I go to Drew University, in can you didn't know. One of the requirements of going to Drew means that you have to have at least one off-campus experience/class. Luckily, they make it easy for you by offering a lot of classes in the major.

This semester, I am taking a class that meets twice a week in New York City, and focuses on media and communications. The first half of the day is a regular seminar. The second half is going to an actual successful business in the media and communications industry, TV studios, ad agencies, PR firms, etc.

I've been doing this for a month now, and made a quick stop at NYC DragCon, which basically makes me a part-time NYC resident. That means I've learned a lot about living in NYC, or at least navigating it.

Here are six things I've learned about navigating The Big Apple.

1. Duane Reade's are fucking awesome

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If you don't know what Duane Reade is, they're like a better version of Walgreen's. I went into the one next-door to the building where my morning class is held to grab snacks. And I was blown away. The variety of stuff they have? Insane!

2. Always buy 2 MetroCards

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Since our class goes to businesses that are not close to the seminar room. And since our class is comprised of people over eighteen; we are required to get ourselves to New York and to the business location. The solution? The subway! And since we are taking the subway on a regular basis, it makes sense to get a MetroCard, instead of a one ride pass. So, I bring a sweatshirt everyday, because women's clothing doesn't have pockets, and I usually end up putting it in my backpack, before taking my wallet out and putting it in the front pocket. Last week, I had done this, and had to take the subway. I dug through my backpack and couldn't find my MetroCard. Since I wasn't sure when the next train was coming, and my friends had already gone through the turnstile, I got a new MetroCard. Naturally, I found my old MetroCard that night. I decided to keep the second MetroCard, just in case.

3. Always swipe your MetroCard slowly and with the straight line forward

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It took me weeks to figure this out. But I did!

4. Penn Station has great stores

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When I used to go to Penn Station, my time was mostly spent grabbing Auntie Anne's and waiting for my Amtrak or NJTransit train. Walking through Penn four times a week, usually in different directions, you notice a lot about the lesser known NYC train station. Namely, there's a lot of stores. Not just the Dunkin Donuts slash convenience stores you can find anywhere. There are full on restaurants and clothing stores at Penn. My friend's favorite store is a tie shop called "Tiecoon." She's never been in, she just likes the name. Also, they might have gotten rid of the Auntie Anne's, which is a crime against humanity.

5. Landmarks are easier to remember than street names

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I have gotten slightly lost going to places that I should know where they are, like Penn. The way I found it? My Apple Maps and by remembering that it's near a Swarovski crystal or a Home Depot.

6. Microwave mac & cheese takes longer than you think

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Since we have to be responsible for our own lunches, I know, the horror! And since I'm cheap, I usually end up microwaving mac & cheese in the building's microwave. I've also learned that it takes a lot longer than you think it does. Especially when there's a line of people waiting to use the microwave.