Arts in New York

Lodging in NY – Staying for Free

Staying for free is the most difficult option. It would probably involve cobbling a stay out of different options, unless you get a place to house-sit.

HOUSE SITTING: Ask everybody you know if they know anybody living in New York or New Jersey that needs someone to take care of their home. You never know!!!

FRIENDS: You can ask a friend to stay with them for a few days. But, remember the saying… “Guests are like fish, after three days…”

COUCH SURFING: Couch surfing is a popular possibility for short stays. You create a profile on a website, then you get access to the listings where people offer free lodging. You need to be careful and very patient. It may affect genders differently: sometimes the conditions are marginal or the host can be sketchy. Sometimes you get a comfy bed, a clean apartment and a friendly host. It works for two to three days at a time, so cobbling a six-week stay out of couch surfing might be VERY tricky. But, then, you never know…Ah! There is always house sitting, too.