Eva's   (Photo: Hannah Whitaker/New York Magazine )

New York University
Greenwich Village

Su Casa   (Photo: Jason Howard/Courtesy of Su Casa)

Blow Off Steam
“Su Casa (404 Sixth Ave., nr. 8th St.; 212-677-6097) has no cover and the music is always really fun. It’s a hidden little place on top of a Qdoba restaurant. The margaritas come in 16-ounce mason jars ($14).”

The Happening Bar
“Blind Tiger Ale House (281 Bleecker St., at Jones St.; 212-462-4682) is the best place for local beers (from $5 at happy hour; weekdays til 8 p.m.). They’ll often serve free cheese from Murray’s.”

Local Delicacy
“The exterior of Eva’s (11 W. 8th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-677-3496) doesn’t look much like a restaurant, but the food is obscenely cheap: amazing falafels for $2.15 and huge vegetarian meals for $4.”

Dinner Plus Leftovers
“Milon (93 First Ave., at Sixth St.; 212-228-4896) is an Indian restaurant with tasty banana pakoras and endless varieties of curry (from $5.50). You have to tell them it’s your birthday—just trust me.”

Hang, Read, Drink Coffee
“Ost (441 E. 12th St., at Ave. A; 212-477-5600) gets a little crowded, but it’s great for people-watching. Plus, fun baristas and really good hot chocolate ($3).”

Drugstore
“C.O. Bigelow (414 Sixth Ave., nr. 9th St.; 212-473-7324) is way more fun than your average chain. It’s more of an old-time apothecary, but you can still get your prescriptions filled in the back.”

Stylish Accessories
“Aldo (700 Broadway, at 4th St.; 212-982-0958) has good going-out shoes and boots for romping around campus. They have regular sales.”

Liquor Emporium
“Warehouse Wines & Spirits (735 Broadway, nr. Waverly Pl.; 212-982-7770) sells $4 bottles of André Champagne and all sorts of vodka. A good place to stock up for a party.”

Bookstore
“Shakespeare & Co. (716 Broadway, at Washington Pl.; 212-529-1330) has got that old musty bookstore smell. The whole place is just fun to get lost in.”

Yoga Studio
“Jivamukti (841 Broadway, nr. 13th St., 2nd fl.; 212-353-0214) has great student discounts. The classes are in a huge room with a beautiful view of the city.”

Movie Theater
“There’s nothing Hollywood about the IFC (323 Sixth Ave., at 3rd St.; 212-924-7771). It even makes the Angelika on Houston Street look mainstream.”

Late-Night Munchies
“All Ray’s are not equal. The sauce at the Sixth Avenue one (465 Sixth Ave., nr. 10th St.; 212-243-2253) is the best (regular slice, $2.75).”

Karaoke Bar
“You don’t have to rent a room at Sing-Sing Karaoke (9 St. Marks Pl., nr. Third Ave.; 212-387-7800). You can just go there and sing along. It’s $2 a song, with a free song per drink.”

Bar Games
“Ace Bar (531 E. Fifth St., nr. Ave. B; 212-979-8476) has darts, pool, skeeball, and a really cool collection of vintage lunch boxes on the wall that are fun to look at.”

Sandwich Shop
“Gracefully (28 Ave. A, nr. 2nd St.; 677-8181) has super sandwiches: The Hummy ($5) literally comes with an entire avocado.”

Pickup Spot
“The Sunburnt Cow (137 Ave. C, nr. 9th St.; 212-529-0005) has some hot Australians behind the bar. Go on a slow night, and you might get free drinks if you flirt a little.”

Happy Hour
“The drinks at Cooper 35 (35 Cooper Sq., nr. 6th St.; 212-375-9195) are ridiculously strong and only $3 (5–7 p.m., Mon. to Thurs.). After that, they’re $4— so you’ll still be happy.”

Budget Date
“During happy hour at Sweet Revenge (62 Carmine St., nr. Bedford St.; 212-242-2240), you can get a glass of sangria and a cupcake for $10.”