Like for most Fordham students, a large factor in my decision to attend was the proximity to New York City. It’s all exciting when your new friends decide to make that first trip to another borough, until you realize that not a single one of you has any clue how to get there. Maneuvering your way around New York City is beyond stressful, especially if you’ve never had to navigate a big city before. There are people bumping into you left and right, the maps are confusing, and walking to midtown from the BX is hardly a viable option. Thankfully, Fordham students have three fairly simple methods of travel directly outside of our gates.
The Subway
Definitely the most frequented option, the New York City Subway will take you anywhere you want to go for $2.75 each way. Metrocards can be purchased at any station, but the Fordham station machines tend to be out of service pretty frequently. If you wish to err on the side of caution, cards can also be purchased on campus at the McGinley information desk for $5.00. Fordham students can take the D train from the station at Fordham Road, a less-than-20-minute walk from campus (15 if you're fast), or the 4 train at 183rd. What most first-timers don’t know is that nine times out of 10, you will have to switch trains to get to your final destination. But before you do, make sure you check whether the train is going uptown or downtown. My favorite subway app is EmbarkNYC, which offers a digital subway map, advisories for lines that are running contrary to plan, and estimated arrival times based on trip length.
Perks of the Subway: It's fast, easy to use once you get the hang of it, and it will take you virtually anywhere in the city.
Pits of the Subway: It’s hot, smelly, confusing at first, and can be a little sketchy at night.
The MetroNorth
If you’re fortunate enough to be spending the year surviving Martyrs', you’re pretty much guaranteed to catch the train, no matter how late you think you are. The MetroNorth is a mere couple of steps outside the gates and a perfect option if you’re dying to unleash your inner Serena Van Der Woodsen at Grand Central Station. Built in 1871, Grand Central is one of the most iconic stations in the city, with beautiful architecture and easy access to Magnolia Bakery. The MetroNorth is the best bet if you’re looking for a stress-free ride to Bryant Park or the New York Public Library. A bit pricy, the tickets are $6.50 each way during off-peak hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 8 p.m. - 5 a.m.). Fares increase 25 percent during rush hours. City Tickets are offered on weekends at $4.25 each way.
Perks of the MetroNorth: Clean, safe, fast, easy.
Pits of the MetroNorth: Expensive, subway transfer necessary if you don’t plan to stay in the immediate area.
The Ram Van
Ah, the Ram Van. We’ve all booked it from one side of campus to the other to catch the last one just in time. Located near the parking garage underneath O’Hare, Ram Van shuttles run back and forth between the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses every half hour until 4 a.m. Keeping traffic in mind is essential when booking a seat on the Ram Van, as trips can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour depending on congestion. Tickets are $3.50 each way and must be reserved in advance, as they tend to fill up pretty quickly (especially after 4 p.m.). Tickets can be picked up at the Ram Van office or at machines in the Lincoln Center campus lobby. Ram Vans also offer an airport shuttle service to both LaGuardia and JFK International Airports.
Perks of the Ram Van: Stress-free if you book your tickets ahead of time; you won’t miss your stop even if you fall asleep; Ram Van driver is easily the highest-paid job on campus.
Pits of the Ram Van: Depending on your driver, you can be in for a bumpy ride; rides get cancelled during inclement weather; inconveniently located unless you live in O’Hare.
Being safe and smart about getting back from whence you came is just part of the package. No matter how you decide to get there, any trip you take in NYC is bound to be a good one.
