Performance in a pandemic: How Yale artists adapted to life during COVID
One of the COVID-19 pandemic’s many harsh impacts has been its stifling effect on live performance. From the days when Broadway went dark to the crash of the arts economy that followed, performers worldwide have felt the consequences of the pandemic over the past two years.
The same has also been true at Yale, which is home to dozens of performance groups, not to mention hundreds of students whose academic curricula require honing their skills in front of live audiences.
But, as they say, the show must go on. And from the earliest days of the pandemic, through the recurrent waves, Yalies have taken creative steps to keep performance alive, exploring ways to engage in their craft — and connect with audiences — in safe and meaningful ways.
This spring, the campus has enjoyed a slow return of live performance, from the reopening of the Yale Repertory Theatre in February to in-person concerts at Yale School of Music. But the process has been a slow, unsteady one, forcing students, faculty, and staff to find innovative ways to convene with each other and communicate their art to audiences. They’ve produced online plays, staged virtual musical collaborations, recorded dance videos, and devised strategies that allowed technical crews to operate remotely.
More than two years since stages went quiet, we take a look back at some of these ways the Yale community found to keep performing.
“Together, we adapted,” said Yale School of Music Dean Robert Blocker. “And with the help of technology and even the availability of outdoor spaces on our campus, our students have been able to continue their impassioned work, albeit in less-than ideal circumstances.”
Finding the ‘mood in a Zoom room’
For the Theater and Performance Studies program, whose mission is grounded in live, embodied transmission of knowledge, the pandemic presented obvious and immediate barriers. During the first year of the pandemic, including the entirety of the 2020-21 school year, social distancing requirements prevented artists from rehearsing onstage and performing before audiences in theaters.
So in February, 2021, Emily Coates, professor in the practice of Theater and Performance Studies, helped launch a new project. “Transpositions: Dance Poems for an Online World” gave artists work and creative outlets, while fostering connections for students through space.
Created in collaboration with the Yale Dance Lab — a faculty-directed, co-curricular arts research initiative — in partnership with the Yale Schwarzman Center, the project connected students with 16 professional choreographers to create digital “dance poems.”
“The project helped us learn more about what the virtual space can and can’t do,” said Coates, who has a secondary appointment in the directing program at the David Geffen School of Drama. “‘Space-eating,’ a stage practice that enables performers to fly across a stage, which makes dance spectacular — is not an option, squeezed in a bedroom, dancing between your bed and dresser!”
But Coates and the other Transpositions collaborators found surprising possibilities of dancing on Zoom.
“Energy exchange is possible over Zoom — that was a clear lesson,” Coates said. “You can feel the mood in a Zoom room, and you can tune in to what another mover is putting out into the space, even on mute, by really listening to their energy.”
Theater Studies professors Nathan Roberts and Elise Morrison also explored some of the profound possibilities of digital performance. The pair co-taught a course during the spring semester in 2021 year called “Alone Together: Live Performance during COVID-19.”
“When Broadway shut down in March 2020, it didn’t seem clear how performance would continue,” Roberts said. “Elise and I noticed there were an astonishing amount of creative performance that occurred in the eight months immediately after that moment that was really worthy of attention and study.”
The course analyzed past digital works and culminated in an original live performance by two students over Zoom. The performance, titled “Camera-Ready,” explored themes of surveillance through a “choose your own adventure” style plot, allowing the audience to make choices that would influence the paths the show could take.
“Our hope in creating this class was to help students understand that the work emerging in the midst of the global pandemic was extraordinary, but that it was actually a continuation of a long lineage of digital performance,” Roberts said.
In his role as production manager for the curricular Theater Studies season, Roberts and his colleague, Technical Director Tom Delgado, helped students and faculty use technology to create an innovative and robust virtual theater season during the pandemic.
Working with Yale Information Technology Services, they set up remote network systems so that individual actors could access the theater while stage and tech crews worked remotely. These systems allowed directors, lighting designers, sound engineers, and stage managers to control digital equipment far from the stage.
In fact, for one show — a senior project by Chayton Pabich Danyla ‘21 called “Flores caídos” — a stage manager triggered lighting, sound, and camera cues using his smartphone. At the time he was in California. For this show, Pabich Danyla was allowed to work unmasked, in total isolation in the theater, while all other collaborators worked remotely. This show, which premiered in October 2020, was the first senior project of the 2020-2021 season, and the department’s first attempt at a virtual production.
