As a busy college student with a thin wallet, traveling to different cities can seem like a burden rather than a treat, especially when it comes to New York City, but who says you have to break the bank?
Roaming the city can get a little pricey, but there are ways to enjoy one day in the urban life without spending hundreds of dollars.
First off, don’t fly. Flights are expensive and could take up the same amount of time as driving if you include going through security, bag check, and all that nonsense. If you have friends with cars, you could drive, but tolls rack up to nearly $30, and gas gets expensive. And if you’ve never driven in New York City before, you don’t want to. Trust me. Just trying to find one parking spot makes you want to turn around and go back home, not to mention how ridiculously costly parking garages are in the city.
So, take the bus; it’s easy and affordable. Take the metro from College Park, Md., to Union Station in Washington, D.C., and there you’ll find the Mega Bus and Bolt Bus, which are arguably the cheapest rides to NYC, with tickets ranging from as low as $10 for a one-way trip.
Both these buses offer free WiFi and padded and reclining seats comfortable enough for a three to four-hour ride into the city.
Now, what to do when you get there?
You eat, of course.
The famous Chicken and Rice by the Halal Guys ($6-$10)
Indulge in a decadent Salted Crack Caramel ice at Ample Hills Creamery for less than $4.
The perfect Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich at Banh Mi Zon ($6-$8)
Enjoy $1 Oyster Happy Hour at Allswell for a fancy, but affordable dinner, with a refreshing cocktail or two.
photo courtesy on NY magazine
You can’t leave the city without getting the classic New York pizza, so head to Best Pizza for the perfect slice.
And roam the city for free.
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum
This free museum features rotating exhibitions by students and allows you to browse hundreds of garments and clothes from the 18th century to the present. It’s always Fashion Week at FIT.
I know this may seem like a mundane touristy park, but it’s really not. Central Park is the perfect place to just relax, absorb the sights and take your mind off of school. Buy some New York Deli, pick a spot, and listen to music. Inhale. Exhale. Relax.
Now why would you go to a library if it’s just going to remind you of that paper that’s due on Monday? Because it’s freaking beautiful. And it has everything. Whether you’re a bookworm or not, it’ll be worth the trip.
So grab some friends, hop on the bus, eat some good food, avoid long sweaty lines, drink a couple beers, relax, and enjoy the change of scenery before heading back to Maryland to finish up that five-page paper. Just give up one day. One. And you’ll be glad you did, especially since you don’t feel guilty spending all that money you would have any ways on a night out binge-drinking on Route One.