NYU Culture Shock 101: Adjusting to Life in the City That Never Sleeps

Adjusting to life in the city means adapting to streets that never stop, sounds that never quit, and faces at every turn. Here are a few challenges that I faced after arriving.  

1. The pace….and I don’t just mean the walking speed. My first week here, I ran into at least five people. It’s unavoidable! Finding a park bench in Washington Square Park is impossible, especially when the weather is nice. Everywhere you look something is happening; a pickup game of basketball, an impromptu performance, or a group of friends filming a TikTok. 

2. The sounds. Sirens are aways going and with traffic, the deafening sound is further prolonged. Subway cars can be heard from from five floors up! People are always chatting, which does make for some fun eavesdropping opportunities. 

3. The people. To quote Schoolhouse Rock, NYC is truly, “the great American melting pot.” All over the city and NYU’s campus, there are people from different cultures, speaking different languages. Hearing so many languages makes me wish I tried harder in high school Spanish. People also speak much more directly here, so no more slow, friendly chats with your favorite Starbucks barista.

These pieces, while they are part of what makes the city so interesting, can be exhausting and overwhelming to a newcomer. There is also the additional stress of media and technology. Watching Gossip Girl on repeat will not help you adjust to city life, although it will act as a good comfort show. I have seen so many films, videos, and shows about the importance of taking advantage of everything NYC has to offer. This meant that my first semester, I was saying yes to every invite and spending as little time as possible in my residence hall.

While college is the time to explore and push yourself a bit out of your comfort zone, taking time for yourself is just as important. For some, this means hanging with friends on Friday nights or catching a film. For me, it means walking around the downstairs part of Target or reading a book. The point is that everyone has a different idea of what it means to take a rest. Here are a few general tips that have helped me find my way!

1. Comforts and breaks can be small. You don’t necessarily have to catch the train to a farm out in the country…although the fall orchids can be pretty amazing. Try finding a cozy coffee shop or stopping by an animal shelter.

2. Set your own rhythm! You do not have to say yes to everything. This is a lesson I learned the hard way. I felt pressured to say yes so that people would like me, but in reality it is more important to show up fully and feeling your best than it is to participate for participation’s sake. 

3. Explore…you never know where your next favorite stop might be! It wasn’t until my junior year spring that I found out that the Met Museum had a rooftop garden. With benches and a little cafe, it made for the perfect stop on Sunday mornings. The museums in the city are usually free to NYU students, so take advantage of this opportunity while you have it! Also take your time wandering through neighborhoods, checking out some local eateries, and embracing the cultural richness.

4. Stay connected! Most mornings on my walk to class, you can find me on the phone with a friend or family member not in NYC. These 20 minute chats make me feel closer to home and the people I love even when I am miles away. A ready made cure for homesickness!

Finally, give yourself grace! Looking back at my first year self, I am an entirely different person who has taken advantage of NYC and allowed it to change me in the best ways. I am so much more confident, intentional about my time, and comfortable in saying no to plans.