Times are rough my friends. Here are a few tips on how you can hustle your way through NYU and New York when your pockets are feeling a little bare.
1) Participate in Psychology Experiments: I get made fun of for this one, but in all seriousness, participating in an experiment is a great experience for a student, and often very relevant to social work and welfare. I've participated in several experiments with the psych department - some of them have been really easy and short (sometimes you just fil out a survey and they'll give you about 5 to 10 dollars), while others can be more complex. One of the most incredible experiences I had was a cognitive neuroscience experiment where I got to get an MRI and actually see AWESOME photographs of my brain! I won't lie, I was scared at first, but once the experiment started it wasn't bad at all, AND they paid me 50 dollars. Ballin'. Email the researchers using the psych department website, or check out the fliers posted in the Meyer building.
2) Go to the Wasserman Center: Nevermind that it's a great resource for anyone in need of career-related info (you can actually walk right in and there will be counselors who can help you write a cover letter or perfect your resume). This place has FREE coffee and tea. And it's delicious. BYOMug and be earth-friendly.
3) Ticket Central is your friend: Yes, I know, some of their prices are still pretty ridic, but if you sign up on their listserv, they'll hook you up. One time I got free tickets to see The Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway. Score.
4) Don't buy your textbooks: So unnecesary - a ton of our social work books are on reserve in Bobst Library, and (especially for undergrads) it's pretty easy for us to share them since we're a pretty small group. I didn't buy any books for social work classes this semester because they were all so accessible at the library. If there is a book that you need that isn't in the library, try chegg.com. You can rent books instead of buying them, and then send them back at the end of the semester. It saves tons of money.
5) Get your stretch on: Yoga to the People offers yoga classes on a donation basis, and they seriously don't judge you if you can only afford a small contribution, or even nothing at all. The classes are amazing, and an incredible way to recharge from all of our social work stress. If you don't have a mat, you can rent one there for 2 dollars.
Have a wonderful, cheap week :)