According to google the minimum salary required to live comfortably in New York City is around $95,000 per year. This includes a comfortable one-bedroom apartment, food, transportation, other basic expenses, and some discretionary spending. A while this is just the average it is still a shocking number. As a college student living full time in the city I am going to attempt to find free or affordable activities to do in the city. I will also be sharing my own personal hacks to keep costs down and save money for things I really want. 

1. CENTRAL PARK, This free activity is one anyone can do and probably everyone has done, go to central park. It is the biggest park and has been described by some as the 'best park in the world'. The best thing however about central park is that it is free, take a book and a blanket or just people watch. This is a great way to spend an afternoon and not spend a dime. 

2. THE HIGH LINE, This is an amazing way to spend a day the high line has some of the best views of New York city, close ups to stunning buildings as well as a cool way to see the city and avoid traffic. The High line also has a deep history "Believe it or not, the High Line was once destined for demolition. Luckily, the community rallied together to repurpose it instead, creating the park you see today, for everyone to enjoy. It has since become a global inspiration for cities to transform unused industrial zones into dynamic public spaces." This a great completely free way to spend a day or an afternoon. 

3. LITTLE ISLAND @PEIR 55, this was by far my favourite free activity I have done so far the little island is pretty secluded and has views across the whole city and on a clear day you can see the statue of liberty. The island has lots of seating to bring a book or do some work or just to sit for a minute. I went in the peak of the summer heat so it was very busy however it does clam down when it gets cooler. 

Overall, my first 2 weeks in New York have been an adjustment but a very fun one, I have done more walking than I ever thought possible because the cheapest mode of transport is your feet. So far I have loved seeing the sights and trying all these amazing areas of the city.