7 CMU Hangouts and NYC Equivalents

Being my second year after graduating from Central Michigan University, I can’t help but always draw comparisons of my current surroundings to those of my college past. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of prominent CMU hangout spots with similar spaces in New York City. I thought this could provide some context for any CMU students who plan on visit the city or move for internships and jobs.

1. Wayside Central: It can be the best of nights or the worst of nights. We all know this CMU staple and can probably tell a great story about something out of the ordinary that has gone on there. I was always a culprit of dancing in the cages myself. Who says those are for girls only, that’s complete sexism. By the time you’re a senior, it’s the one bar you say you’ll never go to on a weekend; that is until you have a few too many Fireball shots and decide you want to dance.

Webster Hall/Pacha – With the exception of overpriced drinks, these two places hit the nail on the head when it comes to a comparative spot. Think loud music, crowds and highly intoxicated patrons ranging predominantly from 18-30. Both are considered night clubs, but often have musical acts and DJs in to perform. If you show up after midnight, don’t expect to be comfortable. These places turn into a hot, sticky swamp fest faster than you can say “Fuck Western” (trust me I tested it once).

2. Student Activity Center: If you are looking for a place to work out, play IM sports or just lounge around in the pool, the SAC is the place to be. I recall a few IM championships in that building (check the lower-level gym wall for proof).

NY Sports Club/Equinox/Planet Fitness: As far as working out goes in NYC, these are your three best options with locations all across the city. For those of you who have a bit more money, (the Copper Beach types) NY Sports Club and Equinox offer a higher-end gym experience with personal trainers and the occasional swimming pool, which is a rarity in New York. Planet fitness is for all of you normal folk with a price tag of $10 per month, but don’t expect anything glorious except free pizza on Mondays, which kind of defeats the purpose of a gym in my opinion.

3. Island Park: During the warmer months, which are few and far between in Michigan, Island Park offers a great spot for volleyball, picnics and CMU’s unofficial campus sport, tubing. During my four years on campus, I spent many days there (some not so clear after an afternoon on the Chip) working out, attending events or just relaxing, but what was I to do entering the concrete jungle of NYC?

McCarren, Prospect and Central Park: If there is one thing New York has an abundance of, it’s parks. If you’re looking to do everything and then some, these three parks have you covered. The big two on the list are Prospect of Brooklyn and of course Central Park, but McCarren also offers a great space for those of us living near Williamsburg. Besides the beautiful scenery and great views of the city, there are so many things to take in at these parks. I once saw a roller disco of men in speedos. I nearly stripped down and joined them, but that’s a story for another day.

4. Downtown Bars: Many students, who are of legal age of course, love making the trip down Main Street to enjoy a beverage or twelve. The Bird, Marty’s, Blackstone and Blue Gator are the typical spots serving up the ever-popular $2 doubles, fishbowls and $1.50 Bud Lights. These may not be the classiest establishments, but with good friends and cheap drinks, you can’t go wrong.

Williamsburg: If you’re sick of paying $8 for a beer, Williamsburg has plenty of hangouts serving up drinks at affordable prices. My beverage of choice is usually a Budweiser and shot of whiskey for $5. Like downtown Mt. Pleasant, these bars are for people that don’t feel like dressing up to go out. They’re more about the clientele, rather than serving over-priced drinks to make people feel like they have some sort of status. A few bars in Williamsburg even give you the opportunity to bring your dogs along to enjoy a drink. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, I suggest checking out Skinny Dennis, Rosemary’s and Union Pool.

5. Kelly Shorts, Events Center and Theunissen Stadium: If you’re a CMU sports fan or just an avid tailgater, you’ve obviously been to one of these sporting complexes on campus (sober or not). One of the best perks about being a student at CMU is the opportunity to watch all sporting events for free. I’m still upset I never made it to a gymnastics meet (sigh).

Citi Field, Yankee Stadium, MetLife Stadium and Madison Square Garden: New York is a mecca for sports teams with two professional baseball, basketball, football and hockey teams. During the overlap months in professional sports, there are tons of opportunities to see at least one sporting event per week. I’m not a New York sports fan, but I did have the chance to see my Cincinnati Reds play the Yankees and the Mets this season. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to watch the Cavilers dominate the Knicks and Nets this winter.

6. Down Under Food Court: Once you get sick of the residential restaurants, or live off campus, the Down Under becomes a staple of your diet. I was always a fan of the nachos, but would sometimes settle for the pasta, salad or burgers. It was always convenient to be able to grab some good food and hang out with friends or study between classes.

