For many CSI students, summer plans are less about escape and more about survival, and Staten Island isn’t giving them much to work with.
By K. Nieves
If summer is supposed to feel free, Staten Island didn’t get the memo. With classes winding down and temperatures heating up, students at CSI aren’t packing their bags – they’re staying local, clocking into summer jobs, and silently wishing they were somewhere else. Not because they hate it here, but because there just isn’t enough here.
For many, the reason they’re staying put is simple: money. College is expensive, life is expensive, and summer is one of the few windows to earn some breathing room.
“I have a summer job lined up at UAU working with kids,” said student Mellony Oliver. “I don’t think Staten Island is fun, I just plan on staying here because it’s chill compared to Brooklyn.”
The sentiment is clear: jobs are the priority, and Staten Island, while dull, is convenient.
Due to factors like the high cost of living in NYC, students are left with no choice but to opt for work instead of unwinding during the break. According to a 2024 study done by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 90 percent of college students work over the summer.
Convenience is not satisfaction. Many students had bigger plans, but staying local became the financially smart choice.
“I wanted to go to my home country, Guyana, but had to stay in Staten Island to save up over the summer,” said student Kelly Laltu. “Guyana has beautiful nature, and the food is the best. I especially wanted to go back to visit my grandma.”
For CSI students, it’s not about hating Staten Island, it’s about needing more than what it offers right now.
“I prefer Brooklyn or Manhattan,” said Alyssa Cajamarca. “Manhattan is more popular, and the people are more nonchalant. I really enjoy the city experience.”
So what does Staten Island actually need?
Laltu wished there were spaces that celebrated culture, events tied to holidays from different communities, interactive museums, or anything that feels like a destination.
“Unfortunately, I think that Staten Island could definitely use more things to make it more fun. We could use an amusement park, interesting museums, or places for tourists to come and visit,” said Cajamarca. “Then we can definitely show those who live in the city that Staten Island is a part of NYC.
Compared to other boroughs, Staten Island has fewer large-scale entertainment options. St. George Theatre, the borough’s only major performance venue, primarily hosts movie screenings and stand-up comedy shows. While these events contribute to local programming, they often feature smaller acts and performers with limited name recognition.
For some students, the decision to stay local isn’t just about finances, but about access. Staten Island has the most limited public transportation system of any borough in New York City. It is the only borough without a subway connection to the rest of the city, and its sole train line operates entirely within Staten Island, running from Tottenville to St. George.
While there is a ferry that connects to Manhattan and a handful of express buses, commuting to other boroughs for work, events, or internships can be time-consuming and inconsistent. This lack of direct transit options often makes staying local the only realistic choice, even for those who would prefer to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Many students are staying in Staten Island this summer to work out of financial necessity, but their responses point to a broader conversation about the borough’s limited appeal, while several expressed a desire for more local attractions. These concerns may help shape future initiatives to make Staten Island not just a place of convenience, but one students can look forward to during the summer.
