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Welcome back to New York City students! We gave you some pretty awesome guides to neighborhoods in New York City, but what about the sub-neighborhoods surrounding Manhattan’s universities? We’ll start this week with Columbia University.

Located on 116^th Street and Broadway, Columbia University is a private Ivy League university on the Upper West Side.  Founded in 1754, it’s one of the nine colonial colleges founded before the Declaration of Independence. And while the Upper West Side is more known for being spacious and residential, there are some seriously awesome places to check out up there. Let’s get started!

OUTDOOR AREAS

Morningside Park: Nestled in the middle of Upper Manhattan lies this gorgeous 30 acre historic park. A great place to have a picnic with friends or catch up on some class readings. Check it out at 90 Morningside Drive, NY, NY.

Grant’s Tomb: The final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. Grant’s Tomb is the most substantial monument in Riverside Park. In the warmer months, stop here for a free jazz concert. W 122nd St & Riverside Drive

BREAKFAST SPOTS

Hungarian Pastry Shop: This place is SO CUTE and great for studying. Plus, they have the best coffee I’ve ever had. 1030 Amsterdam Ave

Tom’s Restaurant: Snap a selfie outside this TV-famous spot. Tom’s Restaurant is the famous diner from Seinfeld! I highly recommend the blueberry pancakes. 2880 Broadway

LUNCH

Community: Healthy, fresh and delicious Community is a great lunch spot! I recommend the Rice Bowl. So good. 2893 Broadway

Amir’s Grill: An awesome place for middle-eastern food. The perfect place for lunch with friends, or bring your parents when they’re visiting! 2911-A Broadway

HANG SPOTS

Culture Tea Bar: Right by Columbia University’s Teacher’s college, this tea spot is awesome! They have bubble tea which is super yum. 3111 Broadway

Book Culture: This place is a great spot to buy and sell your text books. But the shop also regularly hosts reading by Columbia faculty, and is a great opportunity to meet some like-minded students! 450 Amsterdam Ave

DINNER

Massawa: An awesome East African eatery that has traditional Ethiopian food. Show your parents how cultured you are by taking them here for dinner when they visit! 2895 Broadway

Kitchenette: Come here for some post-exam comfort food with friends. This southern style restaurant is cute and casual, with awesome food. 1272 Amsterdam Ave

NIGHT OUT

1020 Bar: This no-frills dive is always popping off on the weekends. Be prepared to wait in line to get in! But it’s worth the wait. 1020 Amsterdam Ave.

The Hamilton: A new elegant cocktail bar just a few blocks from Columbia this is a great place to go get a drink with the girls. Plus, they have really great food! 998 Amsterdam Ave.

LATE NIGHT

There are many options for late night food around Columbia, but the only one worth mentioning is Koronet. Seriously guys, the pizza here is HUGE. One slice is like 4 slices. It’s cash only so bring some dollars! 2848 Broadway

If you’re looking for an apartment near Columbia, No Fee Rentals has great apartments for students! From multi-bedroom shares, to studio apartments we have what you’re looking for, close to school!

Until Next Time!

XO

Steph

It’s hard to feel like your new place is home. I remember the first time I walked through my apartment door and there was that awkward new-apt echo and everything smelled like paint. Transitioning from dorm life to a new apartment can be weird. You go from this tiny room, which you only have half of, and you probably don’t have much stuff! Now you’re expected to fill this new apartment with furniture and somehow make it look like your Pinterest boards… I have to be honest, I got so overwhelmed when I moved into my new place. I just filled it with stuff, because I didn’t want it to be empty! Now a year later, I’m sorting through all of the stuff wondering why I bothered in the first place. So, don’t be like me. Learn from my mistakes and follow this guide on how to make your new NYC apartment feel like home.

Stock Your Kitchen: This might seem like a no brainer, but often this gets over looked. Stock up on all of your kitchen needs like flour, sugar, eggs etc. Here is a VERY helpful list on what to get to stock your kitchen. Also check out No Fee Rental’s very useful guide to organize a small kitchen.

Make Your Living Room Cozy: Clear out all the boxes, set up the furniture, add lots of pillows, blankets and candles. If you’re finding you have too much stuff and it looks cluttered, check out No Fee Rentals guide on how to maximize space in your new apartment.

Create Your Dream Bedroom: Maybe you have a princess net over your bed, or maybe everything is white. This is your first room all to yourself! Make it as dreamy as you possibly can.

Get Your Internet Set Up: There’s nothing more comforting than connecting to your very own WiFi. Opt out of naming it after your name, check out these creative WiFi names!

Get Your Bathroom Set Up: Hang up that shower curtain, stock those shelves with towels (don’t have shelves? Add them!), get your FAV bath products and some soft toilet paper. Nothing says home more than 2-ply.

