Being a student and living far from your hometown can be challenging. Balancing all the house chores while doing your class work is truly a superpower that you develop at this stage of your life. But is it really rewarding if at the end of the day you feel stuck in your dorm, making a low-cost grocery list, with a search history full of questions that sound like this: “How to explore Buffalo on a budget?”
Believe it or not, there are a handful of free things to do near BNMC! Whether you spend an afternoon in one of the parks nearby or decide to browse through the shelves of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, make the most out of every money-sensitive situation.
The secret is to know where to look. Just imagine the satisfaction you’ll feel when you return to our apartments near BNMC with your budget-friendly to-do list full. So, buckle up and be ready for a sweet ride, because every young adult in Buffalo should hear these money-saving tips!
How to explore Buffalo on a budget
Nature escape
Buffalo is the home of many cycling trails and if you already own a bike, you’re in luck! Just imagine riding around Niagara Scenic Parkway Trail, wind gently caressing your face, while the mesmerizing view takes your breath away. And while you’re there, a stroll in Whirlpool State Park is a must!
Yes, reconnecting with nature is the go-to option when you’re debating how to have fun in Buffalo without spending much money, and the greenery around the campus is your four-leaf clover!
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Ellicott Street Linear Park: When making your list of green spots, make sure to first stop at Ellicott St. Why here? Because it’s just around the corner, making it the perfect place to escape when you feel overwhelmed by your university to-do list.
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Wilkeson Pointe: If a waterfront view attracts you, come to 225 Fuhrmann Boulevard and relax on Lake Erie’s shore!
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Lakeside Bike Park: In the same area you can get a similar aquatic feeling, but with a twist of bike wheels rolling.
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Veterans Park: On the banks of the Buffalo River, at 1 Naval Park Cove, you can enjoy the marine vibe while observing the historic boats around the promenade!
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Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: Last but definitely not least, visit 2655 South Park Ave and benefit from the Unwind Wednesday offer! Every fourth of the month is $10 admission for everyone, from 10 Am to 8 PM.
Cultural delight
The cultural side of the city is just as alive as the lush one in the parks. Therefore, if there’s a list of things to do in Buffalo for college students, visiting the museum, the art center, or the library better be on it!
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Buffalo AKG Art Museum: Every first Friday of the month, AKG Gallery invites the community to attend interactive art events and activities inspired by the exhibitions.
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Burchfield Penny Art Center: Buffalo State University Students and Faculty members benefit from free entrance—with a valid ID. Moreover, on the second Friday of every month, admission is free for everyone, so mark your calendar and gather your peers for an artistic evening.
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Buffalo & Erie County Public Library: Whether you’re looking for a new study spot or just want to relax surrounded by more books than you can count, 1 Lafayette Square is the address you must check!
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Martin House: Students have the opportunity to book both a general access tour and a self-guided audio tour for $10 each!
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Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium: After you finish your classes at Jacobs School of Medicine, make your way to the planetarium by hopping on Bus 20. The prices are accessible, varying from $3.97 to $6.11!
Having it all in one place is the beauty of living here, and for even more updates on cultural events, CYOA BFLO—aka Choose Your Own Adventure Buffalo—is a local newsletter that will notify you every time the city is on the move!
Even more free student activities in Buffalo
It’s true that all activities that center around how to explore Buffalo on a budget could fill an itinerary and guarantee an exciting day, but what happens after you finish this bucket list? Well, we believe there’s a recurrent activity that could fit into your schedule and complete the picture, while keeping the costs low. Try volunteering! This is the perfect time to support the community that carefully hosts you during your collage years.
At the end of your shift, we advise you to treat yourself, even if it sounds a little contradictory. After all, shopping is definitely not free. But taking your time to transform a dorm room into a home is. A quick visit to White Dog Vintage and Backroomvintage thrift shops on Allen St could open your designer eyes and make you visualize ways of how to decorate a student apartment on a budget.
But if you want your stay in Buffalo to focus on money-saving tips, the easiest way to jazz up your place is by taking pictures. Photograph all the alluring places that you visit, print them out, and fill your walls with memories!
Wrap your day with taste
It is once again time to return home. Your cozy dorm room is waiting to hear all the stories you learned around the city. Your day sure was full! But how about… your stomach? Did you get caught up in the excitement of discovering all the free things you had to do near BNMC?
If that’s the case, we hope you have a little more space on your schedule, because Courtyard Restaurant at 127 Franklin St is easily one of the topmost affordable restaurants near Buffalo Medical Campus. But what would you do if your appetite is more of an early bird than a night owl? The answer can be found on the menus of one of the coffee shops around! The Intersection, Unapologetic Coffee, Overwinter Coffee – Downtown Buffalo, and Jacks Corner Cafe offer meal options alongside their strong cups of Joe! And they’re great study spots as well.
As some last things to keep in mind: be bold, explore as much as you can, and if you still haven’t found your Buffalo home, check out our apartments near BNMC!