A Midwest Student at NYU: From Cornfields to the Concrete Jungle

As my family and I exited the Holland Tunnel, the huge skyscrapers of New York City suddenly loomed over me. This was completely different from my time as a visitor. And now it was my new home. I felt scared but excited, knowing that my entire life was about to change.

The first and most obvious shock I experienced was the constant activity and bustling energy. Though it was endearing when I first visited the city, I sometimes was exhausted by the persistent noise and crowds. In my hometown, the only noise at night was typically chorus of crickets and cicadas. Now, living right across from Washington Square Park, I went to sleep alongside chatter, cars, and sirens. This was definitely an adjustment.

Another aspect that drew me to NYU, but was still a huge learning curve was the very fast pace of life. New Yorkers don’t have time to waste. They are constantly in a hurry and consistently striving for the next best thing. This was a huge contrast from the Midwest, where most people like to go at a slower pace and are content with where they are.

Finally, I experienced a huge transition between Midwestern and New York hospitality. Midwesterners are known for being extremely outwardly friendly. I can say the stereotype is true. At home I would frequently speak with strangers on the street or make conversation with a store cashier. In New York, I found this to be much less common. Before my job as an Admissions Ambassador, I worked off campus at a coffee shop. I was shocked when my supervisor told me that I was “too nice” to customers! I learned that Midwesterners and New Yorkers have kind hearts but show it in very different ways.

While Indiana and New York City could almost be two different worlds, it’s helpful to focus on what has stayed consistent between the two places.

New Yorkers certainly are not as outwardly hospitality as Midwesterners. However, I’ve found New Yorkers are still extremely kind and generous. They are always willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it. There is a common understanding that while city life can be hard, we are all in it together. New Yorkers may scoff at you for going up the wrong side of the subway stairs, but they don’t bite.

Furthermore, there are over 20,000 undergraduate students at NYU. While Midwest students make up a small percentage, they are definitely still here! I’ve been able to find students from a similar background, and we connected almost immediately. During my first year, one of my suite mates was from Michigan, and another was from western Pennsylvania. Spending time with them often felt like home away from home!

One of my favorite things about moving to New York City for NYU is that pretty much everyone is in the same boat. Most students are coming from somewhere else, whether it’s an hour away or across the world. No one really knows anyone. This means everyone is super open to hearing about each other’s backgrounds and experiences. They want to make new connections, especially during the first year. I encourage you to have the same mindset! Be open to everyone, and always be ready to learn. You never know who might become your best friend! Finding common ground with people despite completely different upbringings is so valuable. And building a strong support system is crucial to finding your way here.

Additionally, the Midwest has a ton of nature, so of course it was a huge adjustment moving to a place known as the “concrete jungle.” However, it’s been surprisingly easy to find pockets of nature within or close to the city! Central Park is the most obvious, but New York City has nearly 2,000 parks. I’ve enjoyed exploring as many as possible to find a place that reminds me of home. The parks are especially great in the outer boroughs! One of my personal favorites is Alley Pond Park in eastern Queens.

I enjoy taking weekend trips outside the city as well when I can. Long Island gives that suburban feel that I thought I would never miss, but I sometimes do. I love going to the beaches, Roosevelt Field Mall, and Sonic—a fast food chain I always miss when I’m in the city.

What helps me most, though, is keeping in touch with my loved ones at home. I text my friends and family every day. Since my first year, I’ve kept a picture wall full of fun memories with people I love back home. The best part is having friends that will come out to visit me. I can show them around my second home. Don’t forget: it’s totally normal to feel homesick sometimes. Just know that home will always be there, and the people that matter will too.