Whether you’re from Temple, UPenn, or Drexel, every Philadelphia college student knows somebody in their student body that’s from New York. Representatives from Westchester to Long Island can attest to the fact that Philadelphia “just isn’t the same” -- we have to deal with different cultural norms than our Philly friends do.
Being from Long Island myself, these are just a few things I have noticed that make me miss home.
1. The pizza is TERRIBLE in Philly.
Whether going to La Piazza in Plainview or a $1 slice on 79th street, the pizza is unbelievable in New York. Philadelphians may swear by their local "joints," but New York is the pizza capital of the U.S.!
2. People in Philadelphia walk slower than my grandma.
New Yorkers have been accredited as some of the fastest walkers in the world. Walking to my classes, I've noticed that I'm speeding ahead of everyone, keeping to myself and never stopping before reaching the Student Center. You may think it's rude, but us NY natives are here to get to work and "get things done."
3. It’s called “the city.” not “New York City.”
I can't express how frustrating it is to here the words "New York City" or "The Big Apple come out of somebody's mouth. NYC is THE city and the only city worth talking about. Don't be such a tourist!
4.What’s a “jawn?”
No explanation needed.
5. The thrift store fashion is second to none.
Since moving into Philly, I've seen a drastic change in my taste when it comes to fashion. Being here for a little over three months, I've traded in my Chelsea boots and Stan Smiths for Vans, as well as wearing my '90s hats and $20 jean jacket from Buffalo Exchange to walk down Walnut and South streets feeling at ease.
6. Where’s my MetroCard?
The token system isn't cool, Philly. Let me swipe away with the card!
7. We walk a “block,” not a mile.
Every time a friend looks up the next house show on Google Maps, they tell me its "X" amount of miles away. What ever happened to a good ol' fashioned block? It's much easier to estimate and makes walking that much more simplistic!
8. Are there zero cabs?
Every time I look around for a yellow taxi, I see none on the streets of Philadelphia. Having to call an Uber or use a private cab service is a pain. It's also WAY pricier, and I cannot function on these during my college student fiscal crisis!
9. Einstein Bagels are not real bagels.
More like "Darn Gross!" New York is the bagel capital of the East Coast, and if a franchise feels it can dominate Philly and the rest of the world, you'd be sorely mistaken.
10. NYC is our home.
As much as I love Philly and all of its charm, any New Yorker can agree when I say that there's nothing like "the city." The crazy expensive, fast-paced cultural norms of New York is unlike anything else. We would all like to be back there some day, but for now, we'll explore the streets of Philly and find its own little quirks that can put NYC to shame.
