Student life in New York: Useful pointers for aspirants

Anyone who has been to New York will tell you that there is no other place quite like it. The city has been long regarded as a pioneer in various fields including technological advancement, innovation media, and finance. New York is also a melting pot of art, ethnicity, culture, and cuisine. These aspects lend the place a diversity that makes it truly international thereby rendering it one of the most sought-after student destinations.  In 2012-13, the number of international student enrollment in the U.S hit an all-time high with nearly 850,000 students and New York hosted the highest number of international students of any city in the U.S.  If you are planning to study in New York, here are some pointers that you might want to consider.

Top universities located in the heart of the city
For starters, New York is home to some of the most renowned and top-ranked universities. Sprawled across the heart of New York on W 115 St is the Ivy League college Columbia University. It is also the state’s top-ranked institution and frontrunner in many disciples including Law, Medical, Journalism and many research-based programs. The college also boasts of some illustrious alumnus.

Another Ivy League institution situated in the college town of Ithaca in upstate New York is Cornell University.  The institution is highly regarded for its science and research programs and it also has one of the most beautiful campus’ in the city.

New York University is another exciting choice for prospective students. Located on 70 Washington Square S, the college is a thriving hub for students. Strategically located in the center of the city, the University is divided into 18 schools depending on the various streams. All you have to do is make a choice.

Other prominent institutions in the city include the City University of New York, State University of New York, University of Rochester and Syracuse University among others. Ultimately your decision will boil down to the program of your choice and the college that best caters to your academic needs.

Apart from the aforementioned institutions, there are a great many colleges that offer myriad courses ranging from the mundane to the esoteric. The choices are limitless. The colleges in New York have the unparalleled advantage of offering their students a chance to train in one of the most advanced and competitive environments.  For prospective students, intent on seeking an all-round experience in a global setting, New York offers the perfect opportunity for such an experience.

Where to stay?
Living in New York is an expensive affair and accommodation is no exception. The best option for students would be campus housing as this will help cut travel cost and also save you precious time on the commute. The student housing facilities in the universities will assist you with various options and even help you select suitable roommates if required. Most colleges also have reasonable housing options for students around the universities Apart from tuition cost, a student in the city is likely to spend an average of $15,000 a year on rent.

Say Hello New York! Orient yourself with the city

It would be a shame to restrict your time in New York to campus life. After orienting yourself with your college and classes, get ready for a thorough introduction to the city. The best way to explore the city is on foot and it will also help you save those precious dollars. Walk your way from the MET to Times Square, explore the downtown area around east village and west village, step into Central Park and take in the beautiful sights - it’s the best way to get a true feel of the city. You are likely to find something that will stop you in your tracks every couple of blocks, be it street fairs, artists, parks, landmark buildings. The city is full of life, all day, and all night. Eventually, you will find that local hangout that you will designate as your personal haunt until then don’t stop looking. Don’t ignore the tourist attractions; they are popular for a reason and you would do well to know about them. Most places like MOMA, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, have free admission during certain days of the week, so plan around them. Some places also offer student discounts, make sure you look up online for offers before making the bookings. This will come in handy to manage your student budget smartly.

The second best option to traverse the gird that New York is, would be through the city’s well-connected subway system. You might find them daunting at first, but arm yourself with a map and check the MTA site for schedules and pretty soon you will be able to find your way around like a pro. Also, people in the city are welcoming and helpful.  So if you find yourself in need of direction, ask around.

Eat, experiment, enjoy!
Thanks to its diverse population, New York offers an incredible variety of cuisines. The food trucks around New York are a really great place to experiment with different kinds of local food and quench your gastronomic cravings. From Brooklyn to Broadway, there are many food trucks that line the streets of New York. Head to the Shake Shack at Central Park for a juicy burger and mouthwatering concretes, or the Waffles and Dinges on Broadway to indulge that sweet tooth. If you are craving some Indian, then there’s the trusty Biryani Cart on 46^th street that is sure to cure your homesickness.  The downtown area is a great place to indulge in cuisines ranging from French to Moroccan. So if you get tired of the cafeteria food, head down to one of these places for a change of palate.

New York’s neighboring state, New Jersey, is a hub for many things Indian. New Jersey is one of the states with the highest Indian population. There are many Indian stores and restaurants here. Hoysala in Somerset is one of the popular Indian restaurants. Their South Indian buffet is absolutely sumptuous. If you wish for a feeling of being home away from home, it is likely to be fulfilled here.

Visit before applying

If you can, I would suggest you visit the city prior to applying to colleges of your choice. Before applying to Columbia, I made it a point to personally visit the University and speak with the admissions department to get a better idea of the course, campus life, and career opportunities. The people at the admissions department are courteous and will try to address your questions and queries to your satisfaction.

The city, with its fast-paced life and competitive streak, may not be cut-out for everyone. So a visit will also aid you in understanding what is in store and help you determine whether it is the right place for you and if it meets your expectations. New York with its many distractions can sometimes take your focus away from academics. As a student, this will help you prioritize, develop a sense of balance and help bring a structure in your life that you will find helpful when you finally venture out into the professional world.

If you are a student planning to study in New York, you can be guaranteed to have an experience that will be enlightening, educational and extremely enjoyable. An experience that will stay with you for a long, long time.