Living in the city for the first time as a college student can become expensive, especially with the lure of upscale stores and restaurants. But Boston University students need not freak about escalating costs – going to college in a city comes with some perks.
“BU Students can get into the MFA and the Institute of Contemporary Arts for free with a BU ID,” said Sua Morales, a College of Arts and Sciences sophomore and programs and operations assistant in the Dean of Students office.
Eateries around town also offer student deals, Morales said, including “the Subway at Warren Towers, which is tax-free for students who show a BU ID and Pizza Days in Allston which offers a student discount.”
So don’t sell an organ just yet – here’s a guide to more inexpensive eats and places off-campus that won’t break the bank.
Cut-rate couture: Artifaktori Vintage
After searching through the racks of H&M and Forever 21, find something unique at Artifaktori Vintage in Beacon Hill.
Since May 2011, Artifaktori has been a treasure trove of antique and wearable clothing that offers pieces from the 1920s to the 1990s.
Tucked away in an underground space amidst other Charles Street boutiques it “offers regular coupons and throws sale parties that encourage customers to come to,” said Amanda Williams, a store stylist.
The vintage store is also a great place to experiment with style.
“We always have fun with the college crowd because everyone is in the midst of developing their style,” Williams said. “It’s really fun to see what they are drawn to, and as you get to know them how their choices change and expand.”
Artifaktori also has a Davis Square location where “much of the customer base is college-aged and many become regulars.”
Where: 121 Charles St., Boston.
T stop: Charles/MGH.
Hours: T-F, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.[b]
Where to hit the books: Boston Public Library
When it’s raining on the BU Beach and Mugar is packed to the brim, head to the public library in Copley Square to study in one of Boston’s historical landmarks.
Best of all, it’s free. No library cards are necessary for access to millions of books and multiple reading rooms.
For those craving the chance to cram in a majestic setting, venture to the Bates Hall reading room – a vaulted room equipped with long oak tables, comfortable chairs and free WiFi, making it the ideal place to study and people watch.
Where: 700 Boylston St., Boston.
T Stop: Copley.
Hours: M-R, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; F and S, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.[e]
Inexpensive eats: Trident Booksellers and Café
Whether shopping on Newbury Street with friends or looking for a quick bite alone, Trident Booksellers is the place to be. Offering breakfast, sandwiches, dinner and dessert, Trident has tasty eats at cheap prices.
With a menu ranging from the “Turvacado” — a sandwich with turkey, avocado, bacon and smoked gouda on rosemary focaccia with spicy mustard, priced at $9.95 — to the CoCo Banana milkshake – priced at $4.95 – the bill can’t be beat.
Where: 338 Newbury St., Boston.
T stop: Hynes Convention Center.
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.
After school theatricals: Brattle Theatre
Harvard Square’s Brattle Theatre is known for screening old and independent films that can satisfy the craving of any film buff. Known to show classic films such as “The Big Uneasy,” “Cape Fear” and “Citizen Kane,”[i] Brattle offers a different experience than AMC or Regal Cinemas.
Although most of the cliental is Harvard University students, BU students can receive a student discount on tickets for $7.75 and socialize with students from other schools.
Where: 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge.
T stop: Harvard Square.
Hours: Vary depending on film times.
Cheap cuts: Crystal Hair Salon
A reasonably priced haircut is hard to find in the city, but BU students looking for a cheap cut can go to Crystal Hair Salon in Packard’s Corner. A cut for males costs about $15 and females spend about $22.
For those who live closer to Kenmore Square, Crystal Hair Salon is worth the trip for anyone who is unwilling to blow $80 on a trim.
Where: 1104 Comm. Ave., Allston.
T Stop: Packard’s Corner.
Hours: M-F, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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