New York City Survival Guide for New College Students

New York is the city where dreams can come true. However, several factors can be intimidating for a first-time college student who is not a native New Yorker. New York City has a variety of student housing options, with many cheap housing choices for students. If that sounds like what you need, then let’s get right into the survival guide:

You are the B&T Crowd in NYC

You might hear the B&T crowd mentioned by a native New Yorker. Bridge and Tunnel is abbreviated as B&T. Being an island, Manhattan can only be reached by either a bridge or a tunnel. Many New York City student apartments are conveniently positioned near public transportation hubs for this reason. 

Get to Know the Subway

The subway is crucial, and it’s going to be important for you to download a copy of the subway map and commit it to memory. Most of the subway lines go north to south, so keep that in mind. Therefore, if you happen to be attending a school on the west side, make sure to find an apartment on the west side. Going through Manhattan from North to South is easy. However, getting from one side of Manhattan to the other can be a hassle unless you have a student apartment on New York City’s 14th Street, which is serviced by the L line, which runs East-West.

There is Free WiFi Almost Everywhere. 

The internet has made it possible to work anywhere, including libraries, cafes, and even parks. That means you’ll never have to worry about being disconnected, even if your New York City dorm room runs out of data. Everything you need to succeed in the city is right at your fingertips.

Cab Lights Can Be Deceiving

It may look like a cab’s light is on, and still, the cab does not stop. Rejection anxiety can be particularly intense after waiting for 20 minutes when you could have simply walked to your destination in 15. However, there is something more you need to know about cabs. The white cones at the top of the cab are advertisements. However, a black band with a series of numbers appears just below the advertisements. If you look closely, you will see that these numbers are either lit or dark. This is the indicator of the availability of a cab. If the indicator is dark, the cab is unavailable. 

Choose Your Housing Carefully

Finding affordable student housing can be a difficult challenge, especially in NYC. However, the best thing you can do is avoid booking with anyone until you have verified their business identity and past business record. In other words, know who you are dealing with. To help you succeed in finding the best apartment for your money, here are some important tips:

  • Make an effort to learn as much as you can about the place and the people offering it. 
  • Ensure you get the square footage, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms. 
  • Don’t be fooled by terms like “quaint” or “charming.” They just mean that the apartment is very small.
  • Be very careful while putting your signature on a lease. Always review the terms of your New York City student housing agreement before signing. 
  • Don’t ever share documents or sensitive information with unverified people. 
  • Always check references before signing anything.

Cash is Less Important in New York City

Cash may still be the accepted form of payment in many towns, states, and countries. However, New York City is unique. Even street vendors are equipped with credit card readers. Therefore, don’t bother carrying cash around.

Conclusion

Living in New York City can be exciting, fun, challenging, and amazing, and being a student can have its ups and downs. Therefore, it may be helpful to remember that New York City is also home to the famous Central Park. When things get too much for you, or you just need a break, simply turn off your phone and go for a walk in the Park. An exhausted mind might find rest in the sights and sounds of these 843 acres of magnificent real estate.