The choice to go to college in New York City should be one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. Students in NYC are here because of Columbia, NYU, Fordham, or one of the city’s other reputable schools. No matter which college you’ve chosen to attend, you’ll need to know a few things to have a positive experience as a student living in NYC and thrive during your time in “The City That Never Sleeps.”
Not Living in a Dorm? Choose the Right Neighborhood
If you decide to forego dorm life, you’ll have dozens of neighborhoods to choose from, so you’ll need to research locations to find a perfect match/. Start with a budget and looking at areas close (or within an easy commute) to your school.
You’ll also want to consider the activities that are important when you’re not hitting the books, or if you’ll be working part-time while taking classes. If you’re an avid runner, for instance, living near a park will be a priority. Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, both in proximity to Prospect Park, might be options if you choose to live in Brooklyn, which would be convenient if you attend Pratt or Brooklyn College.
If you’re enrolled in Columbia, you can live almost anywhere on the west side—Hell’s Kitchen, Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, or Harlem—and have access to Central Park or Riverside Park, and still be within a quick commute to the campus. In other words, know your budget, make your wish list, and then begin your apartment search. But the location will be key.
Find a Roommate, Limit Expenses
Unless you’re willing to live in a closet, students living in NYC, will need to split living expenses. If your school doesn’t provide a roommate match service, try services like Perfect Strangers, Roomster, or PadMapper so you can lease a larger pad and not have the stress of paying the rent yourself. Even with a roommate and a larger apartment, space in any NYC apartment will be limited. Consider student storage—sharing a self-storage facility will allow you some additional room in your new apartment.
Use Public Transit
Learn to use the NYC subway, because it’s the cheapest and most efficient way to get around town. Not only will it save you money, but time as well. Never taken the subway before? No worries. After a brief adjustment period, you’ll be able to ride the trains in your sleep.
Schedule Time to Socialize
It’s not easy securing a place to live in NYC, and it may be just as challenging to make new friends. Yes, you’ll meet a lot of people in your classes, but school can be demanding and requires focus, especially depending on the major you choose.
Be sure to schedule time to mingle with other students living in NYC. Get involved in school activities and spend some time away from the books each week, with people who have common interests. And, study groups are crucial to college life, but they don’t count toward social time unless you go out afterward.
Don’t Party Your Way Through School
While socializing is an essential aspect of college life, remember why you’re in NYC in the first place. Yes, you’ll find bars on every block, and once you’re of legal drinking age, you’ll be tempted to hit watering holes regularly. And even if you’re under 21, you’ll probably make a friend or two who’s over 21, so partying in your apartment or dorm will be easy. The whole reason you’re going to college in NYC is to get an education so you can succeed in your field. While being social is essential, so is staying focused.
Occasionally, Get Off Campus
You are living in the greatest city in the world, so take advantage of it. Have a free weekend? Get out of the area where your school is. For instance, if you go to NYU in the Village, you’ll have so much to do in that neighborhood, but exploring other parts of Manhattan and the boroughs is key. Get to know the city as much as possible in the years you spend here.
Stay on a Budget
No one wants to think about money, but in NYC, it’s all about money. The city continues to get more expensive with every passing year, so staying on a budget is necessary, especially if you’re footing your college bill.
Know your monthly expenses and stick to those expenses. If you have a few extra dollars, splurge on that special something you’ve coveted––be it a day to pamper yourself, that pair of shoes in Bloomingdale’s window, or a ticket to that Broadway show you’ve been dying to see. That’s where part-time jobs for college students come in handy.
Be Ready to Work
The cost of living in New York can be tough for students in NYC and, even if your parents are paying the bill, you’ll need some spending money. A part-time gig on weekends or a few nights a week will enable you to take those spin classes you love and go out for cocktails or a nice dinner a few times per month.
Have a Resume
Even if you plan to bartend or wait tables, in New York City, you’ll need a resume. It will help if you have previous experience in the job you’re seeking as the competition is stiff no matter the industry.
Try to Live a Balanced Life
Maintaining balance isn’t easy in today’s world, and in a city that’s always on the go, keeping that balance could be even tougher than it would be if you lived elsewhere. Go home to visit family and friends when you have a break because escaping the city will keep your priorities in perspective.
Caught up on homework? Spend a quiet night alone and binge-watch your favorite shows on Netflix or have a few classmates over for pizza. Try not to get caught up in the hectic, nonstop world that is life in New York. Then you’ll be sure to savor every minute of college life.
Take Advantage of All NYC Offers
And most importantly, remember, living in New York City is an education in itself. Use the city, experience life here, and make it part of your curriculum. For most student, going to college in NYC is the ultimate dream.
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