New York City. A place full of opportunities and experiences. The perfect place to live if you want to be somebody, right? New York is an incredible place, there's no denying that. There are so many things to see, especially around the holidays. After living in the Upper East Side for a semester, I have learned that there are some cons to living in such a big city. Here are 5 reasons why NYC livin' isn't all it's cracked up to be.
1) You will walk more than you think.
Do you have to go somewhere that is 20 blocks away? Walking is probably your best bet. It is the healthier, but more exhausting option. It is easy to walk 6-7 miles a day without even realizing it. Although walking is exercise, one of the downsides to walking is when the weather is all over the place. Should I bring a jacket in case it rains? Should I carry an umbrella? The answer is always yes. Getting stuck in the rain is a miserable experience, especially when your walk has just begun.
2) The subway can be gross and intimidating.
If your destination is not walkable, the subway is a convenient, yet cringe-worthy option. For a $2.75 swipe of your metrocard, you can go anywhere in or right outside of Manhattan. Subways can be confusing so you'll hopefully find the train you're looking for without getting lost. After being packed into the train car, common thoughts include: Wait, is this the right train? Why are there so many people? What stop am I getting off at again? It can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re a germaphobe like me- try not to think about all of the germs around you.
3) There’s a lack of a “campus community."
One downside to going to college in New York City is that most colleges don't have that "campus feel." Unlike most of my friends’ experiences, I can't take a minute walk down a path to get to class because I'm not living on a campus. I walk 16 blocks to get to school- passing restaurants, bars, banks, stores, and hundreds of people who I'll never see again. Sometimes it feels like I'm going to work rather than going to school.
4) You'll hear outside noise 24/7.
Coming from a quiet suburban town, getting used to the commotion in the middle of the night took some time. I never realized how many people would be out and about at the oddest hours. I've been woken up in the middle of the night by police sirens, construction work, and car horns. Your sleep schedule might be altered after moving here. When you're sleeping, the city does not.
5) It's easy to feel lonely.
"How can you feel lonely in a city THAT big?" Actually, it's not that hard.
It's easy to feel like just a number. The city is so big that you can feel swallowed up and awfully tiny. Walking throughout the city, or walking to class, is usually an individual experience. With headphones in ears, you're headed for your destination. Immersing yourself in a city this big can make you feel isolated and lonesome.
