With my first year of college finally completed, there is a lot for me to be thankful for: good grades, great friends and an overall incredible experience. But one huge factor that influenced my college experience, as well as the experiences of many others, is the fact that we all lived in Manhattan instead of on a typical college campus. City living has so many incredible benefits, and it was honestly one of the best choices I ever made. Here is why New York City is such an amazing place for college kids to thrive in.
1. It's full of activity!
New York City is called "The City that Never Sleeps" for a reason. No matter what time of the day it is or what the weather is like outside, it is teeming with people of all different genders, races, sexualities and ethnicities. Every person has his or her own story to tell, and each day contains the possibility of meeting someone new. Regardless of what you are doing, you will always either see or interact with a different person on a daily basis.
2. There is plenty to do.
Never will a weekend go by where you complain that you are bored. New York City is huge and is full of tons of different activities. If you love nature, go for a walk in Central Park and explore all it has to offer. If you want to see some priceless works of art, visit some of the many museums around town like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or the MET. You could also play tourist and visit famous places like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, or Fifth Avenue. Go and see a Broadway play. Student rush tickets are available as well as lottery opportunities. There are also plenty of smaller neighborhoods that have tons of character, like Greenwich Village or Chelsea. Regardless of where you find yourself, every day will be an adventure because each street contains something fresh and unique.
3. It is cheaper than you would expect.
A lot of people equate living in Manhattan to unnecessary expenses. Because you are in a city, there are a lot of eating opportunities that aren't the dining hall. But keep in mind that not everyone who lives in NYC is rich. Regular people need regular eateries, and the city not only has classic chain staples but also a lot of hole-in-the-wall diners or shops that sell cheap and incredible food. Museums are often pay-what-you-wish, and Central Park is one major destination that is completely free for the public to enjoy! The only factor that would suck up some money would be public transportation. You can't walk everywhere, and it does cost around three dollars per trip on the bus or subway. Transfers are free, but I always used my Metrocard only when I knew I couldn't walk somewhere.
4. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!
Since interning is an essential part of finding a job out of college, New York City has headquarters for tons of major companies as well as hundreds of minor ones- all of which have internship opportunities. Many schools have programs where students bus into the city for internships, but if you already attend school in Manhattan, you get first priority. Not only can you attend class, but you can also leave and work. The opportunities in New York are once in a lifetime, and the jobs you can get there are some of the best.
5. You will make memories that you will never forget.
College is all about amazing, unforgettable experiences with unforgettable people. While everyone regardless of location has their own special memories of college, imagine living in Manhattan and creating unique and exclusive memories such as hanging out with your friends in a cafe, going to a museum, or late-night sightseeing. The city is upbeat, and it's alive. It's meant for people to have fun and live. Regardless of what you do in New York City, you will make memories that you will never forget. Attending college is all about discovering yourself, and New York is the perfect place to do that. The city will help you to grow, prosper and thrive. As the saying goes, "If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere."
New York City is a place unlike any other, and it is yours for the taking. I can truly say that if you make the decision to attend college in it, you will not regret it. It will produce an unforgettable experience worth every penny of tuition, and it will create memories that will be with you forever.
