For many students, enjoying things in New York can be very expensive, but with programs like Culture Pass, student discounts, and free public events, exploring the city’s culture and entertainment has become far more affordable for students.
As the cost for entertainment and food in NYC continue to increase, many students are searching for cheaper ways to enjoy the city. Programs like Culture Pass, discounted school admissions and free season events are giving students more opportunity to explore the different cultural experiences without overspending. These resources are helping make the city more affordable for students.
“Before I actually did research myself, I always assumed that most events in the city were very pricey. However the deeper you look (especially on Social Media) you can find the best hidden gems for a steal,” said Irisha Chowdhury, junior. “Some parts of NYC that is budget friendly for students trying to have fun are places like free rooftops in the city, photo booths, museums, and the four dollar ferry around the city with the prettiest views.”
These opportunities could be important to many students because it allows them to go out and have fun without having the feeling of financial pressure. As prices in New York continue to rise, many students are proving that enjoying the city does not always require spending large amounts of money.
“I would encourage students to conduct research on what affordable activities there are in NYC for them to experience. I would encourage students to manage their funds to make sure they stay within their budget and can at the same time, enjoy activities that they can afford,” said Ms. Agard, Guidance Counselor. “Programs like these help make NYC feel more accessible to young people because they could experience the fun activities offered within a good budget that they can afford.”
One of the most overlooked resources available to students is their public library card. With the help of Culture Pass, students with a card from the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, or Queens Public Library can reserve free tickets to more than 100 cultural institutions throughout the city. Students can log into the Culture Pass website using their library card number and reserve free passes online.
Most institutions allow one reservation per year, and passes refresh monthly. Many locations accept digital passes directly from a phone, making the process simple and accessible for students. The program includes access to popular attractions, such as American Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Intrepid Museum.
Many of these locations normally charge admission prices that students may not regularly be able to afford. As a result, students spend a ton of money just to experience educational and entertainment attractions that help them learn more about different perspectives.
“Over the span of the two months during summer break I spent about $700-$800,” said Rayan Hafiz, Junior. “But something I did get to visit was the Museum of Modern Art which was interesting, it helped me understand that modern art can have many different meanings and perspectives depending on the person viewing it.”