“Our students are developing skills that are going to serve them in their work beyond Yale, because they’ve been practiced in crafting digital theater,” said Roberts. “It’s going to be another tool they can draw upon in making their own work marketable to producers, designers and directors.”
Finding silver linings
During the first year of the pandemic, student extracurricular groups also used hybrid formats. Rhythmic Blue, Yale’s hip hop-inspired dance group, learned dances on Zoom and recorded videos of their group dancing in-person and distanced in Beinecke Plaza. The group shared videos on social media, creating a series of virtual dance numbers.
“While connecting and dancing over Zoom was lovely, nothing beats moving together and feeding off each other’s energy in real life,” said Ke’ala Akau ’22, who served as co-president of Rhythmic Blue last year. “[But] during a time that often felt so physically isolating, I cherished the opportunity to simply be with people.”
The hybrid experience revealed some other silver linings.
“Learning movement over Zoom comes with its own challenges such as impaired visibility of the choreographer, directionality challenges, and missing out on nuances in the choreographer’s quality of movement,” Akau said. “This made it difficult to exactly match the choreographer. However, I believe these changes allowed for more interesting, stylistic interpretation of the movements which, as a choreographer, I loved seeing.”
This year, members of Rhythmic Blue were able to resume in-person semester showcases with reduced capacity and masked dancers and audience members.
COVID-19 also disrupted Yale’s vibrant a cappella community. By developing careful public health procedures, however, campus groups were able to resume in-person performances this spring.
The Yale Singing Group Council (SGC), an umbrella organization for a cappella groups led by four senior co-chairs, helped make it possible for a safe return to in-person singing by crafting protocols. This year’s season kicked off in early September with a hybrid concert in Sheffield-Sterling-Strathcona Hall featuring 16 groups singing before prospective group members.
“The excitement and enthusiasm for a cappella from groups and prospective members this year was unlike any other I’ve seen,” said Grace Larrabee ’22, a SGC co-chair who is a member of the group Whim ‘n Rhythm. “The a cappella community on Yale’s campus is so special. I felt honored to have been a part of its return.”
All together now
During the 2020-21 school year, rehearsals for the Yale Symphony Orchestra (YSO) were performed virtually on Zoom, with groups of musicians split up by instrument.
Last fall, however, musicians were able to rehearse live and in real time, wearing masks. Featuring 93 members, the orchestra performs four concerts per year, plus specialty concerts such as the Halloween Show and a joint “Messiah” concert with the Yale Glee Club. Tickets for this year’s Halloween Show, which was held in person with restricted capacity, sold out in under a minute.
“The fact that musicians are able to gather in one place and make music again was a breath of fresh air,” said Supriya Weiss ’24, student president of YSO.
A few weeks into rehearsal last fall, Weiss relished the energy of returning to performance. “You can hear the excitement of the orchestra in every note we play. More than anything, this past year showed me the unwavering resilience of our musicians.”
At the Yale School of Music, during the early months of the pandemic students relied on online instruction and outdoor rehearsals in response to public health restrictions, said Dean Robert Blocker.
Now, nearly two years later, the School of Music is inviting audiences to witness the extraordinary musical gifts of students in person once again. Concerts at the Yale School of Music, which are held in venues such as Sudler Recital Hall, Morse Recital Hall, and Woolsey Hall, are now open to members of the public who are asymptomatic and vaccinated.
“Performing for live audiences is what drives and motivates us, and it is what inspires and offers hope to our audiences,” Blocker said. “For our students, whose optimism and spirit gave us the confidence to find a way forward during seemingly impossible conditions, this moment is well deserved.”
Article originally published at YaleNews: https://news.yale.edu/2022/05/06/performance-pandemic-how-yale-artists-adapted-life-during-covid
10 Profitable Businesses You Can Start With Under $500
Starting your own business is a dream for many, but the misconception that it requires a large initial investment often holds people back. The reality is that with the right idea, a laptop, and a strategic plan, you can launch a profitable business without breaking the bank. It takes time and hard work, but it is very possible. Countless business opportunities are just a click away. You can leverage your skills, creativity, and available resources to create thriving ventures from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, a side hustle, or a full-time income, these opportunities cater to a variety of interests and skill sets.