It’s going to take some time for your new apartment to feel like home, but soon enough it will! If you’re looking to upgrade from dorm life to a beautiful NYC apartment, check out No Fee Rentals! We have one bedrooms, studio’s, multi-bedroom shares, furnished, unfurnished… You name it, we’ve got it… In the best neighborhoods too!

One of the best parts about living in New York City is that some of the best times happen outside of your apartment. The last thing anyone wants to do (myself included) is turn my stove or oven on to cook when it’s already 90 degrees in the kitchen. Unless you’re looking to really get your sweat on, you’re probably looking for some great places to get a bite to eat, or a cool spot to get your sip on.

There is certainly no shortage of restaurants and bars in NYC, but restaurants and bars that are outside? They can be tricky to find! Plus, a lot of the rooftop bars and restaurants can have crazy guest lists and people you’d rather not surround yourself with. So here are my picks for the 7 BEST places to eat and drink outdoors!

The Frying Pan: This Chelsea hot spot is literally on a boat. Known for being a great spot for the singles scene, The Frying Pan has become a sort of rite-of-passage for Manhattan’s post-grad habitants. Check it out at Pier 66 Maritime, W 26^th

Robertas: Well worth the trip into Brooklyn, this pizza place is spot-on when it comes to great food and a relaxed outdoor hang spot. Their funky outdoor bar and patio is right next to a garden where the restaurant grows its own herbs and vegetables! PS This is where Marnie and Charlie got back together on HBO’s hit series, Located at 261 Moore Street, Bushwick.

The Cannibal: Part butcher shop, part bar, part beer store this meat-centric restaurant is top notch. This is a great place for a night out with friends who love meat as much as you do. Located at 113 E 29^th

Jones Wood Foundry: An Upper East Side English gastropub with an outdoor space fit for a garden party. Try their cocktails paired with their amazing British food. Whether you’re a native Upper East Sider or are just visiting for a few hours, be sure to check this place out! Located at 402 E 76^th

Maison Premiere: A gorgeous cocktail bar inspired by historic New Orleans… Be sure to order a dozen oysters and a Sazerac. Go during happy hour for dollar oysters! The gorgeous garden out back is perfect for a solo meal with a book, or a romantic date night. Located at 298 Bedford Ave in Williamsburg.

The Biergarten at The Standard: Huge open-air bar beneath the High Line with communal tables (and ping pong!) This is the perfect spot to hit after perusing through the Chelsea galleries or walking along the High Line. Located at 848 Washington Street.

The High Line: Enter between Little West 12^th and West 18^th Street on the High Line for an outdoor food court featuring artisan food vendors. This is a great place to go if you have people visiting, or if you’re looking to spend an afternoon eating your way through the best food NYC has to offer!

With these awesome places to go you’ll have no shortage of places to get outside in NYC! For more awesome things to do outside in NYC, check out our blog posts from a few weeks ago Summer in New York City and Getting Outside in New York City this Summer! If you’re looking to make the move to NYC, no worries we got you! We have the BEST NYC rentals in the most amazing neighborhoods. From multi-bedroom shares in Greenwich Village to a chic studio on the Upper East Side, No Fee Rentals has it all. Contact us today to find the apartment of your dreams!

Until Next Time!

XO,

Steph

The Lower East Side is the southeastern area of NYC that lies between The Bowery and the East River. It’s bordered by Houston Street to the north and Canal Street to the south.

The Lower East Side has become Manhattan’s trendiest grit-meets-glam neighborhood. One of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, it was once home to a mostly poor immigrant population who came through Ellis Island.  In recent years, gentrification of the East Village has spread south, bringing with it upscale boutiques and an entire menu of super-cool eateries. Tree-lined Clinton Street was described by New York Magazine as the “hippest restaurant row” on the Lowest East Side.

With all that being said, lets dive in and find out the BEST this neighborhood has to offer! We gave you awesome guides to the The Upper West Side, East Village, Chelsea, The Upper East Side and the West Village, but there are more neighborhoods to get to know! And if you’re thinking of renting a No Fee Apartment on the Lower East Side, this guide is for you.

COFFEE

Café Grumpy: One of my favorite places to get coffee! You definitely won’t be grumpy after stopping by here. PS you can get their beans to go! Located at 13 Essex Street.

BREAKFAST

Russ & Daughters Café: The perfect mix of a modern and old world charm. I highly recommend ordering a bagel and lox, with a bloody mary. Located at 127 Orchard Street.

LUNCH

Cheeky Sandwiches: Simple menu with good prices, this lunch spot has awesome sandwiches and an easy going vibe which keeps bringing us New Yorkers back for more! Located at 35 Orchard Street.

STUDY/WORK BREAK

The Lowline: If you are looking for some place SUPER COOL and SUPER FUN to go relax, check out the Lowline, a glimpse into Manhattan’s underworld meets nature. Located at 140 Essex Street.

