Things to do in NYC For Students

Most Important Things to do in NYC

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7 Things For Students to do in NYC

1. Explore the American Museum of Natural History

Located on the Upper West Side (Central Park West & 79th St), the American Museum of Natural History is a science and culture treasure trove. As a student, you can pay what you wish at the ticket desk (minimum suggested donation is $1), making it easy to fit into any budget. Don’t miss the Rose Center for Earth and Space, where the Hayden Sphere’s immersive cosmos projection shows the latest in astrophysics. Reserve a free timed-entry pass online to avoid lines, then grab a map and head straight to the dinosaur halls and the Hall of Biodiversity. After touring, study or relax on the stone steps outside, overlooking Central Park. If you have time, grab a slice of pizza at nearby Sal & Carmine’s before continuing your day.

2. Stroll the High Line & Savor Chelsea Market

The High Line (entrances at Gansevoort St or 30th St & 10th Ave) is an elevated park built on a former freight rail line. Enjoy gardens, public art installations, and views of the Hudson River. It’s free and open daily from 7 AM–11 PM. Walk northward for about 20 minutes, then descend at 16th St to reach Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave). This indoor food hall offers global eats—tacos at Los Tacos No. 1, ramen at Mokbar, and locally roasted coffee at Ninth Street Espresso. As a student, challenge yourself to try three vendors for under $20. Afterward, grab a seat at one of the communal tables and review lecture notes while soaking up the market’s bustling ambiance.

3. Catch a Comedy Night at the Comedy Cellar

Located at 117 Macdougal St in Greenwich Village, the Comedy Cellar is legendary for surprise drop-ins by top comedians. Student rush tickets ($10–$20) are often available day-of-show—call or check online at noon for availability. Doors open at 7 PM; arrive by 6:30 PM to secure your spot on the waiting list. Order a drink minimum (around $12) to support the venue. The intimate basement club seats only about 100, creating an electric atmosphere where you might see names like Ali Wong or John Mulaney testing new material. After the show, walk two blocks north to Washington Square Park—bring your guitar or notes for an impromptu jam session under the arch.

4. Bike Across Brooklyn Bridge & Picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Rent a Citi Bike (student monthly pass for $9.50) and ride from Manhattan’s Centre Street entrance of Brooklyn Bridge across the span (about 1.3 miles). Pause at the pedestrian walkway midpoint for skyline photos. Once in Brooklyn, follow signs to Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St). Find a grassy spot near Pier 1 to spread a blanket and enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline. Pack sandwiches, fruit, and drinks beforehand or pick up bagels from Tom’s Restaurant (782 Union St, Cobble Hill) en route. After your picnic, explore park highlights: Jane’s Carousel, the pop-up Beach at Pier 2, and the Plank Road social lawn. To return, hop on the East River ferry ($4) back to Manhattan’s Wall Street/Pier 11.

5. Score Affordable OffBroadway Tickets

For a budget-friendly theater experience, target OffBroadway shows at theatres like The Public Theater (425 Lafayette St) or New World Stages (340 W 50th St). Students can visit the TKTS booth in Times Square (47th St & Broadway) or in South Street Seaport for sameday discounted tickets (up to 50% off). Alternatively, sign up for rush or lottery codes online—examples include the “Free Shakespeare in the Park” rush at The Public in Central Park. Arrive early (online lottery winners pick up at 1 PM for evening shows), and have your student ID ready. OffBroadway runs often feature cuttingedge works and emerging talent, making them both culturally enriching and affordable at under $30 per ticket.

6. Study—and Socialize—at Columbia University & Morningside Park

Take the 1 train to 116th St/Columbia University for a campus visit. As a student, you can sit in on select public lectures or study in Butler Library’s grand reading rooms (make sure to register for visitor access online). When you need a break, head across Amsterdam Ave to Morningside Park (between 110th and 123rd St). In warmer months, students gather on the grass by the pond for Frisbee, reading circles, or acoustic jam sessions. Grab a smoothie at nearby Le Monde (2924 Broadway) and watch the bustling campus life. Columbia’s open-air events—film screenings, art installations, and student organization fairs—are free and pop up regularly; check the campus calendar online before you visit.

7. Ride the Staten Island Ferry & Explore St. George Waterfront

Depart from Whitehall Terminal (4 South St) on the Staten Island Ferry—a free 25-minute ride offering unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Stand on the outer deck for the best photo ops; bring a tripod or steady your phone against the railing. Once in St. George, stroll along the waterfront Esplanade to see the Staten Island Yankees Stadium and view art installations. If you fancy a snack, try Denino’s Pizza (524 Bay St) for an authentic Staten Island slice. To return, catch the next ferry back (it runs every 30 minutes until late at night). Roundtrip travel time is under two hours, making it a quick, costfree adventure.