Living as a student in New York City can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer. From gaming and sports to local events and nightlife, there are many ways to have fun without breaking the bank. Follow these detailed steps to find great deals and keep your costs low while enjoying the best of New York!
1. Shop Smart for Deals Online
The internet is a treasure trove for discounts. Before booking any activities, dining, or entertainment, check deal sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Rakuten. These websites often offer discounted tickets for concerts, activities, and even local getaways.
- How to do it:
- Visit Groupon and LivingSocial for daily deals in NYC.
- Search for your city’s location and filter by category—activities, events, dining, or even travel.
- Buy vouchers for discounted tickets to local events, sports games, restaurants, and more.
- Tip: Sign up for daily deal notifications on these websites so you don’t miss out on limited-time offers.
2. Use Discount Apps for Events and Activities
Apps like Eventbrite, Time Out New York, and Skiddle list discounted tickets and free events happening in the city. Whether it’s a local gig, festival, concert, or free museum day, these apps provide the perfect way to save on tickets.
- How to do it:
- Tip: Sign up for Eventbrite notifications to get alerts on discounted tickets to your favorite events and gigs.
3. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Many New York businesses offer loyalty programs that reward you with discounts or freebies after a certain number of visits. Restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues like cinemas often offer loyalty points for every purchase.
- How to do it:
- Tip: Many student-friendly eateries and movie theaters in NYC offer loyalty rewards that can save you money on repeat visits.
4. Take Advantage of Free Events in NYC
One of the best things about New York is that it’s full of free events all year round. From free outdoor movie screenings to public festivals, and art exhibitions, you don’t have to pay a cent to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture.
- How to do it:
- Visit Time Out New York here to explore free events and festivals.
- Check out NYCgo’s event calendar here for a list of free public events, outdoor concerts, and exhibitions in New York City.
- Free Summer Movies in parks like Bryant Park offer screenings every week. Visit Bryant Park for the full summer schedule.
- Tip: Follow the official NYC Parks Instagram or NYC Eventbrite for updates on free outdoor concerts, film festivals, and more.
5. Check Out Discounted or Second-Hand Items
Shopping second-hand is a great way to furnish your dorm or apartment on a budget. New York City has many second-hand shops and online marketplaces where you can find cheap items ranging from gaming consoles to sports gear and even clothing.
- How to do it:
- Tip: Always negotiate with sellers on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. Many people are willing to offer lower prices if you ask.
6. Look for Student Discounts
As a student, New York City offers numerous student discounts at shops, theaters, restaurants, and even tourist attractions. Take advantage of services like UNiDAYS and Student Beans to get discounts on dining, events, and travel.
- How to do it:
- Sign up for UNiDAYS here to access discounts at over 1,500 brands, from restaurants to fashion stores.
- Use Student Beans here for exclusive student discounts on entertainment, tech, and more.
- Get discounted tickets to Broadway shows, museums, and iconic New York landmarks like the Empire State Building by using student deals available on these platforms.
- Tip: Carry your student ID and always ask if there’s a student discount at any store, cafe, or event you visit.
7. Plan Ahead and Set a Budget
It’s easy to overspend if you’re not tracking your activities. Setting a budget for your entertainment will help you keep costs in check while still enjoying the city.
- How to do it:
- Tip: Use apps like Turo here to rent cars or Citi Bike here for affordable transport around the city.
8. Take Advantage of Free Trials
Many streaming services and entertainment platforms offer free trials that allow you to enjoy their content for a limited time. Take advantage of these trials and cancel before they charge you!
- How to do it:
- Tip: Set a reminder to cancel the free trial before the period ends to avoid unexpected charges.
9. Swap Services or Goods
Instead of paying for services, consider bartering. New York is full of exchange communities where you can swap your skills or goods for something you need.
- How to do it:
- Tip: Always meet in public places when swapping goods to ensure safety.
10. Shop During Sale Seasons
New York City’s sales events are legendary! Take advantage of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal sales to get everything from clothing to concert tickets at huge discounts.
- How to do it:
- Tip: Use apps like Honey to apply coupon codes automatically at checkout for even more savings.
Final Thoughts: Having Fun in New York City Without Breaking the Bank
New York City is a cultural hub with endless opportunities for entertainment, but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it. By using deal apps, taking advantage of student discounts, attending free events, and smart shopping, you can have an amazing time in the city without overspending. Plan ahead, explore affordable options, and make the most of your student budget while still having fun in the Big Apple!
This guide provides students in New York City with practical steps and helpful links to enjoy the best of the city while keeping costs down.