1.) Do your best to leave 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to. We've all been on the train that's at a standstill for 20 minutes or when our beloved express train suddenly is only making local stops. Cut out the anxiety by leaving time for something to go wrong and you'll never feel stressed again. Wouldn't you rather be sitting in Starbucks sipping coffee because you're early instead of using the "sorry trains were crazy" excuse to your boss? That works maybe once or twice so save it for a snowstorm.

2.) Buy a portable charger and keep it charged in your bag at all times. There is nothing worse than frantically searching for an outlet.

NOTE: PENN STATION removed their outlets due to security reasons.

3.)Transfer at less crowded subway stations whenever possible and try to remember the set-up of your regular stations. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to walk from one train to the other (those uphill walkways though!)

4.) DO NOT commute in heels. Please don't do it. Girl, wear flats and put the heels in your bag. You'll thank me later when you didn’t break your neck diving through those closing train doors.

5.) New to NYC winters? Prepare yourself for months of dirty slush that goes up to your knees. You're gonna need some rubber boots! And hey, no one says you need to go buy the brand name. Mine were 15 bucks in TJ Maxx- I line them with some thick socks and I'm ready to go.

6.) Do not leave your metro card empty. This includes you folks with the unlimited cards. Keep an extra card with one or two cash value rides on it all the time. Maybe your unlimited card ran out and the line is crazy, need a ride for yourself or sometime else in a pinch. Keep it tucked away for safekeeping.

Last but not least and I think this is just a general rule for life) carry a snack and bottle of water. Do you want to spend 5 bucks for a small water in the tourist areas? Didn't think so.