There are pros and cons to any college situation. However, living in New York has numerous benefits, no matter which college or university you actually attend. A couple months into my college life, I have already experienced so much because I live in the U.S.A.’s largest city: New York, New York.
1. Culture.
One of the greatest things about New York is the diversity. There are people from all over the world congregated in the 5 boroughs. With this myriad of different people, comes an influx of different foods, cultural events, traditions, and ideas. It also makes it possible for people to connect to their origins, despite being away from them. If you’re German, there’s Germantown. If you’re Italian, there’s Little Italy. If you search hard enough (although it won’t be that hard) you can find someone like yourself--or if you want the opposite, that’s an option, too.
2. Opportunities.
Especially for students, there are always things to do. Whether you are looking for an educational opportunity such as a lecture, a work opportunity such as an internship, or entertainment such as musicals, poetry readings, or art shows. There are always such things taking place somewhere in the city.
3. Connections.
Many successful people are either from New York or end up there at some point in their career. This is because of both my previous points: culture and opportunities. Everything seems to come together in this city. The United Nations Headquarters is in New York, explaining at least in part why so many diplomatic actions take place here. Every type of business imaginable is represented here and it is also a place for innovators to start something as there are endless academic and social resources. As a student, the connections we make through our schools, our educators, and opportunities the city has to offer are incredibly valuable and could set us up for very successful careers.
4. Practical Skills.
Living in New York, it becomes necessary to figure out how to get around without a car. That might not have been an option where you came from, but here it’s practically the only one--unless you want to splurge on a cab or Uber. Knowing how to take buses, subways and trains is essential. Of course, living away from home requires a multitude of practical skills but figuring out New York’s complex public transportation system is definitely one of the most difficult and beneficial things to learn.
5. Perspective.
Like any big city, New York has good and bad sides. In all honesty, the positives we experience from studying here make us very lucky and in many ways privileged. New York has been called, “the greatest city in the world” time and time again and has gained the love and respect of people all over the world. I see that New York is great, but I have also witnessed the poverty, neglect, and disadvantage some groups in the city face. The homeless population, for example, face discrimination and indifference by many people of the city. Addressing their disadvantage is one responsibility this city must take on to truly be great.
Living here has given me high hopes and expectations, that some of the problems here, and worldwide can be addressed and further resolved. With the resources and will of a city as large and diverse as ours, anything can be accomplished.