The secret to success lies in choosing a business that aligns with your skills and passions, as well as understanding your target market and how to reach them. With an initial budget of under $500, you can easily get started by investing in affordable tools, strategic marketing, and a bit of dedication. Here are the top 10 lucrative businesses you can start with minimal startup costs, empowering you to take that first step toward financial independence and entrepreneurial freedom.
So, if you’re ready to transform your career and start a business journey that suits your lifestyle, dive into these business ideas that require only a laptop and a plan. Each one has the potential to grow from a small venture into a successful source of income—all while keeping startup costs low.
Social Media Management Company
Digital marketing has created an ever-growing demand for social media managers. Small businesses, influencers, and even established brands need help maintaining a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. This is where you come in.
To start, all you need is a laptop, an internet connection, and an understanding of popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Numerous free resources and online courses can teach you the basics of social media strategy, content creation, and analytics. Using proxies can be helpful for advanced strategies like managing multiple accounts or accessing region-specific content. Proxies help you manage different client accounts securely and avoid being flagged for activity that appears automated.
With your newfound expertise, you can offer services like content scheduling, community engagement, and performance tracking. Your initial expenses may include a few essential tools: a social media scheduling tool (many offer free versions), basic graphic design software like Canva, and advertising for your services. The rest is about building relationships, showing results, and leveraging word-of-mouth marketing to grow your client base.
Freelance Writing Services
If you have a flair for words, freelance writing can be an excellent business to start with minimal upfront investment. The demand for content—whether for blogs, websites, or marketing materials—continues to grow as companies strive to engage their audiences.
Getting started requires just a computer, internet access, and some samples of your work. If you don’t have any published pieces, create sample articles or guest posts for free to build your portfolio. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn can help you land your first clients. Over time, specializing in niche industries like technology, health, or finance can increase your earnings.
Expenses might include setting up a simple website to showcase your portfolio and basic tools like Grammarly for proofreading and a plagiarism checker. You can invest in more sophisticated resources to streamline your process as you gain more clients.
Virtual Assistant Business
As businesses look to streamline their operations and cut costs, virtual assistants (VAs) have become highly sought after. VAs can provide services like email management, scheduling, data entry, and customer service, making this an ideal business for someone organized and tech-savvy.
Starting a VA business requires a laptop, an internet connection, and good communication skills. Platforms like Indeed and freelance job boards offer opportunities to connect with potential clients. You can also market your services on social media and network in business groups.
The initial costs are low, with optional expenses including productivity tools to manage tasks efficiently and a simple invoicing tool. As your client base grows, you can offer more specialized services like bookkeeping or project management, significantly increasing your income.
Online Tutoring Services
If you know a particular subject well or have teaching experience, online tutoring can be both fulfilling and profitable. The demand for virtual tutoring has surged, especially as more students and parents seek flexible learning options.
Starting this business requires only your laptop, a stable internet connection, and video conferencing software like Zoom or Google Meet. Tutoring platforms can help you get started with clients, or you can market your services directly through social media and community groups.
You may need to invest in some initial supplies, like a good microphone, headset, and educational materials. Specializing in high-demand subjects like math, science, or test prep can increase your hourly rate and client base.
Dropshipping Store
Dropshipping allows you to run an e-commerce store without the need to hold inventory. You simply create an online store and partner with suppliers, and they handle the fulfillment while you focus on marketing and customer service.
To start a dropshipping business, you’ll need a laptop, an internet connection, and a platform like Shopify. These platforms often have free trials and affordable starter plans. Your main cost will be any marketing efforts, like running ads on social media or Google.
This business model is appealing because it reduces financial risk and logistical worries. But success depends on selecting the right niche products and consistently promoting your store to drive traffic and sales.
Graphic Design Services
Starting a graphic design business is a great option if you have a knack for design and basic knowledge of software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs require visual content for marketing, logos, or social media.
Starting with free or affordable design tools can keep your initial costs low. Building a portfolio is essential, and this can be done by offering free or discounted services to friends or small businesses. Once you’ve built a reputation, you can start charging competitive rates for projects.
