Supermarket Discount Hours: Stop & Shop marks down perishables and bakery items in early morning hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM); yellow clearance tags placed on shelf-stable goods throughout the week.
Best Cheap Eats: El Oriental de Cuba (401 Centre St) for substantial plates of rice, beans, and plantains, or slice specials at local Centre St pizzerias.
Operates out of First Baptist Church. Food distribution typically held on select Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Check schedule online for residency and registration requirements.
Free high-speed BPL Wi-Fi (no password required), public computer access, and power outlets near work tables.
Note: Public Wi-Fi here is unencrypted. If accessing bank or work portals, keep NordVPN on. Grab the student rate (via Student Beans verification), or lock in the 2-year plan to save the most.
Best Budget Carrier: Mint Mobile or Visible (eSIM)
How to Keep Data Costs Low: Purchase a prepaid MVNO plan online for $15-$25/month with unlimited talk/text and budget data, and supplement with free BPL Wi-Fi.
Individuals near MBTA station entrances (Stony Brook/Jackson Square) claiming to need cash for a subway ticket. Buy passes directly from official MBTA fare vending machines.
Generally safe. Exercise standard city awareness at night along dark paths in Southwest Corridor Park or secluded wooded areas around Jamaica Pond after midnight.
