1. It is NOT your small town
I know the transition from a smaller area to a big city can be distracting and often times overwhelming, but do not forget where you are. You cannot leave your belongings just anywhere because someone will take it, especially electronics or sentimental items. Most likely, you will never see it again. Also, be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night! The thing about going to school in the city is that many people around campus are not students; they are complete strangers to you. Unlike in a small town where most people know one another. It never hurts to keep an eye over your shoulder, especially at night! Once it is dark, do not walk alone. Follow the good-ole buddy system! Can’t go wrong!
2. Know how to use public transportation
Let’s be real. When you attend college in the city, you do not need a car. That is unless you will constantly traveling out of the state (even then, a vehicle isn’t really a necessity). If you’re an average college student like myself, the metro rails and subways will become your best friends! They are the most efficient way to travel through the city and are pretty affordable (that’s coming from a broke college student)! There is nothing like taking the subway with a group of friends to Center City for random adventures or getting to an internship interview at a weird time of the day. Whichever, the metro rails are your go-to in the city!
3. LEARN HOW TO WALK
As a quick and swift walker, I cannot express enough to you the epidemic of bad city walkers. As a college student, schedules can be kind of hectic. There are days you have classes 10 minutes apart on different ends of campus. Other days, hours come between your classes. Being stuck behind slow walkers are a nightmare on those 10 minute days. It feels like time is going too quickly and you still have to get to the opposite end of campus. It’s stressful (take it from me)! Luckily for you, I have basic advice to eliminate this epidemic. If you are having a slow day, walk ALL the way to the right of the sidewalk, not the middle. That way, people can run or speed walk past you if they need. If it helps, think of it as driving on the highway. The right lane is for cruisers, the middle lane is for moderate speed, and the left lane is the express. Apply that to walking and you are set!
4. You need MORE money than you think....
Shopping in a major city is always more expensive. Don’t ask me why, but something you would buy at home will most likely be double the price in a city. If you’re wondering, that goes for simple groceries as well. Just keep in mind to carry a little extra money than you think you may need. It’s better to be safe than stuck somewhere that you cannot buy yourself a burger and milkshake. If you live far from home, I advise you to stock up when you go home! If your parents want to take you shopping, let them! Remember, you’re a broke college student. Save up as much as you can on that cash money!!
5. Be strategic when crossing the street
Disclaimer: I am not opposed to jay-walking. Just remember to be smart when making that choice. Trust me, I realize crosswalks are great, but sometimes it can be annoying to walk all the way down the street just to cross (#FirstWorldProblems). Keep in mind, do not walk into traffic! If cars are coming, do not try to beat the vehicle. Often, major city drivers do not care and will hit you. It truly is not worth the risk. I advise you to use the crosswalk as much as you can! If you absolutely cannot bear that thought, always wait for those at the crosswalk nearest you to start crossing the street. That means that halfway down the street, if you see people walking the crosswalk it is most likely safe to jaywalk. Nonetheless, ALWAYS look both ways before crossing no matter how confident you are that no traffic is coming (not to sound like your 1st grade teacher)! Drivers in the city are unpredictable so don’t take chance.
