Category Archives: Dining Hall

What’s the Real Cost of Attending?

Hi everyone!

Recently I was asked how much food for the semester would cost roughly. It all depends what and where you eat, but it’s a good thing to consider! NYC is an expensive place, and it’s good to know what expenses you might encounter when attending. Below I’ve listed out some expenses you might want to consider.

Estimated Food

If you’re on the meal plan, it’s pretty easy to calculate based on the amount of meals you usually eat in a day. You can find that official information at this link.

Personally, I have not been on a meal plan during my time at FIT. I go grocery shopping about once a week at Trader Joe’s and a local shop, and spend about $120 a month on pretty much everything. This will definitely differ person to person, and if you eat out often that can raise the price. A to-go meal near campus is typically $7-12 and a sit down meal is about $20 including tip. But of course, there’s also a McDonald’s near campus as well as a dollar slice place (one slice of pizza for $1). Once again, every person will spend different.

Estimated Travel

Uber and taxis aren’t cheap in the city, but public transit can add up too. An unlimited monthly metro card is $127, and single rides are $2.75 as of time of writing. However there are plenty of things to do around campus within walking distance! Freshman year I walked to my part time job from the dorms. It’s a free “gym” membership – although we do have a real gym on campus you are free to use.

Also, if you live outside the NYC metro area you might want to travel home for holidays and to visit. There’s always flying, but if you live on the east coast many bus companies offer service to Boston, DC and other hot spots. I go home for $55 round trip using one of the many bus services in NYC.

Estimated Learning Materials

I would recommend contacting your professor to see if you really do need the textbook. Sometimes, there are just a few key pages that the professor will photocopy and hand out to the class. Some semesters I didn’t spend a penny on books, others I needed to buy a $100 code to do homework. It is hard to estimate how much you will need to spend on books, but if you buy used books from a friend or online, you can save. Many FIT Facebook groups have students selling past text books for many popular classes.

FIT does offer free tutoring services too. This, coupled with the Writing Studio (an on campus service helping you refine your essays and work) is a great resource provided that you don’t need to spend money on. All of your professors will have office hours where you can go to them directly with questions and for help.

Additionally, especially in the art school, the bulk of your expenses will be for materials and supplies. These depend on your sources and your tastes.

Estimated Entertainment

Movie tickets can run up to $15 in the city, but look for student discounts. Museums also offer some discounted nights. MoMA has free admission for SUNY (which includes FIT) students.

A broadway show can also be a pricey treat but FIT offers raffles where you could end up with tickets as low as $20. Also, look for fun on campus! We now a have new Students Activity Board (SAB) that plans things like carnivals, movie nights and other events that are free for students.

Health and Wellness

FIT has an on campus Health Services office, so if you catch a cold or want a checkup you can schedule an appointment with them. This is paid for up front by a fee added to your semester’s tuition so it’s not technically “free” but you do not need to pay to visit. They even have a meditation session you can book, and an acupuncturist. There is also a gym available for use.

At the end of the day, it’s impossible to give an exact number of how much you will spend attending school. As much as you plan, it is hard to know exactly how much you might need for a semester. Every school will come with expenses outside of tuition, but it is good to get an idea of the costs associated with the location of the campus! Being in NYC has so many perks, but things might cost a bit more than you might expect.

Sam

Eating Smart in NYC

As I sit deciding what I am in the mood to eat for lunch today, I consider the many food options New York has to offer. Of course, when living in the city, I am trying to eat smart for both my health… and my wallet. So what’s to be considered when “meal prepping” in Manhattan? Heres my two cents!
Whenever I am picking something to eat, I know I want it to be clean food, or as clean as possible. I never revert to fast food, although Big Macs are always tempting. What gives fast food appeal is usually how cheap it is. However, there are ways to keep a budget while eating clean.
Whenever I can I always purchase groceries. Cooking is always the cleaner option over any type of pick up food. Now of course, the groceries I purchase are not a week’s worth of frozen pizza; I try to buy healthy, perishable and frozen food so, no matter what I decide to make, it is fresh and a healthy option.
The times I decide to eat out, I opt for the healthy menu item/healthy add ons. Let’s say, for example, I decide to go to the deli and grab a sandwich. Rather than italian bread, I will put my sandwich on whole wheat toast or a wrap. Little changes in your eating can make big changes in the long run. There are so many places to eat in the city that finding a healthy alternative to “junk food” is very doable.
Lastly, I always am looking for a student discount. Many places offer a student discount, but may not have it advertised. Whenever I am eating somewhere, I ask to see if they offer a discount. Usually around a college campus area, small businesses may offer a discount.

