Categories: College Life

10 Free Things To Do In NYC By Fordham University

Whether you’re a commuter or an on-campus resident, you know that going to Fordham University is expensive – not because of tuition, but because it’s literally in the heart of Manhattan. It can be hard to budget your money when events and food cost so much. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do on and off campus that are fun and keep your wallet full.

1. Have a photo shoot in Central Park.

Central Park is a short walk from Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, and it’s the best backdrop for a hot new Instagram picture or Facebook picture. Grab a few friends and take some squad pics after studying in the Quinn Library.

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2. Take advantage of the free stuff around (and off) campus.

Whether it’s scoring free pizza from Conan or stealing samples from LUSH Cosmetics in Turnstyle, college students have a sixth sense when it comes to free events. Keep your eyes peeled for freebies around the Indoor Plaza, or head down to Argo Tea for their free samples.

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3. Stroll around the Shops at Columbus Circle.

If you want to stop feeling like a college student and start feeling like a successful CEO, do some window shopping around The Shops at Columbus Circle. Although it may be hard to afford those cute Coach shoes, it’s definitely fun to grab a few friends between classes and look at the shops near Fashion Week’s venue.

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4. Head to Times Square for the classic New Yorker selfie.

See the meaning behind Alicia Keys’s lyric “Big lights will inspire you” by heading to the core of the Big Apple. Fordham University native or not, it’s fun to be a tourist every once in a while. A Ram could get used to a view like this.

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5. Check out the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Getting out of the Quinn Library to go to another one may not be fun, but this NYPL branch has countless free exhibitions, tours, performances, and talks. Check out their website for an educated excuse to get out of your dorm on a weeknight.

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6. Go to a Julliard event instead of spending hundreds on a ticket for the Met Opera or NY Philharmonic.

The Julliard School has numerous concerts that are FREE. Save some money for a Hamilton ticket and head over to Julliard for an opera performance or ensemble concert. You’re welcome.

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7. Walk around TurnStyle.

For those of you who don’t commute (and hate the D train), TurnStyle is a mini underground mall in the Columbus Circle train station. It’s full of small businesses and cute restaurants that offer student discounts if you actually want to spend money. Regardless, it’s perfect for hipsters and an Instagram-worthy selfie.

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8. Enjoy free food from Fordham University outings.

Whether it’s a CSAW event or a free movie in McKeon/McMahon, Fordham has TONS of free food at events or dinner outings. Look at the fliers all around the Indoor Plaza – you’re bound to find a bake sale or dinner outing that’s up your alley.

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9. Up your silhouette game with a photo by the Lincoln Center Revson Fountain.

This fountain can shoot water up to 60 feet into the air. Walk next door after sunset to take a cool photo with the fountain. It’s a new way to appreciate the lights of the city that never sleeps.

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10. Check out Bryant Park.

During the holiday season, Bryant Park has a better-than-Rockefeller’s Christmas tree at the center of a huge market with pop-up shops. Even if it’s not winter time, Bryant Park has tons of free concerts, poetry slams, and after-dark movie screenings. Go on a walk, sit on the lawn, and look up at the concrete jungle that you get to savor as a Ram.

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Let us know if you have any other ideas for free things to do near Fordham!

Featured image source: colleges.startclass.com
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Alexandra Strimbu

Alexandra Strimbu is a student at Fordham University. She has a love for photography, writing, traveling, and discovering new tea shops and bookstores. She spends most of her free time reading and maintaining her YouTube channel (Alexandra Strimbu). Follow her on Instagram (@alexandrastrimbu) and Twitter (@alexstrimbu) to keep up with her antics and adventures.

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