New York is one of the most fast-paced cities in the world.
When out-of-towners move here, they're thrown into a storm of insanity that they've never experienced before. This forces newbies to learn some crucial lessons about New York City, and learn 'em real fast.
That's why we've made a list of 14 things 'new' New Yorkers must learn quickly in order to make it in this town.
Oh, and welcome to New York City, you rookies!
1. How the subways work
Uptown, downtown, local, express... there are so many things to understand about the subway system in NYC.
The first time that you’re in the city and told to take the 4 train to Union Square, it's extremely likely that you will end up in Spanish Harlem before you finally muster the courage to ask someone if you’re going the right way.
Luckily, New Yorkers are pretty helpful when asked for directions-- although everyone will then know that you’re a rookie. Cover blown... but whatever.
2. Don’t look anyone in the eye on the subway
You will learn this lesson after the first time that you accidentally look at a crazy person the wrong way and they start incoherently yelling at you.
It usually turns into the person threatening to kill you, as you sit in silence just taking it all in.
When you look around, surprisingly no one is fazed. This must happen frequently. Oh well, better get used to it.
3. Bars are open way later here
The first time you go out for drinks with some friends, you think you're just going out for a uneventful night of low-key drinking. Before you know it, its 2:30 and you're on the way home to the next bar.
You end up staying there until 4:00 a.m. and everyone acts like it's normal. Who in their right mind stays out until 4:00 in the morning? New Yorkers, that’s who.
Just pace yourself next time. You’re probably in it for the long haul... #YOLO!
4. No one will acknowledge your existence while commuting
It’s every man for themselves during the daily commute. Everyone is either reading or listening to music, making sure they don’t have to communicate with anyone until they get to their offices.
And yes, people will cut you off and stop right in front of you on the sidewalk, as if they're the only people in the world.
They will also push you into a subway car when you thought there was no possible way another person could fit.
No one is looking out for you, so just look out for yourself. It's a jungle out there. Act accordingly.
5. How to swipe your MetroCard
When you first get to this city, the subway is a complete mystery to you. Do you have to pay every damn time? Which way do you swipe it? How fast?
You study how everyone else goes through the turnstile with ease and decide to just go for it. BANG! Your card didn’t work and you run straight into the metal bar. So embarrassing.
6. The important buildings
If you don’t know what the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and Grand Central Terminal look like (or where they're located), you might has well move back home. Like immediately.
Because every New Yorker will laugh right in your face if you ask what or where any of these buildings are. (We can’t emphasize enough how crucial this one is, really.)
7. You can have just about anything delivered to your door
Yes. Everything. Any kind of food that you want, groceries, alcohol, whatever. You want it now? Don’t you worry. It will get there in under an hour.
This is one of the best things about New York City.
Take advantage of it sparingly though, as you don’t want to end up turning into that lazy, fat person who has to take up the entire subway bench once you finally do decide to leave your apartment.
,8. People will judge you for going to chain restaurants
Yeah, we all know that Taco Bell's chalupas are a gift sent from heaven. But, you may not want to admit that to anyone else in this city.
"There are so many amazing restaurants in NYC, and you went to a chain restaurant?"
Yup, that's right. Sometimes you're craving a Big Mac from McDonald's. So, you will still get your Big Mac-- but make sure you just keep it to yourself, m'kay?
9. People dress well here. Like extremely well
In college, your go-to outfit was a t-shirt, sweatpants, and flip-flops. So, of course you stick out like a sore thumb when you try to pull that look off here.
After being called out at a bar as "the girl wearing the jumpsuit," you realize you aren't in 'Kansas' anymore and absolutely have to step up your game. Look the part and chuck those sweats.
In this city, it's hard to be over-dressed because New Yorkers always bring their A-game.
10. There’s always something fun and new to do here
Why live here and pay the crazy rent and absurd prices if you’re not going to take advantage of it?
Get out and go to a Broadway show, check out a museum, explore the parks, hit up the great bars or some restaurants. You live in the greatest city in the world. Now act like it.
11. How to deal with cat-callers
Before living here, it was rare to get cat-called on the street. But after moving here, you realize it’s almost impossible to avoid. Some girls decide to yell at these men. Others smile and continue walking.
After dealing with this annoyance for a while, we’ve found that the best way to deal with it is to pretend you’re listening to music and can’t hear a word they're saying.
After all, they’re ultimately searching for a reaction. So simple, just don’t give them the satisfaction.
12. The city can be pretty gross at times-- but it's still home
You got to love walking to brunch on a Sunday and walking over piles of vomit, seeing dog poop all over the sidewalk, and rats running right in front of you into a large pile of trash.
After living here for a while, this will all just seem completely normal, and you'll only notice when a friend from out-of-town points it out.
They're probably right, but whatever. You wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
13. Summers are really hot
Now you realize that the reason New Yorkers like to wear black is because sweat doesn't show up as much on black.
When you're waiting underground for the subway, you'll feel the sweat dripping down your back and you'll actually be relieved as the subway arrives. Hopefully the air conditioning is working in the car you choose.
And don't you worry; you're not the only gross one out there... or at least that's what you keep telling yourself, right?
14. Everything is way more expensive here
The first time you noticed how insanely spiked the prices are in this city was when you tried to buy allergy medicine at Duane Reade and it was almost $20.
You could probably get the same box back home for something absurdly low, like $5. But this is literally the price you pay to live in the best city in the world, and you don't sweat the small stuff anymore.
You know, because you're a New Yorker now.
Check out 8 Moral Dilemmas Every New Yorker Faces When Living in This City.
Feature Image Courtesy: Moving Into New York]