Your expenses may include upgrading to paid design software, purchasing domain hosting for a professional portfolio website, and running targeted ads to attract clients. Your ability to provide quality designs quickly can set you apart in the competitive market.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral. This business can be run from anywhere with just a laptop, making it highly attractive for those looking for a flexible side income.
You should choose a niche that interests you and build a basic website or blog. This will serve as a platform to share reviews, tips, and affiliate links. There are many free blogging platforms or affordable web hosting options available to keep costs low.
Monetizing the website involves joining affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or niche-specific partnerships. Your income potential will expand as traffic grows and you build trust with your audience.
Consulting Services
Starting a consulting business can be highly lucrative if you have specialized expertise in areas like business, finance, HR, or IT. Consulting allows you to share your knowledge with clients and help them solve problems or achieve goals, which can be really rewarding.
Getting started requires creating a basic website to outline your services and packages. Use professional networking sites like LinkedIn to find your first clients. The key to success is marketing your services effectively and demonstrating your value through case studies or client testimonials.
Initial investments may include setting up a professional LinkedIn profile, creating a simple website, and possibly purchasing a scheduling tool for client appointments. You can easily scale this type of business as you gain more clients and credibility.
Content Creation
Creating content on platforms like YouTube can be a lucrative business if approached strategically. Popular niches include tutorials, vlogs, reviews, personal finance, and niche educational content.
All you need is a decent camera, which could be your phone, a laptop for editing, and free or low-cost video editing software like DaVinci Resolve. Start with content that showcases your interests or expertise to build a following. As your channel grows, you can monetize through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Costs are low initially, but you may consider investing in better recording equipment and editing software as your channel gains traction. The key to success is consistency and understanding your audience’s preferences.
Reselling on Online Marketplaces
Reselling involves buying items at a low cost and selling them for a profit on platforms like eBay. This business can be ideal if you enjoy thrifting or have an eye for valuable items. Initial costs include purchasing inventory from thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance sales, as well as any packaging materials needed for shipping. A laptop is essential for managing listings, sales, and communication with buyers.
Over time, you can scale by focusing on a specific category, like vintage clothing or electronics. Leveraging social media to promote your items and build a customer base can also enhance profitability.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business with less than $500 is not only possible but can be highly rewarding with the right approach. The 10 business ideas outlined—from social media management to online tutoring—demonstrate how to leverage your skills, passion, and a simple laptop to create a profitable venture.
The key is to choose several income sources that align with your interests, invest in essential tools and resources, and consistently deliver value to your clients or customers. With determination, strategic planning, and adaptability, these low-cost startups can become substantial income streams, setting you on the path to long-term entrepreneurial success.
Elephant Learning Seeing Success Teaching Mathematics as a Language
Dr. Aditya Nagrath PhD has helped over 150,000 students over the last seven years.
According to a study by Heckman (2006), early age education has the highest return rate on investment. Children in disadvantaged communities with investment in early age outcomes had higher rates of high school graduation, higher salaries, higher percentages of home ownership, lower rates of receipt of welfare assistance as adults, fewer out-of-wedlock births, and fewer arrests than control groups.
“Investment in early mathematics education leads to even higher returns on investment,” says Dr. Aditya Nagrath PhD, founder and CEO of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, “Preschool math scores predict achievement even into high school, and children that engage more in mathematics during preschool tend to be better readers, writers, and speakers.”
Elephant Learning achieves results by teaching mathematics as a language. Students entering kindergarten with a lack of understanding of the numbers up to ten often face challenges catching up. On average, children in low-income neighborhoods are conceptually 3 years behind their funded peers.
Dr. Aditya Nagrath PhD is working to invest in early age education by developing a tool for parents, teachers, and schools to help students bridge this language gap. A recent study involving 56,000 students revealed that children using Elephant Learning progressed 1.67 years on average over a period of 13 weeks, with a time investment of just under 40 minutes per week.
Elephant Learning covers content from counting through Algebra and accepts students of all ages. Students older than five years begin with a placement exam to identify their level of understanding. The curriculum is presented as a puzzle game, leveraging activities proven effective by early education researchers. Parents and teachers are provided dashboards to monitor student progress and coaching resources to extend learning beyond the platform.
