You’ve blown through your Christmas cash, your new job hasn’t started yet, and book buyback netted you a whopping $3.80. But don’t let limited resources keep you on campus during a three-day weekend—take advantage of the fact that it’s impossible to have four back-to-back midterms during the first full week of class and treat yourself to break while you still can. Here’s how to do New York for less than a set of organic chemistry textbooks.
Getting There
$ Chinatown Bus Ok, so sometimes they catch fire. But really, what are the chances that will be your bus? The bus loops between Chinatown D.C. and Chinatown in NYC. The trip lasts about four hours, depending on traffic, and costs $35 round-trip. www.apexbus.com
$ Craigslist Ride Share If you’re either unafraid of strangers, armed or desperate, catching a ride with a stranger might be the best bet. Most drivers will ask for a small monetary contribution to help with gas and tolls. www.craiglist.com
Walking No, just kidding. Don’t try this.
Staying There
$$ The Loftstel A combination loft and hostel on Jefferson Avenue in Brooklyn. It’s not central if your travel plans center around touring Ground Zero or shopping at the largest Macy’s in the world, but if you’re interested in checking out the Williamsburg neighborhood or don’t mind a subway ride, the Loftstel is a steal. Rates start at $25 a night for a twin bed. www.loftstel.com
$ Your freshman roommate’s house in suburban New Jersey. C’mon, like 98 percent of Hoyas are from Jersey. Surely you’ve got at least one friend, ex-boyfriend or chem partner who’ll let you crash on their couch in exchange for a round of drinks. www.facebook.com
The Airport If you absolutely can’t afford anything, there’s always the airport. Seriously, sleeping in airports is developing something of a cult following, and if you’re willing to test the limits of the socially acceptable, check out www.sleepinginairports.com for tips and individual airport ratings.
Being There
$ The Metropolitan Museum of Art Everyone thinks the Met costs $8. But as my law school bound roommate pointed out, that’s just the suggested donation. Turns out a dollar will get you through the door just as well, and you even get the same orange “M” pin, possibly the only reason you’re going to the Met in the first place. Of course, ripping off an art museum is slightly less than classy, so make a mental note to be over-generous on your next, post-graduation trip.
Staten Island Ferry at sunset. At another other time of day, it’s just lousy boat. But at sunset, it’s a romantic ship of destiny. The five mile, twenty-five minute ride offers majestic views of the New York harbor, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. And best of all, it’s completely free. www.siferry.com
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade Freedom isn’t free, but parades that celebrate freedom usually are. In case you forgot why we’re out of school in the first place, celebrate the real meaning of MLK day with a parade up Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, from 61st St. to 86th St. This year’s parade will begin on Jan. 15, 2007 at 1 p.m.
Eating There
$ Roll and Dough is renowned for its bings and its buns. Interested? A bing, similar to a flattened sesame-seed bagel, will set you back a mere $1.50. Satisfy your curiosity at 135 W. 3rd St.
$ Gray’s Papaya 2090 Broadway, corner of 71st Street, a hot dog costs seventy-five cents. The hot dog and papaya drink combo costs $1.45. We shouldn’t have to convince you that this is the place to eat. Even if you’re not poor, it’s cool to think that for the price of one Leo’s dinner, you could eat 17.9 hot dogs. Open 24 hours a day.
