Experience in New York, United States by Rachel

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What is it like to live in New York? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Life in New York is like nowhere else in the United States. It is one of the most diverse, most bustling, most delicious and most exciting places to visit.

You'll be in awe of how many people you pass on a given day, how many languages you hear and the variety of events that are taking place. It is stressful to make sure you're not missing out on something!

What is the student lifestyle like in New York?

Because New York is expensive, it can be frustrating to experience the city on a budget. But if you know where to go and where to live, you can find affordable meals and nightlife options.

Having a student ID can get you discounts to movies, museums and even some grocery shops. There are tons of young people living in New York and even neighborhoods that are predominantly inhabited by students.

How much does it cost to live in New York?

It costs a lot! Living in central Manhattan is not cheap. Expect to pay at least 1000$ per month in a shared flat.

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Living in Queens and Brooklyn will be cheaper but even parts of Brooklyn are getting pricey.

On top of rent, a monthly subway pass is over 100$ a month. Eating in restaurants is expensive and expect to pay at least 6-7$ for a beer in a bar.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in New York? Is there any advice you can give?

It can be frustrating. So many people are constantly looking for housing in New York, so you have to act quickly and sometimes be ready to commit to an apartment you've just seen or risk losing it. People listing apartments sometimes get 50 responses in the first 10 minutes of having listed their room/flat.

It's easier to find flats in Queens and Brooklyn. Craigslist is the best site for finding accommodation (shared or individual) in the city. Your home and host universities might also be able to help you.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is amazing! You will find cuisines from all over the world and also have the chance to try some New York specialties like bagels, deli food, amazing hamburgers, New York pizza and cheesecake.

The array of international food is mind blowing. In one day, you can eat food from Africa, Asia and South America. Be adventurous and willing to try places beyond the confines of Manhattan. You can find fantastic Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Polish, Russian, Greek food in the outer boroughs and for a lower price.

I prefer international food, but my friends who visit New York love pizza and bagels on a weekend morning.

What places would you recommend visiting in New York?

My favorite sites include:

• The Highline,
• MoMA,
• The MET,
• Brooklyn Bridge,
• Union Square Area,
• Central Park,
• Prospect Park in Brooklyn,
• Tenement Museum,
• Chelsea Market,
• Brooklyn Flea,
• the Piers.

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The best thing to do, however, is just walk around and explore different neighborhoods:

• Harlem,
• The West Village,
• Soho,
• Williamsburg,
• Upper West Side,
• East Village,
• Lower East Side.

Go see a show on Broadway, a concert at the Philharmonic, and opera or ballet at Lincoln Center.

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Is it good to eat out in New York? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, but prepare to spend money - especially in Manhattan. To save money, look for BYO (Brew Your Own) restaurants where you can bring a bottle of your own beer or wine. My favorites in Manhattan are:

• Nook,
• Tartine,
• ACafe,
• Limon,
• Kuma Inn,
• Mombar in Astoria Queens,
• Gazala's Place.

Is the nightlife good in New York? Where is good to go?

It depends what you like. You can hit up some clubs in the Meatpacking District or the Lower East Side, or you can find some fun, trendy bars in:

• The East Village,
• West Village,
• Greenwich Village,
• around Washington Square.

There are also wine bars and more upscale places on the UES and in Midtown, but they have less character.

What advice would you give future students heading to New York?

Save money! Seek out help finding an apartment and do some research about the sites and eateries you want to visit.

If you're not from a big city, you might find the possibilities overwhelming. Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten track and explore different neighborhoods that aren't listed in a typical travel guide.

Use the subway - it's safe, cheap and reliable. New York is much safer than it used to be. There are constantly other people around and New Yorkers are actually very nice and willing to give you directions.

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Enjoy!