“Students who use our platform often find mathematics more enjoyable in their regular classrooms,” observes Dr. Nagrath. “Our system addresses essential gaps in understanding, enabling students to perform at or beyond their grade level. Our goal is for students to comprehend their classroom teachers, leading to greater participation and enjoyment. It’s not uncommon for parents to tell us that we make mathematics fun.”
Dr. Nagrath earned his PhD in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Denver and collaborated with one of his former professors to create the Elephant Learning system. The organization’s mission is to empower children with mathematical skills, and it offers a coaching program for students who experience math anxiety.
“When the gap in understanding is bridged, anxiety diminishes. Students who can grasp classroom instruction and actively participate exhibit increased confidence,” Dr. Nagrath explains.
References:
- Heckman, J. (2006). Rates of Return to Human Capital Investment. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Rates-of-Return-to-Human-Capital-Investment-from-Heckman-2006_fig2_301215181
- Education Commission of the States. (2013). Math in the Early Years. http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/01/09/46/10946.pdf
- Elephant Learning. Elephant Learning. (2022). Cross-Sectional Study of 57 Thousand Elephant Learning Students. https://www.elephantlearning.com/pages/research
7 Unique and Memorable Proposal Ideas for Men Who Want to Stand Out
When it comes to popping the big question, the pressure is on to create a moment that will be cherished forever. After all, proposing isn’t just about asking someone to marry you—it’s about showing her how much she means to you through a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. While traditional proposals have their charm, many men want to go above and beyond, creating a moment that reflects their unique relationship and truly stands out.
But the challenge is in the planning. You want the proposal to be perfect, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so many details to consider. What kind of setting will feel just right? How do you incorporate personal touches that will make the proposal unforgettable? And most importantly, how do you pull it off without a hitch? If you’ve been searching for inspiration and need a little guidance, you’re in the right place.
Here are seven creative and one-of-a-kind proposal ideas designed to help you create an unforgettable moment. Whether your woman loves adventure, sentimentality, or surprises, there’s something here to suit every couple. Dive into these unique ideas to get one step closer to the “Yes!” you’re dreaming of.
The Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt proposal is a creative and interactive way to pop the question, turning the entire experience into a journey of love and memories. This idea is perfect for couples who enjoy playful, adventurous activities and want the proposal to feel like a shared experience rather than a single moment. It allows you to weave in your personal story, making each step of the hunt meaningful and memorable.
You can start by brainstorming locations that hold sentimental value in your relationship. These could include where you had your first date, where you first said “I love you,” or even a favorite hiking trail or café. Once you’ve chosen your locations, create clues to guide her from one spot to the next. These clues can be riddles, poems, or simple hints that spark nostalgia and excitement. For an extra personal touch, include small notes or mementos at each stop, like a photo, a flower, or a handwritten memory.
The Starry Night
There’s something undeniably impressive about a clear night sky full of stars—it inspires wonder, romance, and a sense of connection to something greater. A starry night proposal taps into this beauty, creating a deeply intimate and awe-inspiring setting to pop the question. For couples who enjoy quiet moments and the beauty of nature, this idea is the perfect blend of simplicity and enchantment.
Be sure to choose the right location. Look for a spot away from city lights, like a secluded park, a nearby hilltop, or even a camping site, to ensure an uninterrupted view of the stars. Check the weather and moon phase in advance to plan for a clear night, and consider using a stargazing app to pinpoint constellations or celestial events, like meteor showers, to make the evening even more special. Bringing along a telescope can add a unique touch, allowing you to explore the night sky together before the big moment.
The Flash Mob
If she loves surprises, lively energy, and a touch of public flair, a flash mob proposal is a great way to leave her speechless. Flash mobs are a thrilling mix of creativity and excitement, combining the unexpected with the heartfelt. This type of proposal creates a memorable moment for her and involves the community.
To pull off a flash mob proposal, start by choosing the perfect location. A busy plaza, a popular park, or even her favorite coffee shop can serve as the stage. Next, assemble your crew. You can hire professional dancers or recruit your friends and family to participate. Many choreographers specialize in creating flash mob routines, so you can find one that fits the tone and music you want for the event.
