Back-to-school time reminds most people of sweater weather, seeing old friends and making new ones, and the start of classes. In contrast, back-to-school reminds me of the devastating loss of $40,000+ for ever-increasing Columbia tuition and inspires me to be frugal. My quest for inexpensive floor lamps and cookware led me to Ikea, a massive paradise of cheap but quality goods and $1 lingonberry sodas.

What could be better than finding everything I need in one place for a price that doesn’t make me cringe when I hand over my credit card? Rather than having to take the subway, Ikea offers a free water taxi from the South Street Seaport directly to the store (read: really fun boat ride past the Statue of Liberty and Olafur Eliason waterfalls that would ordinarily cost $20). Even if you don’t need anything at Ikea, it’s definitely worth taking the boat there, having a picnic at one of the two dozen tables near the dock, and heading back.