Living in New York–one of the most expensive cities in the world–on a college budget isn’t always easy. There can be a lot of pressure to balance a full class schedule, work, friends, and bills, while still finding time to go out. Finding a decently priced cocktail in Manhattan can be a difficult feat, and it often takes multiple nights out to curate an affordable list. 

For some, the worst feeling after a night out is checking their bank account and realizing that the deluxe pack of ramen in the back of their pantry is most likely dinner for the next month. With tight budgets and the stress of upcoming midterms, affordable, fun, and close-to-school happy hours are a necessity.

From least to most expensive, here are seven happy hours that won’t break the bank. 

Mama’s Bar – 34 Ave. B 

Mama’s Bar is a quintessential dive bar with great deals and sociable people. During happy hour, (from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday,) they have four dollar jello shots and an eight dollar beer and shot combo. Patrons dressed in birthday crowns are often given free shots, and other guests will usually join in by buying rounds for the guests of honor. It’s all around good energy and the vibes are super fun. Mama’s Bar is a great place to hangout with friends, located at 34 Ave. B, make sure to check this spot out!

POCO – 33 Ave. B 

POCO is a high energy, hot pink, fabulous bar with amazing deals. On Thursdays, POCO offers five dollar appetizers and six dollar margaritas. This bar is the definition of lively, with fun dance music and a rowdy crowd. The bartenders are super affable and are quick to make your order. Located at 33 Ave. B, try to get there early or make a reservation beforehand. This place fills up quickly

Grey Dog – 90 University Place 

Grey Dog is another nearby spot, but they also have four more locations around the city. This one is located at 90 University Place, and their happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays, and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. With a great cocktail selection and cheap happy hour food deals, Grey Dog is great for grabbing an after class drink with some friends. Their Mexican mule was refreshing and only seven dollars! 

Yuca Bar – 111 Ave. 111 

Yuca Bar is not only located in an incredibly fun area, 111 Ave. A, its prices are unmatched. From 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, Yuca Bar serves nine dollar margaritas, six dollar sangria, and four dollar beers. This bar is usually pretty busy, so try and get there on the earlier side as it tends to get pretty crowded!

The Library

The Library is one of the most affordable and fun happy hours for college students. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. all of The Library’s drinks are buy one get one free. Their staff are some of the kindest around, and their drinks are some of the cheapest. For two tequila sodas the total was ten dollars. If you’re nice the bartenders will often throw in free shots, too! Located at 7 Ave. A in the Lower East side, The Library is a must go spot. 

Sweet and Vicious 

This casual multilevel dive bar is located on the edge of Nolita and SOHO, at 5 Spring St. They play fun and diverse music ranging from artists like Ice Spice to Tame Impala. In the back there’s a large patio with picnic tables lining the wall and plenty of space for friends to get together. Their aperol spritz does not miss, and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. all of their cocktails are discounted between 1-2 dollars of their original price. The patio was filled with laughter, and it’s a great place to grab drinks after a long day. The total for one decently sized and decently strong aperol spritz was 11 dollars. 

El Cantinero

Located only a few blocks away from The New School at 86 University Place, El Cantinero has an incredibly attentive staff and an eclectic drink menu. The restaurant has fun and vibrant decor, with multi-colored string lights hanging from the ceiling and rainbow sunflowers framing the doorways. While this is one of the pricier options for a happy hour near school, their margaritas do not disappoint. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. El Cantinero offers 12 dollar cocktails that are generously poured and expertly mixed. The spicy margarita is both tangy and refreshing, and here’s a pro tip:  make sure to ask for a tajin rim!

Don’t miss out on these happy hour deals! With some of the most welcoming staff and the cheapest drinks, these bars go above and beyond in their service. There’s no doubt that living in New York City as a college student is difficult, but these prices help to take some of the pressure off. Even if it’s just to grab a quick drink after class or work, definitely try and take advantage of all the happy hour deals offered around the city.