When I moved to the City, I quickly realized that there are many unspoken rules about the culture in NYC...especially for a small-town Texas girl.
So, I've compiled a list of certain tips of advice I'm accumulated from my ~8 months from living here thus far. My sagacity doesn't extend that far, but these are things to keep in mind:
My advice to freshmen New Yorkers:
1. You may try to look cute by wearing a nice-looking peacoat. Don't fall into this trap. Just buy a puffy coat (down coat) in November, and you won't regret it, ever. You can get them at TJ Maxx for ~$70-$80 instead of the typical $300.
best puffy coat ever
2. If there's a line for the Subway exit, just go ahead and take the emergency exit. No one minds.
3. You're going to look disheveled pretty much all the time. There is no such thing as great hair in NYC. It's okay, embrace it, everyone is the same way.
exhibit a: my disheveled hair
4. Don't eat anywhere with a B or lower food rating. A friend that works in the food industry says it's "extremely difficult" to get a B with food standards, so if you see it in the Window, walk away. If you eat at a place with a C rating, you're just asking for it.
hill country bbq-- on my long list of approved restaurants, at our 1pm "brunch"
5. Don't ever plan anything with a New Yorker before Noon on the weekend. Most people are night owls here and often don't go out until at least Midnight. One time, I had plans with someone at 10am and she apologized for the "early, early morning."
6. Download the NextStop app to figure out what time trains are running and HopStop to figure out the best route. It'll be the best $3 you'll ever spend and will save both of us a world of trouble.
7. Most of all, there are as many New Yorks as there are as many New Yorkers. Everyone has a different perspective- which can be both good and bad. Take New York for what it's worth, don't compare it to where you're from, and then make judgements for yourself.
you eventually find your corners and pockets of the city that feel like home.
until next time,
eg