Smorgasburg: To escape the typical dining scene in New York, many residents flock to Smorgasburg, a gathering of all things food. Vendors roll into a few different locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan where people can try different food offerings inspired by cultures around the world. Did I also mention that local brewers are there with beer? It’s a little pricey, but worth the opportunity to try unique food offerings from local chefs. You can also pick up crafts and artwork from local designers and artists.

7. Riverwood: If you’ve been bowling or golfing in Mt. Pleasant, you’ve probably been to Riverwood. With a number of different bowling leagues, live music and cheap golf, it’s a great spot to blow off some steam. I still enjoy seeing the pictures of my friends during their drunken “bad bowler Mondays” league and can remember my fair share Happy Gilmore swings and gutter balls from my time spent there.

Brooklyn Bowl and Chelsea Piers: Brooklyn Bowl is a unique bowling alley and concert venue located right next door to the Brooklyn Brewing Company in Williamsburg. It brings in big acts and gives you the opportunity to bowl while still having a great view of the show. Show tickets are usually reasonably priced (around $25) and beers are about five bucks, so it’s a great alternative to seeing a show at other music venues in the area. Chelsea Piers offers a driving range on the shore of the Hudson River in Manhattan. It’s basically a gigantic net looking out of the river to Jersey City. If you’re looking to get in a few swings in on your lunch break, this is basically your only option with the exception of putt-putt.

Making It In New York In Your 20’s

It’s been called the city that never sleeps, and trust me, after living here, you truly realize that. No matter what time it is, there is always something going on in New York City and that’s what makes everyday here such a crazy adventure. Whether you’re stumbling through the Meatpacking District at 4a.m. or strolling through Central Part at noon, there is always something new to discover, whether it be food, art, music or just the plethora of different people. Now, many people dream of moving to the Big Apple, but do you think you could cut it? They say if you can make it here you can make it anywhere and below are my tips for you to make it out alive.

1. Do Your Research: You may think everything in New York is super overpriced, but many people who visit the city flock to the touristy areas where you are sure to break the bank. Hit the Internet or better yet, talk to some New Yorkers and find out where they routinely dine, shop and go out. They can steer you in the direction of attractions that cater to your wallet. The same thing holds true when it comes to apartment shopping. Yes you will be spending more money than you are used to on housing, but you can find nice, reasonably priced places to live if you put a little time in and keep your ear to the ground.

2. Make Your Own Judgements: I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to do something in the city with an impression already in my head and then have had my mind changed completely after the fact. Many think Brooklyn and Harlem are rough areas, but if you actually explore these boroughs, there are actually some very nice neighborhoods. Personally, I like the feel of Brooklyn more than Manhattan, but you need to find the neighborhood that fits you best.

3. Go Out: You never find new opportunities or friends without stepping outside of your apartment. There is so much to explore in the city that you can never say there is nothing to do. Going out can lead to new friends, experiences and networking opportunities. You never know when you might run into someone who could change your entire career or life forever. It doesn’t hurt to always have some business cards on the ready.

4. Make Your Own Food: The quickest way to burn a hole in your pocket in the city is to eat out too regularly. As there are reasonable places to eat, they will still cause you to spend vastly more money than dining in. On average, you spend about $10 per day on lunch eating out, so packing everyday at your job can save you hundreds. Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the cheapest things to buy, whether it be at Whole Foods or from the street cart on 3rd Avenue, so make sure they are a good part of your diet.

5. Find A Job: You’ve got to make money in this place somehow, whether it be working a nine-to-five, bussing tables or selling your street art in Bushwick. Use LinkedIn and other social sites to help hone in on contacts that can help you in your job search and reach out to them. The best case scenario is to have something lined up before you move here, but I know plenty of people who just up and moved without any type of plan (and some of them are still alive).

6. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff: Moving to the largest city in the country can be quite a shock, whether it be adjusting to the cost of living or trying to take in cultures so different from your own. You will have a breakdown at some point, but just remember to take a breath and realize tomorrow is another day. It can sometimes take thick skin to live here, but as long as you can brush off the little things, you’ll be just fine.

I’m now closing in on eight months in the city and have finally come to realize that this is my home. There is no more running to people for help or parents there to provide guidance and that much needed bar money. As I continue this journey that I call my life, I will continue to post helpful tips or just the randomness that inhabits my brain.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter (@brockthatcher) or shoot me a email at brock.s.thatcher@gmail.com if you have any suggestions for future posts.

That’s all for now. Stay classy.