Select a song that resonates with your relationship. The twist? You’ll join the flash mob yourself, surprising her by becoming part of the performance. Imagine her delight as she watches the performance, only to realize that you’re not just an observer but the grand finale. As the dance routine nears its end, step forward, drop to one knee, and pop the question. The surrounding crowd will erupt in applause, and you’ll be searching custom suits for weddings on the web in no time!
The Personalized Book
For the ladies who value thoughtfulness and cherish keepsakes, a personalized book or scrapbook proposal is a deeply sentimental and unique way to pop the question. This idea is perfect if she loves storytelling, nostalgia, and the small details that make a relationship special. Creating a tangible representation of your love story gives her a timeless treasure she can revisit for years.
Start by gathering the materials you’ll need to make the book. If you enjoy DIY projects, a scrapbook provides endless possibilities. Collect photos, mementos, and little notes that capture your favorite memories together.
Think ticket stubs from your first movie date, pressed flowers from a bouquet you gave them, or even a copy of a heartfelt letter you once wrote. If you’re not the creative type, many companies offer custom photo books where you can design each page online, including captions and text to narrate your story.
The Hot Air Balloon Adventure
For couples who crave unique experiences and love the thrill of adventure, proposing in a hot air balloon offers a breathtaking and unforgettable way to pop the question. With stunning aerial views and an intimate setting high above the ground, this proposal combines romance, excitement, and a touch of adventure that will amaze her.
Research hot air balloon companies in your area or near a scenic destination. Many operators offer private rides tailored for special occasions, with extras like champagne toasts or professional photography to capture the moment. You should schedule the ride during optimal weather conditions. Sunrise or sunset flights are particularly romantic.
Consider how you’ll present the question to make the proposal moment perfect. You could carry a small box with the ring and wait for the right moment, like when you’re floating over a beautiful landscape. You could even coordinate with the balloon operator to subtly cue the perfect timing, like reaching the highest point or when the view is most stunning. As you gaze at the world below, express your love and why you want to spend the rest of your life together before asking the big question.
The Interactive Art Experience
For a woman with an artistic soul or who enjoys creative activities, an interactive art proposal can be a heartfelt and imaginative way to pop the question. This idea allows you to combine your love story with the joy of creating something beautiful together. It’s an excellent choice for couples who enjoy shared experiences and value originality.
Choose the art activity that suits her personality and interests. You could choose a painting class, a pottery workshop, or even a DIY craft session at home. If you select a professional class, coordinate with the instructor beforehand to integrate your proposal into the activity. Most instructors are happy to help and can offer ideas to make the experience flow naturally. For a more personal touch, you can set up an art station at home with all the supplies you’ll need for the big moment.
In a painting class, you could secretly prepare a blank canvas with a hidden message underneath. As you both work on your paintings, guide her to uncover the words “Will you marry me?” as you blend colors or add final touches together.
The Hidden Gem Vacation
For couples who love to travel and explore, a proposal during a getaway to a hidden gem destination is an unparalleled opportunity for adventure, romance, and surprise. Choosing an off-the-beaten-path location adds a layer of excitement, making the proposal moment even more unique and memorable. This idea is perfect for couples who value experiences and want their engagement story to be as extraordinary as their relationship.
You can search for destinations that suit her interests and personality. If she loves nature, look for secluded beaches, quiet mountain retreats, or picturesque waterfalls. If she enjoys history and culture, consider small towns with charming architecture or lesser-known historical landmarks. The goal is to select a location that feels special and intimate, avoiding crowded tourist spots to maintain the element of surprise.
Final Thoughts
Creating a unique proposal reflects your love story and creates a moment that feels deeply personal and unforgettable. Whether it’s through the adventure of a scavenger hunt, the intimacy of a starry night, or the thrill of a hot air balloon ride, each of these ideas provides a creative way to make the woman in your life feel cherished.
Remember, the best proposals come from the heart, so focus on the details that matter most to you both. With a little planning and a lot of love, you can create a proposal that will be remembered and celebrated for a lifetime.
8 Cost-Saving Tips for Foreigners New to Tokyo
Becoming a resident of Tokyo is a dream for many people, especially if you love Japanese culture and the buzz of a creative city. However, the Asian neon metropolis is notorious for its high cost of living. Unlike the quiet countryside prefectures, rents and living expenses in the capital can be difficult to cope with. Whether you plan to move to Tokyo for work, study, or play, here are some tips to make life more affordable as a foreigner.
1. Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely
Tokyo is made up of 23 wards, each with its own personality and price range. Minato, Shibuya, or Chiyoda in the city center might sound appealing, but rent in these areas comes with a hefty price tag. Instead, consider more affordable neighborhoods like Nakano, Koenji, or Kichijoji. These areas offer vibrant communities, great food, and excellent public transportation connections.
Housing in Tokyo is generally smaller than what you might be used to in Western countries (unless you come from New York City.) While this may take some adjusting, you can save a lot on rent by opting for a compact apartment or a room in a share house instead of splurging on a large place.
2. Shop at Discount Stores
Food costs in Tokyo can add up quickly. To save money, familiarize yourself with discount grocery stores like Gyomu Super and Hanamasa. These stores offer bulk goods and affordable prices—perfect for stocking up on essentials. Many supermarkets also have markdowns on perishable items like sushi, bento boxes, and fresh produce as it nears the end of the day, around 7 pm.
For clothing and other goods, Japan has a thriving secondhand market with high-quality items at great prices. If you prefer to buy brand new, make sure you use coupon codes to maximize your savings. With coupon codes, you can save up to 30% on many brands or receive a substantial amount of bonus points on loyalty programs that can count towards more savings in the future.
3. Learn Basic Japanese
While it is possible to get by in Tokyo with minimal Japanese, learning the basics can save you money. Many online resources or local stores in Japanese will list deals and discounts that might not be advertised in English. By understanding menus, signs, and store promotions, you can easily identify cost-saving opportunities. Even simple phrases for asking questions or confirming prices can go a long way in ensuring you do not overpay for goods and services.
4. Eat Like a Local
Tokyo’s dining scene caters to all budgets. While fancy restaurants can be costly, local eateries and chains offer delicious and affordable meals. Try family-friendly restaurants like Saizeriya or Jonathan’s, where you can get a filling meal for under 1,000 yen. For even cheaper options, visit local chains like Yoshinoya or Sukiya, known for their affordable and hearty gyudon (beef bowl) dishes.
Convenience stores like Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven also sell reasonably priced meals, such as onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and hot meals, that are a real bang for your buck. For a more traditional experience, explore neighborhood noodle shops serving soba or udon for as little as 500 yen, or try small curry houses that provide satisfying portions at wallet-friendly prices.
5. Reduce Utility Costs
Utilities in Tokyo can be expensive if you use air conditioning and heating extensively. To save on electricity, invest in energy-efficient appliances and use fans or portable heaters strategically. In the winter, consider using a kotatsu (a heated table) or layering up with blankets instead of heating your entire apartment. During summer, opening windows and using a dehumidifier can help you stay cool without relying heavily on costly air conditioning.
6. Enroll in the NHI Program
Japan has a world-class healthcare system. As a resident, you must enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. This program covers 70% of medical costs, making healthcare significantly cheaper compared to the United States. Premiums are income-based, so if you are new to Japan and have no prior income, your initial costs will likely be minimal.
To make the most of this system, always carry your hokensho (insurance card) and visit clinics or hospitals that accept the insurance. Some clinics even specialize in serving English-speaking patients, which can make the experience more welcoming. Additionally, generikku (generic medications) are available at a lower cost than branded ones, helping you to afford the medicine that you need.
7. Master the Public Transport System
Tokyo’s public transportation system is among the best in the world—clean, efficient, and safe—making owning a car unnecessary. Instead, get a prepaid IC card like a Suica or Pasmo, which you can use across all trains and buses. Consider purchasing a teikiken (monthly commuter pass) if you travel the same route daily. These passes offer unlimited rides on specific routes and can drastically cut your transportation expenses.
8. Enjoy Cheap Activities
Living in Tokyo does not have to mean spending a fortune on entertainment. The city offers countless free or low-cost activities. For instance, shrines and temples, such as Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji, and parks like Ueno, Yoyogi, and Shinjuku Gyoen, are free to visit. Furthermore, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers free access to its observation decks and stunning views. Many museums also advertise discounted admission days!