with a roommate. With careful research from websites such as StreetEasy, NYU Housing Resources, and Craigslist, you will find apartments within your budget.

Budgeting for Groceries and Eating Out

Food is one of the most expensive items to spend in New York City. However, with effective planning, you will find many cheaper alternatives.

To begin with, try cooking more at home. Buying fresh produce from grocers and farmer’s markets is a much more cost-effective practice than eating out. You will find fresh produce at stores like Aldi, Trader’s Joe, and others.

All students want to go out for meals on special occasions or days when they feel like eating out. Carry your student ID to places. You will be surprised with places that offer incredible discounts for students.

Apps like Happy Cow and Yelp will help you find affordable food options and happy hour menus. Moreover, you can eat at local food trucks which are highly cost-effective and filled with local flavors. You will save bucks by practicing these tips.

Using Public Transport

While the living costs in New York City can be quite expensive, getting around on public transport is relatively cheap. As a student avoid expensive cabs or Uber options and opt for public transport.

You can travel the whole city using the extensive subway lines. Simple purchase a monthly Metro card for unlimited metro rides. This will help you save money as opposed to choosing private transport.

Moreover, many universities offer transit passes at a discounted rate. For shorter distances choose a bike or simply walk. You will find bike-sharing agendas like Citi Bike that offer student discounts on membership.

Finding Free and Low-Cost Entertainment

New York City is a cultural hub, brimming with endless entertainment options. While most of them are quite expensive, there’s plenty of free and affordable entertainment options for students to enjoy.

New York City offers many free events, festivals, and movie screenings outdoors which you can enjoy with your friends and family.

On certain days museums like the Musuem of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum offer free entry or pay-for-what-you-experience tickets. Interestingly, the NYC parks department hosts many free sports and recreational activities for students to enjoy.

Lastly, you can take a beautiful stroll and enjoy the beautiful landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and Central Park for free.

Finding Part-Time Jobs and Internships

We understand it is quite difficult to live on such a low budget, especially as a student trying to live their best life in New York City. Hence, having a part-time job or an internship will help you pay for additional costs, while strengthening your resume.

Many New York City universities offer career programs and internships for students. You can find internships and part time jobs from career websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake.

If you are looking for a more flexible option opt for freelance writing, tutoring, or delivery services like Postmates and DoorDash. While balancing studies with work can be challenging, maintaining a healthy balance will only promote your lifestyle.

Wrapping Up

While living and studying in New York City can be a daunting task, however, by undertaking the right strategies and following the above tips and tricks, you will be able to overcome all struggles.

You will save money and live comfortably by finding affordable housing options, saving money on transportation, and finding a part-time job. Hence, using these hacks, you will enjoy the best of New York City without further financial burden.