It’s not easy moving to the Big Apple. Especially not from a small town 3000 miles away. New York City is an entire different world than anything I’ve (and most non-New Yorkers) ever experienced. There is a lot going on everyday and so many busy, rushing people around at all times. It is essential to adapt to this lifestyle. So if you’re like me and you’re from a place like Santa Cruz, California where the people relax all day, walk slowly, and surf, then here are a few tips to help you get acclimated to this new and crazy life. Now keep in mind I’ve been living here for almost 3 weeks now so I am no professional at this but I hope the few things I’ve done to make the last few weeks (and hopefully the rest of my life) benefit you as well.
1. Keep in touch with friends and family back home.
No matter how big this city is, it can get extremely lonely. Make sure you keep in touch with your loved ones and use them as a support system because you will miss them
2. Take the subway as much as possible so you can learn it, fast.
Use “Embark NYC” or one of the subway/train apps to help navigate where you are going. It is beyond confusing coming from a place where you can drive your own car.
3. Pay attention to Uptown/Downtown on the subway.
It’s very easy to enter at the wrong subway station. Always read the signs before you enter so you know you aren’t accidentally wasting fare and going to Brooklyn.
4. Become friends with people from or around New York.
My closest friends in the city are from Westchester and Long Island, and trust me, it will make your life much less complicated to be with people who have at least the slightest clue of where they are going or what life here is like.
5. Go out and explore.
You are living in the best city in the world – don’t take that for granted.
6. But stay focused on your studies and do your homework.
It is definitely challenging to not get distracted by all the amazing things going on but remember to set certain times for your school work. A planner is vital and it helps to plan out the exact hours you are going to do a certain assignment. Even though it sucks, it will pay off in the end.
7. A lot of public parks have free wifi and it’s a great place to relax, read a book, or work on homework.
People watching is always one of the best things to do, so go do it with free wifi and get some work done.
8. Make your living situation as homely as possible.
I’ve wanted to live in NYC my entire life so as much as I feel like I’m at home right now, it’s extremely necessary and important that when you return from a long day out in the city that your apartment or dorm is cozy and welcoming.
9. New York is an expensive city. Make sure you budget yourself.
Being a broke college student is not easy let alone in a place where you want to buy all the diverse food and marvelous items at street fairs. Try to only buy what is necessary.
10. Just enjoy yourself and have the best time you could possibly have while you can.
Go out, try new things, and just soak up the fact that you are finally here. It won’t always be easy and you are going to miss living in that small town but remember that you are one of the lucky ones that gets to experience this dreamy city and live life as a New Yorker.