New York is a city like no other. So many people live there and even more people dream of living there. If you were one of them and you recently moved to New York, you might have already noticed how hard it is to adjust to this city. The NYC lifestyle is truly unique, especially if you live in Manhattan – one of the most elite parts of New York. If that is the case, your first year in Manhattan will be challenging and tough. That’s why we decided to give you some tips on how you can survive your first year in Manhattan and NYC in general.
You have to know how to get around in Manhattan
The first thing you have to get a hold of when you first move to Manhattan is how to get around. There are plenty of ways to do that. You can take the subway or the bus. You could also get a taxi or Uber. Riding a bike is also an option. But there are some things you need to know about all these transportation options.
The subway was once the best way to get from one place to another but because of so many delays and derailments, the bus is slowly taking the first spot. But luckily, both the subway and the bus have GPS trackers now and you can see where your train or your bus is by simply downloading an app.
If you don’t feel like standing among hundreds of people, riding a bike through New York is a great idea. Even if you don’t have your own, you can take a CitiBike. There are over 1000 miles of bike lanes across the city so it will be pretty easy to get around. And if you’re in a hurry and you don’t want to spend an hour searching for a parking space in Manhattan, get a taxi or Uber.
Meet your neighborhood as soon as possible
Manhattan is a very lovely part of New York and it truly would be a shame if you didn’t get to know it during your first year in Manhattan. Knowing your neighborhood well is the best way to adjust to a new surrounding. This is why I believe that riding a bike through New York is the best way to get around. This way you will get to know your neighborhood very fast. A lot of people don’t find this to be very important and they avoid doing this with an excuse “I’ll figure it out over time”. Exactly this can lead to you being very unhappy with where you are living.
Move if you are not happy with where you live
New York is amazing. But not all parts of the city are suitable for everyone. And even though you are adjusting, you can be very unhappy. Sometimes the apartment you are living in is the problem and not the neighborhood. Luckily, Manhattan offers lots of moving options. There are plenty of moving companies as well as plenty of neighborhoods and apartments. Finding an apartment or a neighborhood where you feel comfortable doesn’t have to be such a big problem.
Have some fun
No matter how much free time you have or don’t have, it’s very helpful to have some fun if you want to survive your first year in Manhattan. And luckily, Manhattan is one of the best places to be when it comes to having fun. And many people don’t do this as they think that in order to have fun you must spend money. And it’s not true. There are plenty of free concerts, stand-up shows, art exhibitions, movie screenings. Understandably, if you know your neighborhood well, it will be much easier.
But even if you don’t manage to find any of the things mentioned before for free, there are plenty of other free activities in New York. Certain museums have a free entrance day. You can also spend some time outside. Central Park is always free and available for everyone who wants to come. Having a picnic is a great way to get some fresh air and relax your head from all the stress. Central Park is where you can find free yoga classes. This is also a great way to meet someone new.
Know where to eat for cheap
New York is very expensive even when it comes to food. Sure, preparing your own food can save you a lot of money but there are times when you won’t feel like cooking. This is when it’s very helpful to know some cheap fast-food restaurants. And you won’t have to settle for anything you don’t like as there is every possible type of food in NYC and it can be found for not a lot of money.
Meet a local
New York is a genuine cultural melting pot. This is why it can be hard to meet someone who has spent his whole life in New York. But if you happen to meet such a person, make sure you have them by your side. Having a local from Manhattan will help you experience this part of New York the best way possible. Plus, finding friends after moving is very important as moving can have a lot of negative effects on your mental health. Especially after moving to New York. New York can be very difficult to handle and get a hold of because of its size and style.
