What I Have Learnt Living in NYC
For the last six months I have been living in New York on a study abroad programme with FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and now am settling back into university back in Cornwall (quite a change)! My time in the city was short but also gave me enough time to feel like a New Yorker. From working at Jo Malone London, going to university and then also trying to socialise, my calendar was pretty full. During my time living in Manhattan, I learnt a couple of things that I thought I would share with you....And if you ever have a chance to move to New York- do it! It was the biggest and best decision I have ever made.
1. The City Never Sleeps
Because I was living in Midtown Manhattan my apartment was always noisy- morning and night, from sirens to protests. I think if I could go back I wouldn't live in Manhattan again but try and find a place in Brooklyn (and it was also cheaper rent). As well as the noise levels, there is also something that is always going on, from BRAT events in Times Square to DJ sets in subway carriages- if you ever have a night in you're missing out! This can be great as it's a great place to meet people, socialise and network but it also can get tiring quickly.
2. Expensive Lifestyle
I can't lie, New York is an expensive place to live. London is also a costly place but it feels like you can spend more money in New York (that also might just be the American lifestyle). Groceries were a weekly expense (more than in Europe), and a night out will cost you an arm and leg (but where doesn't!) However, there were many places I eventually found that were affordable places to eat or grab a coffee but if you want to visit the 'viral spots' then be sure it will cost you.
3. Put on your Walking Shoes
Carrie Bradshaw wasn't lying when she said she had 48 blocks in high heels. On average, I walked 20,000 steps a day. It wasn't because I was trying to get my steps in but rather honestly I felt safer walking than getting the Subway, and often I found I could walk around Manhattan faster than getting a train.
If you plan on moving or visiting New York, the number one recommendation would be is bring comfortable shoes. During my time in the city, I invested in many pairs of ballet flats and would occasionally also wear my Onitsuka Tigers. Just in case you need reminding- you are not Carrie Bradshaw! Don't attempt to wear $400 heels to get around New York!
4. Only Way is Food
I knew from social media that New York had some great bagels but didn't expect there to be such a foodie city. Every week I was getting recommendations on spots to try out and most of them lived up to the hype. And I can tell you although I did eat my fair share of bagels, there were many other cuisines and fusion restaurants to try. So whether you have visited the city before or it's your first time; take this piece of advice on New York- 'eat your way around the city!'
Don't worry I will be posting about my favourite food spots in New York soon!
5. Live to Work (not Work to Live)
Unlike a lot of European cities, I felt like New York (again this might be American culture) but the work/life balance was very different. Just like me, people move to New York to fulfil their dreams and were out there to make connections and get shit done- it's the Hustle Mentality! During my six months, I felt I made more connections, more money and had more opportunities than I have ever had in London.
As well as the hustle mentality, all the money people were making was just to afford to stay in the city. From the expensive lifestyle people live in New York and being able to afford to have all these opportunities it meant I didn't save anything and I doubt any of my friends which I made in the city were either. But for the short time I was there I can't complain about my situation, however, if I move back (which I want to) it would be something to consider.
There are some negatives that come with living, studying and working in New York but so many more positives. I hope I can share a little bit of my time there and share the knowledge that I've learnt as a puedo New Yorker.