Free yoga:
Ballin’ on a budget? (AKA are you a broke college kid, or a freshie with some cash that you realize is dwindling before your bright, unassuming eyes?) THEN CHECK OUT YOGA TO THE PEOPLE! I’ve been to a few classes, and with their donation policy, we youngsters can go get our vinyasa flow without watching the cash flow out of our pockets.
PIT:
“Welcome to New York, prepare to lose all of your money!” is what the devil on my shoulder keenly whispered in my ear as I stepped off the plane at JFK. Well, you know what, little devil? I’m going to disown you. I can have a blast here and not go broke. I can see standup comedy and freestyle rap for $1 with my student ID if I want to. Because I get benefits galore as a Kollege Kid in the ~city~. In comes PIT, the People’s Improv Theater, where, believe it or not, my dreams of spending $1 on a fabulous comedy rap improv night came true.
Ate an entire box of Insomnia cookies:
This is pretty self-explanatory. I ate six cookies. They were mushy, melted, warm, and softly falling apart in my hands. Try the peanut butter. Sorry if you’re the Peanut Kid, but if you are, don’t be discouraged and TRY EVERYTHING ELSE!
Worked with a nonprofit:
On a more serious, non food-related note, this city is filled with innovative, passionate, brilliant individuals. I had the opportunity to volunteer with a nonprofit for a week, and not only did I discover new passions, but I also felt integrated into a new community of inspired and inspiring people.
Walked everywhere:
I’m so over cars. My feet are taking over my Jeep Liberty’s old job, and they’re loving it. Sure, it’s tiring to walk all over the place, but I’ve discovered so many intriguing hole-in-the-wall places (think noodles, a popup clothing store that shares my name, countless markets, art galleries, the list goes on…). I am constantly uncovering and discovering new facets to this intricately woven metropolis. Plus, I get to people watch, and there’s no better place for people watching than NYC.
Talked to strangers:
I was admittedly terrified of moving to this city because I didn’t want to be surrounded by all of the stereotypical “mean New Yorkers” that I had been hearing about from people back home. But then I got here. And I started to talk to people randomly - I asked for directions, talked to canvassers, inquired about taking photos of dogs, and complimented outfits. I was amazed: the “mean New Yorker” stereotype is - or has been - quite inaccurate. Sure, people go about their business, they walk incredibly quickly, they tend to be higher-tempered than what I’m used to, and they’re generally not afraid to speak up, but they are also incredibly willing to talk. The population here isn’t a mass of bullying automatons like I assumed; they’re real people!
Momofuku and other food adventures:
Noodles. Milk bar. Dumplings. Sushi burritos. Pizza. Bagels. Lattes. Tofu ice cream? Sure. Sesame ice cream. Smoothies. Halal. Gyros.
Explored churches:
I went for a walk and decided to explore every church I passed. The architecture ranges from extravagant, gothic and grandiose, to sparse and humble. I accidentally walked in on a baptism. I stood still for ten minutes and gawked at the entrance at St. John’s, and was in such awe that I felt a need to dance on the entrance steps. So I did. Unapologetically. Because it’s New York. And I can do, think, create, and be whoever I want.
So, how’s that for a starry-eyed freshman’s review of her new amazing college town?
