Welcome to New York City, graduate and undergraduate students alike. 

Did you know NYC has more undergraduate and graduate students than Boston has people? Well, it's true. So there are a lot of you, and you should have no trouble making friends.

First of all, falling asleep on the subway is a bad move unless you want your wallet stolen. Swimming in the rivers is also a really bad move unless you're an Olympic swimmer.

Those are just some of the many things you need to know about living here. 

This city is your home now, so we've compiled some more tips below. What we mostly want to say, though, is welcome to the greatest city on Earth, estudiantes. 

You're going to have a blast.

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1. This can be a lonely city

It seems like an oxymoron that in one of the most crowded cities in the world, you'd get lonely, but it's true. 

In many other parts of America, you're met with a friendly smile from anyone you'd encounter on the street. In New York City, that's not the case. New Yorkers are pro at pretending other people aren't around.

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So here's a tip for the subway: everyone on the subway is going to avoid making eye contact with you. Don't try to initiate eye contact. Pretending other people don't exist is essential to urban solitude. 

Don't take it personally. 

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2. NYC can be stressful

First, getting here is tough because everyone gets worked when you pause on the sidewalk, at the subway kiosk, or when you're taking your time to get off the train.

Everyone in NYC is in a rush, and before long you will be too. It won't take long for you to catch yourself in an all-out, full-barreled sprint on your way to something extremely trivial like meeting your friend for lunch.

Just remember to keep perspective on the situation. The world won't end if you're late for lunch or if you shell out $8 for a burrito. 

Remember to breathe deeply, and make time for your own relaxation. If you want an inexpensive yoga class to solve your stressed-out blues, visit donation-based Yoga to the People.

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3. The freedom is real

The most special parts about living in the city are the municipal spaces. Once you get past the initial loneliness of living here, you'll be met with the most exhilarating, soul-soaring freedom you've ever imagined.

In NYC, it's not weird to go to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops by yourself. 

There are plenty of coffee shops you can while the whole day away in, doing your homework and jamming out to music amidst dozens of other New Yorkers doing the same.

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You're also in the cultural capital of the world. This city is bursting at the seams with live music at places like Brooklyn Bowl, the Rockwood Music Hall, and Supply House. 

NYC is also exploding with artistic expression, whether through murals adorning walls in the East Village or our museums which are "pay what you wish" on certain days, if you feel most alive while surrounded by art, you'll feel right at home here.

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4. Subway etiquette is essential

Make sure you wait for people to get off the subway before you try and make your way on. Stand to the right on escalators, don't "manspread," and don't hog the poles.

Also, it's worth it to buy a monthly pass. It's true that spending $116.50 feels jarring at first, and it's tempting to continually reload your card with $20s, but if you're going to take the subway twice a day, buying a monthly is worth it and actually saves you money in the long run.

If nothing else, buying a monthly subway pass saves you from the stress of constantly wondering how much money you have left on your card.

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5. Everyone wants your money

You're going to be solicited for money at nearly every turn. You'll eventually get desensitized to the guy begging for money outside your subway stop every morning, but right now you're probably pretty jarred by him.

Here's a word to the wise: you don't have to give your money to every homeless person and street side performer you see. If the performer impresses you, go ahead. Give them a dollar. 

Otherwise, you need to patch up your bleeding heart fast, because if you gave money every time someone asked for it, you'd be out of money in a week.

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The guys who play chess in Union Square Park play chess all day, every day. They will beat you at chess. You're not Bobby Fischer. We're still searching for him. 

You can lifehack the cost of living in NYC. You'll save hundreds by cooking, occasionally staying in, and pre-gaming the bar.

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6. Getting involved is great

Getting yourself involved will really help you out with the whole loneliness problem we discussed earlier. 

Of course you'll probably make friends in your classes, and your school may offer recreational or intramural sports, but if not you're lucky you're in one of the most vibrant, active cities in the universe.

Whatever your sport of choice, check out Zog Sports to play recreational sports in any league you desire. There are also plenty of art workshops, book clubs, and group activities to find like-minded individuals who are just waiting to become pals with you.

Download the app MeetUp; it's essential toward discovering a thriving group of weirdos who love all the same stuff you do. If you love waking up at the crack of dawn and birdwatching, great! We guarantee there's a MeetUp for that.

There are also plenty of excellent ways to acquire exercise in this wild city, if working out is your thing.

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7. Beauty is all around

Whether it's Prospect Park, Washington Square Park, or Brooklyn Grange, NYC has plenty of parks to immerse yourself in the wonderful varieties of nature.

We've also got some of the best food on the planet. Don't stick with what you know and eat at Chipotle, Panera, and Taco Bell all the time.

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Of course we won't judge you if you indulge in these chains every once and a while, but give your closest bodega a chance. 

Go to Essex Taqueria for the world's best tacos and The Meatball Shop for the world's best meatballs.

Basically, get out there. We believe in you.

Check out 7 Simple Rules to Walking the Streets of NYC Like an Absolute Pro. 

[via ATMTX Photo]