Moving to New York for Graduate school any advice on surviving the big city?

Question

I will be moving to Manhattan , New York in July of this year , does anyone have any survival advice?I am 26 and have lived in San Francisco for many years, how ever, I understand New York is very different. I am curious to know about good places to live or find a room , NY etiquete, dating, who to trust.....all the secrets that only a New Yorker would know. Thanks for the guidance.

Answer 1

I just read a few of the comments that were sent to you. I moved to NYC for undergraduate school and had no problems. Depending on your budget I would highly recommend the upper west side. You can rent a big beautiful apartment or a room. I did the latter. Not the best living conditions, but it was clean, and very safe. Mine was on 94th and Riverside. In 1999 it was $500/month. Remember when I say room I use that word sparingly. I could barely fit a single bed, dresser & desk in there. The truth is NYC is a very mobile city. You hopefully won't be spending too much time in your apartment/room. Check out the Village Voice online. You will definitely find a place to live. If you have the opportunity check out the area prior to moving in. You really want a family "neighborhood." Word of advice, if you move to the Bronx, which you can there are a lot of great safe neighborhoods there despite what people say. NEVER, EVER call it "the boogie down." You will seem like a chump!

Etiquette? In NYC? I suppose it is the same as most other metropolitan cites. As far as who to trust, do it the same would anywhere. You're going to school so I would start making friends there first. NYC is very much a group scene, so this person will introduce you to his/her friends. As for dating - don't bother. Your time should be full getting used to the city, meeting new people, etc. If it happens it happens. Consider right now, you only have 2 years! It will fly by!

One great place to check out is the Nyorican. I can't remember the exact address but it is on the lower east side (LES) They have everything from salsa dance night to poetry slam. It is a great, fun, safe place to be. You will definitely make friends there.

Make friends with all the store owners in your neigborhood. Most of them will deliver if you are in Manhattan and they will front you a quart of milk if your short one week. Despite all the myths NYers are not that cold.

Get in the NY frame of mind. When there is a special use it to your best ability. When I was in school there was this special at McDonald's 2 cheeseburgers for $2. I would ask for it with lettuce, tomatoes and extra pickles. I just liked the extra pickles. It was still $2.08 but I was able to add veggies to my meal!

Don't be afraid of food carts. I think most NYers eat/drink off of them and we have never died. Make sure you have a metrocard at all times. Go to a jazz club that has a free cover in the middle of the week. Don't buy drugs from anyone you haven't seen take their own : ) Don't get sucked in to all the cheap goods. NYers can tell. Leave that for the toursits and shop at regular places. If you rent a room invest in a toaster oven. Microwaves are quicker, but you can't make toast in a microwave! You can however, carefully, heat up a can of soup. I emphasize carefully. Don't get cable, it's expensive and not having cable will force you to do something else! Invest in a good pair of shoes. Not only will you be walking a lot, NYers love shoes. Take some lessons in anything that interests you. Remember the museums only request a donation, if you're broke and bored they are free. And don't eat anywhere you see a TV commerical for.

Oh, and don't sleep with your professors : ) Hope this helped!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Congrats on your relocation! I also came to New York for Grad school.

I agree with a lot of what TaraC said.

When I came to NYC I had tons of cute shoes. I walked EVERYWHERE. Now, I have foot problems. Have both cute shoes AND comfortable shoes :)

Look for student discounts. You can't get them at the movie theater but you can cash in on them many other places.

Explore the city. Take a walk, check out a different neighborhood, eat at non-chain restaurants.

Explore cultures. Try different foods, visit cultural festivals... NYC is truly rich with culture.

Pick a bank that has ATMs either near where you live or where you work/go to school. ATM fees add up fast when you're on a student budget.

I hope you love NYC as much as I do :-)

Answer 4

I resided in NY for the 22 years of my life. All I can say is choose your friends carefully. Watch your surroundings and focus on what you came out here to do (Finish School). New York is the city of dreams and trust me you if you slip up you will go astray. So stay focused.

As far as the dating scene be careful of who you date in NY. Some women are out for the money if they know you have it. You can check out a website called www.newyork.craigslist.org for a room.

Oh yes, the best kept secret of New York is at night. Everything get's crazy in the city.

Answer 5

it's not as bad as everyone thinks new york is a great city lots of people to meet and places to go if you are looking to get a place in Manhattan think uptown uptight ,midtown craziness ,downtown down to earth, the other boroughs cheaper once you get here you'll know what to do here no one is gonna judge you there are no set trends or fashions do what you like and enjoy the city =>

Answer 6

Contact me through Y! Answers, I'll be happy to answer your questions. I lived in NYC for 4 years as an undergrad at NYU (living on 11th St. and 3rd Ave and again later on Washington Place) and then again for 2 more years when I was in grad school (again at NYU) living near on Water Street.

I've lived there, worked there, hung out there, etc. I can answer any questions you may have.

Answer 7

Contrary to popular belief, not all New Yorkers are complete jerks.
However, I would suggest a few simple things:
Watch out for people cutting you off in traffic.
Watch out for people that claim to be homeless, and ask for money. Not all of them are.
Keep your car doors locked when you leave (obvious).

It will probably take some time to adjust, but you'll learn to love it :).

Answer 8

Trust no one & watch your wallet!!!! Learn to be street smart all over again. A realtor can help you as far as living goes & can tell you where & where not to live. If you have to go to the subway daily, again, watch your back & your wallet.

Answer 9

Don't smile on the subway trains.
Make sure a woman is a woman.
Never act surprised in an art house.

Answer 10

OMG! U R SOOO LUCKY! I WAS SUPPOSED TO MOVE TO NYC TO GO TO FASHION SCHOOL. THAT HASN'T HAPPENED YET BECAUSE I STILL NEED MORE $$$. SO I AM WORKING FULL TIME, AND SPENDING LESS $$$. LOL. HOPEFULLY, I WILL MOVE THERE NEXT YEAR TO GO TO FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY! GOOD LUCK TO U! =)