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LIM College NYC Budget Series: Williamsburg

posted by LIM College

by Edel Singh

Edel_Billyburg_250One of the great things about going to LIM College and being a LIM College student living in NYC is the fact that the whole world is just a subway ride away. The best part is that no matter how far you need to go, whether it’s to Midtown or Coney Island, the subway still costs the same. Yes, the city is total madness, and expensive, but it’s possible to have a blast on a budget. 

I’ve lived in New York for almost two-and-a-half years now, and being thoroughly sick of finding out what to do in Manhattan, I have learned to appreciate the other boroughs. NYC is made up of five boroughs, and you can’t call yourself a New Yorker until you’ve been to all of them.

It’s hard to move from a smaller city or town to NYC, and getting comfortable outside the designated area you’re in every day takes time. I even know people that have lived in NYC for over a year, without ever visiting the Upper West Side. That’s about one-fifth of Manhattan.  

I love exploring new places, and have therefore decided to share my experiences through a segment called the NYC Budget Series. Just because we are broke students doesn’t mean that we have to stay isolated in a dorm room and live off of half-cooked ramen and cold pizza.

Cafe_Billyburg_250

Williamsburg is quite the sight. The whole area is packed with thought-provoking murals, unusual vintage stores and cozy coffee shops. In addition to being less packed than Manhattan, it provides a peaceful and laidback atmosphere. first place I want to urge you to visit is Williamsburg. If you’re feeling extra ballsy, take a walk from Bushwick to Williamsburg. These are two areas in Brooklyn that are going through severe gentrification, making them even more expensive than most neighborhoods in Manhattan. 

Nutella_Tree_250

As Captain America said, “I don’t think I can afford a place in Brooklyn.” But just because we don’t live there, doesn’t mean we can't enjoy it.

If you need a getaway, and Central Park just isn’t doing it for you anymore—Brooklyn is the place to be. It’s amazing how different it is from Manhattan. I mean, where else could you find a Nutella tree? The demographic is also significantly younger than Manhattan, with a stress-free aura, a solid caffeine-high and powered by ice cream, kale and chia seeds.

So how do you get there? The easiest way is to take the L train from anywhere on 14th St. (Union Square, 6th Ave or 8th Ave). Bedford is the first stop in Brooklyn, and ’'is a place where you can stay for hours. There is everything from coffee shops, vintage stores, ice cream shops and rooftop restaurants. If you walk towards the East River (use Google Maps), you’ll see a breathtaking view of the Manhattan Skyline. Check it out!

Billyburg_Mural 

Topics: New York City, student life, Student Advice

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