I went to school in Manhattan and lived there for about a year. Living in Manhattan and visiting it are two completely different things. I learned many lessons and rules to living in New York City but here are seven of the most important ones.
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1. Never ever leave without an umbrella.
If there is no chance of rain, it still might rain. Do not ever leave your apartment without an umbrella. Your best option in the rain is a raincoat because you can weave through the ridiculous amount of umbrella traffic on the sidewalk. However, you never know when it may start downpouring and you are nine blocks from your destination.
2. Alway carry cash.
At the very least, carry $2.75 for a subway ride. Sometimes they stop taking card at all of the machines… all of the machines. I know this from experience and the last thing you want is to be carrying four massive bags to the subway just to get there and realize you don’t have cash or time to get to an ATM before you miss your train leaving from Grand Central in 15 minutes... leaving you to get a taxi that costs you an extra $3 and your sanity.
3. Don’t ever stop in Times Square. Ever.
Times Square is the worst place in Manhattan or perhaps the World. From the smelly mascots trying to give you a hug and taking their heads half off to talk to their buddy Elmo to the unbelievable amount of tourists that decide to just stop walking in the middle of the sidewalk. Another thing about Times Square is that if you want to get anywhere, do not stop for every family picture being taken with the Naked Cowboy and just walk on the side of the road because the sidewalk isn’t worth it.
4. You’re not invincible.
Yes, cross the street every single chance you get. I don’t care if it’s at a crosswalk or not. There are too many people waiting for the crosswalk. However, if you are about to cross and you see a taxi is coming, that sucker will run you the hell over. Taxis do not stop for anyone and most of the time they don’t stop for red lights either.
5. It’s empty for a reason.
This statement applies to so many things. If a subway car is empty, you did not hit the jackpot and get a car to yourself. That thing is empty for a reason. Perhaps someone threw up in there or there is a horrendous smelling homeless man asleep in the corner. This also applies to restaurants. If you can walk into a restaurant in the Theatre District at 7 p.m. on a Friday night and there’s an open table ready for you, take your money elsewhere... the food's probably not good.
6. Adventure everywhere.
If you are an arts or entertainment lover like I am, then you’d love the city. From attending the Tribeca Film Festival to seeing my favorite artists in private concerts for free, the city is limitless. I haven’t paid a dollar and I’ve experienced so much. There is possibility for adventure and new experiences around every block and things sometimes seem to conveniently fall into place. That’s part of New York's charm.
7. Bang for your buck.
Once you live in NYC, you learn how to make $7 last you three days. The absolute best bang for your buck are the halal food carts. You have to find the one that’s good for you. Mine's the one on the corner of 55th and 3rd. They’re an old couple and will give you extra if you tip well at least once a month. The food is not only quick and cheap, but it’s delicious and will last you the whole day. Another way to spend less and get more are the pizza places that give you two slices and a coke for $2. Those places saved me and my bank account and for that, I thank you.
