Fun and Affordable Things to Do in NYC for College Students
New York City (NYC) is renowned for its excitement, diversity, and endless possibilities. But it can also be a costly city to visit—especially for college students on a budget. This blog post explores the best free and affordable things to do as college students to enjoy New York City. Whether you seek city culture, scenic views, or thrilling adventures, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Explore NYC’s Five Boroughs
Manhattan is well-known for being the center of New York City. However, it is recommended to explore all five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Each borough has its distinct neighborhoods and offers exciting opportunities. For more information, visit NYC.gov’s Interactive Map of the Five Boroughs.
10 Fun and Affordable Things to Do for College Students in NYC
1) Take Advantage of Broadway Student Discounts.
It can be quite expensive if you plan to see a Broadway show in New York City. However, many colleges and universities, like St. John’s University, offer discounted Broadway tickets for students. Contact your college campus concierge to learn more about getting these discounted tickets. In addition, some Broadway shows have student rush ticketsand discounted same-day tickets available for students.
You can also check out the TodayTix app, which offers lotteries and rush tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Look for special events like Broadway Week, where you can purchase two tickets for the price of one.
2) Explore Endless Free NYC Events.
Are you looking for something fun and unique to do in New York City? Whether it’s juggling, beekeeping, or live performances, the city’s five boroughs are filled with free activities all year round.
Across the five boroughs, students canregularly find various free classes, concerts, outdoor movie nights, and seasonal events, making it easy to experience the best of NYC.
For more borough-specific activities, check out these local event calendars:
- NYC Parks: Offering free fitness classes, cultural performances, and family-friendly events in parks across all five boroughs.
- Eventbrite: Filter for free events in your area, including festivals, workshops, and community gatherings.
- NYC.gov: The official city tourism website features a comprehensive list of free activities across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
3) Capture Photos at Unique NYC Landmarks.
New York City has countless iconic and unique landmarks that are stunning backdrops for the perfect selfie. Whether looking for breathtaking skyline views or unique architectural details, these spots are must-visits for snapping memorable photos.
- The High Line (Manhattan): This elevated park on Manhattan’s west side offers beautiful city views and unique art installations, perfect for snapping photos with the skyline.
- DUMBO (Brooklyn): Head to Washington Street in Brooklyn for one of the most famous shots of the Manhattan skyline.
- The Vessel at Hudson Yards (Manhattan): This striking, honeycomb-like structure is a dramatic photo backdrop.
- Gantry Plaza State Park (Queens): Located along the East River in Long Island City, this park offers a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign.
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens): Home to the famous Unisphere, this park offers an iconic and unique backdrop perfect for selfies, especially near the fountain.
For even more photo spots, use guides like Shot Hot Spot for inspiration.
4) Take a Scenic Stroll along NYC’s Iconic Bridges.
Walking across NYC’s iconic bridges offers a unique, free way to immerse yourself in the city’s stunning views.
Each bridge provides a different perspective of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and East River, making it a must-do for locals and out-of-state students. Accessible by public transportation, these bridges are budget-friendly and a relaxing way to explore the city.
The Brooklyn Bridge is perhaps the most famous, connecting lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. A walk along this bridge offers breathless views of the city, especially if you stop at the Brooklyn Heights Promenade—a serene spot that boasts some of the best vistas of the skyline and harbor.
On the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, a lesser-known but equally captivating walk, you can enjoy a quieter experience with sweeping views of Roosevelt Island and the East River. For an extra adventure, hop on the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the city.
5) Catch Free Concerts and Theatre Performances.
If you’re looking for free entertainment, NYC has no shortage of concerts and theatre performances, especially in the summer. SummerStage in Central Park offers free outdoor concerts from June to October, and Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater is a must-see for theater lovers. For a more laid-back vibe, check out Bryant Park Picnic Performances, where you can enjoy live music in the heart of Manhattan.
6) Be Part of a Live TV Audience—for Free!
Experiencing a live TV show recording is an exciting way to be part of NYC’s entertainment scene.
Websites like 1iota or Show Clix allow you to reserve free tickets to shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live, and The Daily Show. Keep in mind that these tickets are in high demand, so it’s recommended that you request them as soon as possible.
Pro tip: Some shows may offer standby tickets if you arrive early on the day of taping.
7) Explore Several NYC Museums on a Budget.
Whether you seek inspiration, a break from studying, or a fun way to spend the afternoon, NYC’s top museums offer plenty of opportunities to explore art, history, and culture. Many museums provide free or discounted admission, making it easy for students to enjoy world-class exhibits while staying on budget.
Free museum admission options are offered at
- the American Museum of Natural History
- the Brooklyn Museum
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
- the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- the Museum of the Moving Image
Pay-what-you-wish or discounted museum admission are offered at
- The Met Cloisters
- The New Museum
- The Queens Hall of Science
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- The Whitney Museum of American Art
8) Discover Manhattan’s Hidden Island Treasures.
When thinking of Manhattan, many often picture its bustling, fast-paced streets. But did you know there are quieter, slower-paced islands just off the coast of Manhattan waiting to be explored?
Roosevelt Island offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Accessible by the scenic Roosevelt Island Tramway, this narrow island is home to Four Freedoms Park, a serene memorial dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s vision of four essential freedoms: speech, worship, want, and fear. It’s a perfect spot for reflection and taking in breathtaking views of the East River.
For a mix of history and recreation, visit Governors Island, a former military base now transformed into a public park. This island is great for leisurely walks, picnics, or biking. It is home to fascinating historic sites like Fort Jay and the former army headquarters, offering a glimpse into NYC’s military past.
9) Eat Your Way through NYC’s Food Halls.
NYC’s food halls are a must-visit for students who love trying new cuisines without spending a fortune. With a wide range of dishes from around the globe, these markets are perfect for grabbing affordable bites with friends, sharing plates, and experiencing the city’s diverse food scene. Plus, it’s a great way to discover new favorite spots while staying within your budget!
Some of the well-known food halls and markets spread across the five boroughs are
- Chelsea Market in Manhattan
- DeKalb Market Hall in Brooklyn
- Industry City Food Hall in Brooklyn
- Queens Night Market in Queens
- Smorgasburg in Brooklyn and Manhattan
- The Market Line in Manhattan
- Timeout Market in Brooklyn
Related: Explore “Top Student-Friendly Restaurants Near St. John’s University, Queens, NY.”
10) Take a Study Break in NYC’s Peaceful Gardens.
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed with classes? NYC’s beautiful gardens offer the perfect mental health activity to recharge and unwind. Take a break from your studies and enjoy the peaceful vibes of nature, many of which are free or student-budget-friendly. Whether you visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Central Park Conservatory Garden, New York Botanical Garden, or the Queens Botanical Garden, you’ll find a calm retreat that helps clear your mind and prepare you to tackle your next assignment.
Ready to Explore NYC?
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on fun and affordable things to do in NYC, why not start planning your next adventure? Grab your friends, take some Instagram-worthy selfies, and maximize your time in the city.
Share your NYC adventures on social media!
We’d love to see how you explore the five boroughs—tag us @Stjohnsu on Instagram for a chance to be featured!
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