While the dorms themselves certainly aren’t the most spacious, going to NYU means expecting lots of visitors. All of your friends from high school and home will be dying to visit your campus and New York City at large. While it is incredibly exciting to share your new home with your best friends, it is often very overwhelming to determine what to do while they are here. Although friend groups may have different interests, here are 10 things I’ve taken my friends to do when they came to visit that were a definite success.
1. Give your friends a tour of campus
While they are here to see New York City’s famous sights, they are also here to visit you and will probably be excited to finally explore all the places you tell them about on Facetime. They will be impressed and shocked that you have classes throughout the Village, and will be amazed by the stunning view from the 10th floor of Kimmel.
2. Empire State Building
Although completely touristy, and completely overpriced, the Empire State Building is a New York City icon. If your friends have never been to the top, it’s worth doing. They will love the mesmerizing views, and it will be a great opportunity for pictures that are definitely Insta-worthy. It’s something that everyone should do once in their life.
3. Bagels
If your friends are anything like mine, they will be more than prepared to binge on the most delicious bagels of their lives. Some great and inexpensive places around campus that are worth trying include Murray’s, Bagel Bob’s, or Space Market (next to Weinstein). Bagel Bob’s and Space Market even offer discounts for NYU students.
4. Get piercings on St. Mark’s
Although your friends’ moms may not be too happy about this, your friends definitely will be! St. Mark’s is a symbol of the East Village, and has some of the best piercing parlors in New York. My friends and I spontaneously decided to get piercings after a night out, and we found ourselves in Addiction Tattoo and Body Piercing where noses, tongues and ears were pierced. They’ll appreciate the convenience of everything and anything being open in the middle of the night here in the Big Apple.
5. Dollar Pizza
After a night out, dollar pizza is the perfect move. Your non-New Yorker friends will be shocked that something that costs four quarters can taste so heavenly! Cheap pizza and friends are all you need in life, after all.
6. Chelsea Market
This is a quirky place to look around, grab lunch and shop for unique finds you wouldn’t be able to attain anywhere else. Your friends will especially love the special jewelry options in Artists and Fleas located at the far end of the market.
7. Central Park
Central Park is the perfect place to take your friends when they are in town. It’s lovely to be outside and wandering around without an agenda. Because it is free, it’s a great alternative if you’re on a tight budget. Plus, long walks offer a great opportunity for long conversations and a chance to just catch up. Some ideas of things to do at Central Park include: the row boats, the Bethesda Fountain, and the Alice in Wonderland statue.
8. Museums
Depending on your friends’ tastes, museums can be a great option for a way to spend a pleasant afternoon together. Most museums offer free admission for NYU students, some of which include the Whitney Museum of American Art and the MoMA. If your friend is trying to save up cash, check out the Met where admission is only a suggested donation. Browsing the artwork will give you a chance to share meaningful conversation while being exposed to new ideas together.
9. Bar Hop
Bar hopping is an adventurous way to give your friends a taste of the bustling nightlife in New York City. They will love to see your go-to hang out spots for weekend nights, and will finally understand why you are so broke after paying $10 for a kamikaze shot.
10. Go out to dinner
Going out to dinner is the ideal way to catch up and offers plenty of time to talk. New York City has some of the best restaurants in the world, and there will be plenty of options for every appetite and diet. Pick a place you like to go to regularly so your friends can get a taste of your New York food life! Overall, don’t forget to enjoy spending time with them, and having a piece of home with you at school.