New York is one of the most exciting and busiest cities in the world. But sadly, it’s also one of the most expensive ones. Every year, thousands of Indian students choose to study abroad in New York, and what overwhelms them the most is the cost of living. While NYC is expensive, it is absolutely worth it; which is why you don’t need just one thing to live a decent student’s life here, and that’s balance.
The good news is that with the right strategies and budgeting, students can easily not just survive NYC but actually live the right student lifestyle. If you are an Indian student moving to New York, then this article will give you 15 practical tips to enjoy the city on a budget.
- Book Student Accommodation Early
- Start exploring student housing New York at least 3-4 months in advance
- Compare options before you select the first good one
- Look for budget-friendly and shared apartments
Booking the right student housing in USA, and at the right time is one of the most crucial factor for tight budget students. If you do this in the end, you will be left with hiked prices and limited accommodations.
- Opt for Shared Apartments
- Students get to split the rent with roommates
- Utilities and groceries among fellow flat mates
- Having friends around all the time acts as a support system
Living alone in a city like New York can be very expensive, and also kinda lonely. Student life is supposed to be fun, and living with friends teaches patience, responsibility, and socialising.
- Live Outside Manhattan
- Look for cheaper areas like Queens, Jersey City, and Brooklyn
- There’s excellent connectivity via subway
- Rents are lower in these areas
Living in areas that are slightly outside Manhattan can save students hundreds of dollars every month.
- Cook Your Own Food
- Saves money compared to eating out in restaurants and cafes
- Buy groceries from supermarkets in bulk
- You can easily find Indian stores that sell familiar ingredients
Knowing how to cook is nowadays a survival need, and one of the most important ones. Cooking their own meals at home allows students to save money and support healthy eating.
- Use Student Discounts
- There are various discounts on museums, food, and transport
- Use student ID wherever you can
- Check apps like UNiDAYS for discounts
There are plenty of places in New York City that offer student discounts. From transport to groceries, there’s something everywhere.
- Use Public Transport
- Get yourself a monthly MetroCard (~$132)
- Avoid taking taxis or ride-hailing apps
- Plan your commutes in advance
Public transport in NYC is excellent and easy to navigate. Students can reach every corner of the city with an extensive transport system in the city, especially the subway.
- Buy Second-Hand Goods
- Decent condition appliances, furniture, and books
- Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores are where you’ll find them
- Excellent way to save money
You don’t need heavy new items. Second-hand essentials are widely available in the city and sold at very cheap prices.
- Track Your Expenses
- Use budgeting apps or spreadsheet to note your spendings
- Set a weekly limit for your expenses
- Avoid purchasing unnecessary items that you don’t need
Knowing where you are spending and how much you are spending is very important. That way, you will learn to spend only on important items and aim for better budgeting every month.
- Part Time Work
- Look for on-campus jobs or internships available
- The extra earning can cover daily expenses
- Students gain work experience
Working even a few hours a week can help students save money, and manage their daily expenses like grocery, movie tickets, and dining.
- Explore Free Activities
- There are several museums that are free of cost for students
- Visit public parks like Central Park for picnics
- Plenty of student gatherings and free events keep happening
Student life in New York is happening, thanks to the free experiences available at every other corner. This means you don’t need to spend money to have fun.
- Choose All-Inclusive Housing
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- Rent that includes Wi-Fi, electricity, and water
- Makes it easy to manage expenses
- No last-minute hidden costs or month-end bills
When searching for New York student housing, always explore options that have utilities included in the rent. Some of the most preferred NYC homes for students include The Reserve, 92NY Residence, and Bushwick Terrace Home.
Conclusion
Living in New York City is a dream of thousands of students. But knowing that NY is a very expensive city, some Indian students are forced to cancel their plans. But now that you have landed on the right page, you know exactly how to make your New York study abroad dream come true, without emptying your wallet. Managing money and budgeting right is an important skill, and there’s no better city than New York to develop it in. All the best!