HAPPY HOUR

Old Man Hustle: This throwback bar is great. Please know, it is NOT a dive bar but their happy hour specials? OMG. $5 Beer and a shot. That, my friends, is a good step to getting through the work week. Located at 39 Essex Street.

DINNER

Goa Taco: This foodies paradise is known to be one of, if not the best taco joint in NYC. Try the lamb taco or the pork belly (tons of yelp reviews raving about it). Note there is limited seating, so don’t come with a big group. *Date Night* Located at 79 Delancey Street.

NIGHT OUT

The Late Late: While the Lower East Side has pretty much an endless supply of fun bars, the funnest of them all has to be The Late Late. Playing childhood jams mixed with the top dance tracks of today this sophisticated hang will be your new go-to spot. Located at 135 E Houston Street.

Looking for some awesome Lower East Side apartment rentals?  Our 25 Clinton Street property offers unfurnished and fully furnished studio apartments—a great option for New York City newcomers who need a place to call home. Just bring your clothes, your friends and get ready

Until next time,

XO

Steph

New York City summertime weather is no joke. If our tips for cooling down your NYC apartment aren’t enough for this coming weekend with scorching temperatures, it may be time to head out of the concrete jungle for some cooler outdoor activities.

1. Rockaway Beach: Just a short ride on the subway, this beach is a famed surf spot and NYC-resident destination. Go for the day or stay overnight at the Playland Motel.
2. Fire Island, L.I.: A quick ride on the LIRR, this no-cars-allowed island is a close paradise that’s an easy day trip. Be sure to swim at Sailors Haven Beach!
3. Sleepy Hollow, NY: Hop on Metro North and check out Philipsburg Manor Upper Mill’s living-history museum. Staffers dress in period costume demonstrating how life used to be, and while it may not cool you down, seeing them sweat in their wool-garb will certainly make your shorts feel just that bit more comfortable.
4. Bear Mountain, NY: Just over one hour from NYC, Bear Mountain offers some awesome hiking, biking, picnic spots, fishing and swimming. Stay at the Bear Mountain Inn, built in 1915.
5. Hudson, NY: I may be partial to Hudson since it is so close to where I grew up, but it is seriously an awesome place for a weekend getaway or just a day trip. You can take Amtrak which is super cushy and nice (plus they have wine), and then just walk into town! Rent an Air BNB with your friends, or stay at the gorgeous hotel, The Barlow… And be sure to check out Helsinki at night for some after-hours fun!

Although the temps in NYC range from a frozen -10 degrees in the winter to a scorching 100 degrees in the summer, there is nowhere else we’d rather call home! NYC is the best place to be, no matter the season. If you’re looking to make the move to our beloved city, No Fee Rentals has the best apartments this city has to offer. From buildings with spectacular views, to studio apartments on the hip Lower East Side, No Fee has it all.

We New Yorkers must be creative, selective and decisive when it comes to decorating our New York City furnish apartment. The size of our apartments, whether it be a studio apartment in Greenwich Village or a two bedroom in Murray Hill, allows our belongings and décor to always be on display. From how many shelves we can squeeze between the door frame and the wall to which hand towels to have hanging in the bathroom, our style choices are all the more important. Luckily for us, there are an abundance of home furnishing stores. Whether you’re looking to organize, highlight some of your personality or do a complete re-design, you can find what you’re looking for at these NYC stores.

Delphinium Home: This one-stop shop offers kitschy housewares and an eclectic array of home items. This is the perfect shop if you’re looking for a quirky item to highlight your personality. Located at 353. W. 47^th Street

Canvas: A NYC staple, Canvas offers statement-making colorful dishware and home accents. Located at 426 Broome Street

Fishs Eddy: Fixture with an eclectic selection of flatware, dishes & glasses from funky to vintage styles. Located at 889 Broadway

Alessi: Shop here for an extremely aesthetically pleasing shopping experience. Alessi started as a kitchenware supply line in Italy and is now furnishing homes with modern décor. Located at 130 Greene Street.

Whisk: This shop shows you how you can stock your tiny NYC kitchen. From cute towels to state-of-the-art espresso machines this shop help turn your kitchen from your shoe storage space, to a organized and functional space. Located at 231 Bedford Ave.

Sharktooth: This hip Williamsburg shop specializes in antique and vintage textiles. All of their pieces are hand-picked and one of a kind. The perfect addition to your growing collection. Located at 111 Grand Street.

It’s definitely a challenge finding the right pieces to decorate your apartment. We’re not all blessed with inner Martha Stewarts, and for some it takes years to figure out what exactly is your style. If you’re looking for your first canvas (a new apartment), No Fee Rentals has a TON of awesome apartments available in the best neighborhoods. Take this gorgeous newly renovated penthouse apartment in Greenwich Village! Or if you’re looking for something a little more practical, check out this awesome two bed room apartment in the East Village with its own private garden!