If you’re a true NYC woman, you probably already know dozens of ways to deal with all those unique New York City quirks of daily life, like getting around town, finding the best neighborhood grocers, and snagging deep discounts on theater tickets. But what if you’re new to NYC? All over the world, women who reside in large cities like New York have learned a thing or two about handling life in densely populated areas. It’s about more than basic self-defense, which should be at the top of the priority list in any case.
For big-city women, survival as a new resident means learning how to reduce monthly expenses as a remedy for the big city cost of living. There’s also the necessary task of learning to navigate public transport and find your way around. Likewise, critical social skills include making connections with neighbors and learning how to deal with strangers, two interpersonal tactics that most longtime New Yorkers have mastered. Here are some suggestions for surviving as a new resident in NYC.
Learn Self Defense
It’s a fact of life that NYC and other large urban centers suffer from a certain amount of crime. Like it or not, one of the best ways to deal with the prospect of crime is to learn self-defense. Take a live or online class in judo, Krav Maga, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, or dozens of others. The fighting arts offer practical, affordable ways to boost self-confidence, learn about street safety, and acquire the necessary skills for defending yourself against attack.
Cut Monthly Expenses Sensibly
In so many situations, survival is all about money. If you’re trying to minimize spending while living in a high-priced city, consider refinancing your student loans into a single obligation that offers terms as long as 20 years and the chance to make a new student loan refinancing agreement on your existing balance. Getting started is quick and simple and includes a quick online application, filling out basic financial and personal info, choosing your payment amount, picking a rate type, and locking in the long-term savings by signing and submitting the application.
Study Public Transport Maps
Getting around is one of the daily challenges in the big city, especially for anyone who lives in or near NYC. Spend time studying the public transit maps of the carriers you use most. Familiarize yourself with bus and subway routes. It’s also wise to find the nearest cab stations to your home and office in case you ever need an alternative form of transportation. Ask a local friend for help with navigating the buses and trains. Most new residents are surprised at how quickly they learn to master NY’s public transport.
Learn How to Deal with Nice Strangers
If you’re from a small town, the word stranger has an entirely different meaning than it does in NYC. It’s critical for women to know that any stranger who approaches them, no matter what the person looks like, could mean trouble. Avoid making eye contact with people you don’t know. When apparently well-meaning people ask for directions, use your best judgment before offering help. If you feel unsafe or are in an iffy location away from the main streets, keep moving and ignore the requests.
