Rule the School: Meatpacking on a College Budget

As we all know, living in NYC is expensive and even more so if you’re a college student on a budget. As the youngest member on the BID staff, and the only college student in the office, I know the struggle is real. But worry not, there are deals to be found. Contrary to popular belief, the district does have a few affordable options that can keep any college student well fed and looking sharp.

Work Out

Before you start your week, take some time to reflect, there’s no better place to do that than at lululemon’s Sunday Salutations. Every Sunday at 9:30am get your flow on for free.

If yoga isn’t your thing, maybe running is so why not try the lululemon bRUNch club. The club runs every Saturday, now through March 16th and every run you participate in, your name is entered in a raffle for chances to win product.

Explore the Nabe

The Rubin Museum and The Whitney Museum have special student rates of $14 and $18.  Every Friday, from 6-10pm you can get in to The Rubin and 7-10pm at The Whitney for free!

Get an Insta worthy picture at INTERSECT BY LEXUS’s, Essential Invisible exhibit. Open now through March 5, an interactive projection wall transforms human gesture into an ephemeral work of art.

Samsung 837 has free events throughout the year. Check out their event page for the latest offerings including free concerts, workouts, tech sessions and more.

Happy Hour

With $1 oysters, classic cocktails for $9, and $3 off wine you can’t go wrong with The Wild Son’s Happy Hour every Tuesday- Friday from 4-7.

If you want to continue the party after The Wild Son be sure to stop by Corkbuzz, Monday – Friday between 5 – 7pm for $5 beer and an $8 glass of White, Rose or Red.

Post happy hour, soak all the alcohol up at Hector’s Diner on the corner of Little West 12th Street and Washington. 

Eat Up

Brunch is an essential weekend meal and Dos Caminos is here to make your brunch experience even better, and boozier! Enjoy Bottomless Brunch for an additional $18, and with a purchase of any brunch entrée, you can drink unlimited for two hours.

Pizza is THE college meal and sometimes you don’t always want to have a dollar slice for the 5th day in a row. With Simo Pizza, you are able to get quality pizza at an affordable price. Everything is $10 and under so the dorm room #pizzaparty is on you. Protip: If you want Simo Pizza delivered you can find them on Caviar.

Snack time! Stock up on snacks for class from Pearl River Mart and Chelsea Market Baskets. Find Siracha Hot Chili Sauce Popcorn, Meiji Hello Panda Creme Filled Cookies, Pocky, and more at PRM. At CMB, you will find everything under the sun ranging from savory to sweet snacks. Be sure to grab Torres potato chips,  Salt of the Earth cookies, Salty Road Salt Water Taffy, California Dried Fruit Crisps, and more. Protip #2: While at Pearl River Mart stock up on dorm room decor. Find a $6 mug with a tea infuser, printed bowls, and more!

If you are looking for fresh, fast, and inexpensive noodles then look no further than Very Fresh Noodles. Everything on the menu is under $14.

Be sure to check out our Lunch for Less piece to find $10 and under meals in the nabe.

Look Sharp

Everyone loves a good deal, especially college students. With Bumble and Bumble.’s Bb.U Model Project, you receive complimentary services from their students in training. Who doesn’t love a free haircut?

If you work or intern in the neighborhood, don’t forget to use your Hook Up card that has over 80+ incentives from salons, restaurants, shops + more.