Top 10 rules for NY?

Question

What are your top ten rules for an Aussie girl who is going to NY for a year? Packing... clothes... people... partying... learning.... shopping.... give me all you've got.

Answer 1

I moved to NY 10 years ago and the city has changed SO much. It's much safer than you would think nowadays, but on the otherhand, you will most likely see some of the most bizarre things that you have ever imagined and you'll probably notice that most New Yorkers won't even take a second glance while you are staring in disbelief. I was just 21 when I came here and at that time, if you took any subway train after 9pm, you were bound to get harrassed by someone and Times Square was pretty much just a hangout for addicts and prostitutes. But now, as long as you know where you are going, stay in a subway car that has a lot of other people (NEVER ride at night in a subway car by yourself, especially females!) and don't fall asleep, you will be fine. Besides, who can afford to take a cab every night when you want to go to a party or club??? Times Square is mostly tourists and families during the day and teenagers and tourists at night. There's generally always a lot of people around, including police, so you will be fine, although I personally think it's a bunch of hype (over priced souvenirs and shops, too many people, etc.), but obviously you have to see it at least once to say you were there! As far as packing, like many others have said, pack lightly. I came here with a suitcase of clothes and a small box of books, pictures and music. Within my first year I accumulated so much stuff that I had to get rid of nearly half of it before I moved to a different apartment. People in NYC can come off as rude and obnoxious, but now I realize why. Anything that's considered part of "everyday" life is a hassle here. You're constantly stuck in traffic, stuck on the subway, can't get through the crowds, waiting in line for 20 minutes just for a coffee, people stop you to ask you to take their picture or give them directions (and when you tell them you are on your way to work, they complain that you are a typical "rude" New Yorker) and this is all your "everyday" morning commute to work. They are just frazzled and hectic, but most New Yorkers are really great people. Go to the parks, baseball games, the local pizza shop or deli, go to the different boroughs while you are here and you will get to see the "real" New Yorkers. Another tip, depending on the neighborhood, many New Yorkers speak English as a second language or in some cases not at all so you may have a hard time communicating in some areas, usually in small local stores and restaurants. Definitely get the Time Out New York magazine which lists all the events, parties, etc. that are going on. It gives you all the info on the events and is a great guide to planning your evenings out. If you want to learn the history of New York, go to the Tenement Museum on Orchard St. and the Ellis Island museum. They are both great sources of information on the history of the city and it's people. Shopping is hard to pinpoint as it depends on what you want to shop for. SoHo is great for boutique shopping, Fifth Ave. is upscale shopping and then of course you have the department stores like Bloomingdale's and Macy's. Chinatown is great for imitation items and cheap souvenirs, although it's generally quite crowded, dirty and smells. The # 1 rule is: Explore everything! The city has so much to offer... 10 years later I am still learning and exploring myself.

Answer 2

Nas is my favorite...but I'll do Rakim(with Eric B on almost all) 1. I Ain't no Joke 2. Paid In Full 3. Remember That 4. In The Ghetto 5. Casualties of War 6. Eric B for President 7. Follow The Leader 8. Show me Love 9. Guess Who's Back 10. I know U got Soul Imma do the Beatles too. 1. Eleanor Rigby 2. Yesterday 3. Penny Lane 4. Let it Be 5. Come Together 6. Mr. Kite(Like the sound) 7. Help 8. A day in the Life 9. Paperback Writer 10. All i need is love

Answer 3

1. Remember to bring a camera with plenty of film
2. Always have a map of the city with you to avoid getting lost
3. Bring plenty of money, once you get here you will be tempted to purchase a lot of stuff, especially in downtown Manhattan.
4. Try to go to the Metropolitan and the American Museum of Natural History
5. Go to central park
6. people are generally freindly but like any other city, you might find weirdos just so you know.
7. have a cell phone at all times just in case you separate from your friends and family
8. Got to go to Times Square
9. Take a ferry ride around the city
10. As for clothes, right now it is kinda chilly over here, bring a jacket or sweaters.

Answer 4

I would just advise you to be careful. And that has nothing to do with New York, I would tell that to anyone going anywhere!

As for people, it is just like being on the internet- don't give out too much personal info!

Packing, you can pack extremely lightly as you can purchase ANYTHING you would need once you get here!

Good luck and have a blast! Just keep your priorities in order!
(I have to say that because I am a mom! I also have to say that I am a bit jealous of you!! LOL)

Answer 5

For one year... How lucky you are!
What would I say?

1 - Open your eyes, a wonder every 5 minutes
2 - Walk, that's the best way to discover
3 - Buy a City Pass, that's the best way to save on the main attractions.
4 - Buy a Metrocard, your best friend to go everywhere (something like 24$ for 7 days)
5 - Dont forget to discover the northern tip of Manhattan
6 - Go to some show if you can (I'm particurlarly fond of the Blue Man Group)
7 - At noon you can eat in one of the deli salad bars that you will find on your way... What a choice, fish, meats, salads, vegetables, fruits... you prepare your own plate and you pay by the pound at the till... Then you go at one of the tables, or in a park...
8 - as you stay a whole year, if you are particularly fond of a museum, don't hesitate to buy a member card which will alow you to visit as many times as you want (60$ at the Met/Cloisters for one year, instead of 20$ for a one day visit...)
9 - For your books, go to the Strand, at the south of Union Square...
10 - Have a look on my pictures gallery...
http://www.new-york-decouverte.com/galerie-photos.html
11 - Give some new here http://www.new-york-decouverte.com/contactez-nous.html when you get there...

I wish you a wonderful year in this wonderful city!

Answer 6

1. don't walk the streets at night
2. don't take the subway at night
3. don't walk around Time square day or night or through Central Park
4. have very warm clothes for the winter months
5. before going out to eat check the dress code and the prices
6. find the non-tourist restaurants to eat at- cheaper
7. find the non-tourist shops for clothes, etc- cheaper
8. don't eat out everday although many great restaurants and deli's will be tempting
9. if you go to bars, etc. the drinks could be costly
10. learn how to catch a cab

Answer 7

1) Pack lightly
2) bring plenty of Money.
3) Be prepaired to run out of money.
4) Expected the unexpected

Answer 8

Trust me when i tell you this..... pack lightly... you don't need alot... plus there's not alot of space for lots of stuff usually.... other than that there are no rules in nyc and.. well you'll figure out the rest when you get here

Answer 9

Have comfy shoes and get ready to walk!!! Buy yourself a foot spa for those nights you get home and your feet ache! No matter how good of shape you are in......your feet will hurt!

Answer 10

Couldn't you find yourself a better place other than this horrible, sin city.