These are just a few ways I try to keep healthy on a NYC budget. How do you go clean?
Until next time,
Annmarie X

Fall Goals: What I Wish to Accomplish

It’s that time of year again! The fall season is fast-approaching and I couldn’t be more excited for some change. Aside from the crisp weather, layered fashion and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, I am looking forward to setting high standards for myself and attainable goals this fall season. What better time to better yourself then the beginning of the school year?

Consistent Planning + Organization: Anyone who knows me is certain that I would absolutely lose my mind without my planner! I cannot function without writing a personal agenda, making lists, etc. Although I take the necessary steps to stay organized and on task with my responsibilities, I think I could improve with a daily re-cap at the end of the day to make sure I don’t fall short when it comes to school, work, events, etc.
Meal Prep: As a junior without a meal plan and living in FIT’s upperclassman dorm, Kaufman Hall, cooking is a constant struggle — especially when you are a full-time student with classes until 9:00 pm. Cooking on the weekends and arranging a meal prep routine will allow me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time hitting the books and getting homework done efficiently.
Morning Workouts: With classes day-in and day-out throughout the week, it can be sometimes difficult to find time for myself and my physical health. By starting the day as the sun comes up and getting a good night’s sleep the night before, I will be able to fit time into my busy schedule to exercise and get my body and mind right. Cardio is therapy!

There is never a bad time to make a change and set goals for yourself. I encourage every single one of you to set 3 major goals to accomplish this fall! I’d love to hear all of them in the comments below.

Melinda Batista

How to survive your first day

Starting college is a nerve racking experience. Most people find the first day to be filled with anxiety because they don’t know anyone and there is so much going on, but I promise you will make it through!

The first thing you should do before your classes start is explore campus! Make sure you know where your classes are , where the bathrooms, cafeteria, computer labs, and extra help are located. Just walk around take it all in and get ready to be an official college student.

Next, make friends in your classes! Especially your liberals , they are mixed with tons of different people of all different majors, and grade levels. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone random, trust me they want to make friends just as badly as you do. But if you don’t make any friends right away don’t worry there is plenty of time to join a club, get involved, or introduce yourself to someone out and about other then in class.

One thing that is a must let your parents fuss over you. I know your a college student now but your a college student at FIT and your parents are so beyond proud so embrace It and thank them for encouraging you so much. You will be thankful by your senior year I promise!

Another is pack head phones and a snack for your first day. It is definitely overwhelming at first and you need some down time between classes or even just walking to class to listen to some music or watch a quick episode of something on Netflix. Give yourself a chance to relax and unwind, plus who doesn’t like snacks. Most people think my bag is filled with books, but they thought wrong I have snacks on snacks (haha).

Lastly, wear something your comfortable in. I made the mistake of wearing heels my first day freshman year and my feet were killing me by my second class and I had to get up and introduce myself. I must have looked ridiculous wobbling up to the front of the class. You want to be able to be cool, calm and collected.

Any other suggestions for the first day?

Best of Luck,

Xoxo

Kailee

FIT Food Staples

Compared to any university in NYC, FIT has one of the best locations, centrally located in Manhattan, steps from Penn Station and Port Authority, and a quick walk to the Hudson River. Thankfully, with our amazing location, there is always somewhere to eat! Here are some of the resources and restaurants available to you, all within a 3 block radius!

The Dining Hall
The Dining Hall located in the Dubinsky Student Center has great options from salads and sushi, to pizza, omelettes, fruit, and sandwiches.
Starbucks
Also located in the Dubinsky Student Center is our very own Starbucks. This Starbucks accepts FIT declining balance, cash, and credit cards so you’ll always be prepared to get your morning fix of caffeine!
FIT Express
FIT Express is located in the Marvin Feldman Center lobby and is your quick stop to picking up some fruit, a light snack, or a space to eat before your next class.
Brooklyn Bagel
Something that I ALWAYS tell anyone that is visiting or coming to NYC for the first time is that they have to go to Brooklyn Bagel located on 8th Ave & 25th St. With an array of cream cheese spreads and hand rolled bagels, I can promise you that you’ll be back for more!
Chipotle
Yes, I know, we are in New York City, and it seems absurd for me to recommend Chipotle, but honestly, it’s incredibly conveniently located (7th Ave & 26th St), quick, and satisfying. What more could you ask for?
Fresh & Co
Located right across the street from FIT on 7th Ave, Fresh & Co offers create your own salad and pasta, or choose from several soup and sandwich options.
Whole Foods
Located at 7th Ave and 25th St, Whole Foods is a great resource for lunch! They have incredible options from their hot bar, sushi section, or create your own salad. Special bonus is that you can always get some light grocery shopping done while you’re there. (Be mindful of the prices of groceries. Trader Joe’s/Fairway is a more affordable option)

Ashley