I just arrived home after my first trip to New York. As a theatre fanatic and major, it was a trip I had dreamt about my whole life and for the first time, my dream was being realized. And after a week in the concrete jungle, I learned more lessons than I ever thought possible about both the city and myself.

1. Hamiltoncraze is real.

This one should have been a no-brainer. The musical is huge and won big at the Grammy’s. I expected some hardcore fans in New York. But I underestimated the dedication of the fans. At all hours, there is a line at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (where Hamilton is playing). And no, it’s not a line for tickets or to meet the cast. It’s a line for possible cancellations. These people stay in line for hours on end for the miniscule chance to buy a full-price ticket from a cancellation. And by hours on end—I mean 12+ hours. By the time the Thursday show was letting out, there were already people there for the 7:00 pm Friday performance.

2. New Yorkers aren’t as scary as you think.

I might have been the only one who didn’t know this, but in movies New Yorkers are always portrayed as grumpy and hurried. And after the warnings from my parents, I thought that they also had the potential to be dangerous. But they are actually people! I know, surprising right? Everyone has their own agenda, which they are hurrying to meet. You join the mass and get swept along until you reach your street and exit. And as for grumpy? Sure, there were some, but most people were kind and more than willing to answer questions from confused tourists.

3. Don’t be a tourist.

I must say, tourists are the most aggravating type of people. I know, it was my first time there as well, but it’s completely possible to fit in with the New York scene on your first day. Just please don’t 1) take Snapchats while walking; 2) use a selfie stick on the streets of New York or 3) stop in the middle of the street. If you follow these (strong) suggestions, I guarantee everything will be fine.

4. Be a tourist.

But there’s another side to this too. If you’re going to New York for the first (of fiftieth) time, don’t be afraid to do those tourist-y things. Go to the Statue of Liberty. See the Museum of Natural History. Visit the Bronx Zoo. Try and find the books in the New York Public Library (because I couldn’t).

5. Realize it’s possible to adventure for cheap.

Everyone thought I was crazy for jetting off to New York for a couple days, but it is completely possible to do this trip for under $500. Do you have the plan ahead? Yes. But I assure you, it’s worth it. Which leads me to number 6…

6. Always be on the lookout for great deals.

There are so many ways to save money in New York. My friend and I attended five Broadway shows while we were in the city for less than $200. And if you’re not a regular Broadway goer, I’ll just say, that’s usually the price for one ticket. There are deals everywhere and for more than just shows. We saved big on the plane and hotel as well.

7. The Museum of Natural History is nothing like the movie.

We’ve all seen Night at the Museum. Honestly, I thought that when I walked into the Museum of Natural History, I would be transported into the movie. That was not true. The museum has several fascinating exhibits, however, it you’re looking to release your inner Ben Stiller in a museum, this probably isn’t the one for you. I did get a picture next to the Easter Island head though (GUM GUM!)

8. Don’t try to plan everything.

Honestly, some of my best memories from the trip occurred on the fly. Making on a whim decisions has never been my style, but I’ll be forever grateful for the ones I did make over the week. We met celebrities, walked backstage at an Off-Broadway theatre, and talked to some great people.

9. Theatre is relevant.

This one is a big one for me. I have had a passion for theatre my entire life. But throughout high school and college, it has been a constant struggle to draw people into the art I loved. A city that worshiped theatre seemed almost like a myth. But just walking into Times Square blew my mind away. Musicals were advertised everywhere, there was a theatre on every corner, and tickets were being sold by the dozen. There was a discount ticket booth called TKTS downtown. By the time it opened, the line filled almost the whole square. Hundreds and thousands of people were there, ready and willing to experience the joy of live theatre. And it was amazing.

10. It’s possible to feel at home in a place you’ve never been before.

By the third day in the city, I no longer felt like a tourist. I memorized the streets by their theatres and could navigate between the Gershwin and the Imperial like a pro. I never wanted the feeling of walking through Times Square to leave. And I could easily see myself working and living in the city. Maybe I’ll move to New York one day, and maybe I won’t. But I know when I go back, it will welcome me with open arms.

11. But if you do get homesick, there’s a Chick-fil-A on the next corner

And it will be like you’ve never left the South.