What’s Out There?

New York City is world renowned for its cultural and entertainment offerings. Virtually every type of event or activity you might be interested in is offered somewhere in New York, and probably on a daily basis. On first arrival it can seem almost impossible to fully absorb and appreciate everything taking place throughout the city’s five boroughs. The secret is to make yourself familiar with some of the publications and websites that exist to keep both visitors and native New Yorkers up-to-date on city happenings. Some of the most popular and useful are below. And keep your eyes and ears open for posters, fliers and other announcements about gallery openings, concerts, poetry slams, and other activities!

Publications

Time Out New York: Self-titled the “obsessive guide to impulsive entertainment,” this weekly magazine publishes near-exhaustive lists of museum and gallery exhibitions, comedy clubs, concerts and gigs, sporting events, shows and performances, along with reviews of restaurants, bars, and cafes, and features on cultural events and New York life. Time Out can be purchased at newsstands and in bookstores (though if you are a regular reader it is much cheaper to get a subscription), or check out www.timeout.com .

Zagat Survey: This annually published directory offers a comprehensive list of the city’s restaurants and nightlife, along with reviews, recommendations and information on prices. Zagat is available in most bookstores, and online (for a fee) at www.zagat.com .

The Village Voice: The first and largest “alternative newsweekly,” this free paper can be found in coffee shops, book stores and other locations throughout the city and includes an in-depth listing of New York City events. The “Voice” is also available online at www.villagevoice.com .

New York Magazine: Another weekly magazine offering up arts, entertainment and nightlife listings, New York City restaurant guides, and more, for sale at bookstores and newsstands. The popular online version of the magazine is available at www.newyorkmetro.com

Web Only Resources

www.newyork.citysearch.com —This site serves as a virtual guide to the city, allowing you to access information on events, clubs, restaurants, hotels, shops, sports and favorite tourist attractions. Its search facilities, weather updates and map finder make it a good all around information site.

www.newyorkled.com —This site is popular with those looking to sample the city’s cultural offerings without spending a fortune. It includes a daily events calendar and much more.

On a Budget

New York is an expensive city, but with a little ingenuity, you can enjoy it on a student budget. For just the price of a subway ride, you can explore the many unique, diverse neighborhoods that comprise the five boroughs. Hours can be spent strolling through Central Park, people-watching in Greenwich Village, or window-shopping on Fifth Avenue, all without spending a penny.

Student rates are often available for museums, exhibitions, films and performances—be sure to ask when you purchase tickets and always carry your school ID. Most museums and cultural institutions also offer free entrance on certain days or during specific hours. For some museums, the admission price is always “suggested,” rather than required. If you can’t afford the suggested admission, you can pay a smaller amount or nothing at all and still enter the museum— keep in mind that many museums rely heavily on donations, so whatever you can offer will make a difference. For a listing of free museums, go to www.ny.com/museums/free.html.

Colleges and universities often sponsor special concerts, films, dances and other social activities. These are usually far less expensive than events offered by commercial groups, and attending these campus activities can be a great way to meet other students.

Summertime transforms New York into a playground of free cultural activities, making it one of the best times to be a student in the city. Central Park offers free performances of Shakespeare (www.publictheater.org and www.newyorkclassical.org), the Metropolitan Opera (www.metopera.org/) and popular singers and bands on their specially constructed “Summerstage” (www.summerstage.org). Summer celebrations like Harlem Week and Gay Pride offer scores of free events. Street festivals and parades take over various neighborhoods weekend after weekend, and it’s hard to turn a corner without stumbling on a free outdoor event or concert. Check out the sites and publications above for listings.

Nightlife

New York, “the city that never sleeps,” can be even more exciting at night than during the day. The streets in some neighborhoods, such as the East and West Villages and SoHo, are just as crowded at 2 a.m. as they are at 2 p.m.! The variety of nightclubs, bars, and discotheques is astounding—unfortunately, sometimes the costs are too. Many clubs, especially those offering live music, may have a “cover charge” (an admission fee) and/or a “drink minimum” which obligates you to buy at least one or two drinks. Cover charges are usually lower on weekdays than on weekends.

Remember, you must be at least 21 years of age in order to purchase or be served alcoholic beverages. Expect to be asked to show identification before entering a bar or club, when buying an alcoholic drink, and when buying alcohol at a store. Acceptable IDs will have your photo and your date of birth. A driver’s license or passport is the most commonly accepted form of identification. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase cigarettes, and may be asked to show ID to do so.