What They Don’t Tell You about NYC Living (But Should)

Here are some real-deal lessons I’ve learned while living and studying in the city.

Grocery shopping is cardio

Don’t forget: You won’t be driving to the supermarket in NYC. Walking 20 blocks round trip, threading your way between carts at a packed Trader Joe’s, and lugging heavy bags up your building stairs amounts to a full-body workout.

I personally felt blindsided by the reality of having to feed myself. Going to the grocery store is the last thing I want to do when I return from class or my internship. But I found my favorite solution: Amazon Fresh. You can get groceries delivered same day to your door, skipping the sweating or subway juggling act entirely.

If you’re not into the delivery lifestyle, the best advice I can offer is to invest in a sturdy, foldable grocery cart and reusable bags. Your back will thank you.

Laundry day isn’t Cute

Let’s talk about the glamorous world of laundry. In-unit machines?A rare unicorn in college students’ apartments in New York. Most of us rely on building basement machines or local laundromats.

Hauling clothes up and down stairs was something I never expected. (Silly me.) Here’s my advice: Invest in a laundry bin with wheels and strong handles. Another thing I didn’t see coming? The frustration of finding open washers or dryers. Schedule your laundry like it’s a must-keep reservation. Early mornings or weekday afternoons are usually your best bet to find open machines. And whatever you do, don’t ghost your laundry! There’s nothing worse than coming back late and finding your stuff tossed on top of a machine because it was just sitting there while the unit wasn’t running. Set a timer on your phone and be there with your empty bin when the timer runs down.

“Apartment Hunter” is its own job

LIM has a wonderfully located residence hall that a lot of first-year students stay in. But if you’re seeking your own place off campus, there are plenty of options in NYC.

That said, apartment hunting here is not for the faint of heart. The process moves fast, costs a lot, and involves a surprising amount of detective work. Step one? Get real about your budget. NYC rents are high, so set your max price early. Decide on your roommate situation and then figure out your non-negotiables: Do you want laundry in the building? How far are you willing to commute? What neighborhoods feel safe and accessible?

Use tools like StreetEasy, Zillow, and Facebook housing groups to browse listings. My roommates and I ended up using a broker—which cost us a fee, yes—but was super helpful since we were all from out of state. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and move fast because apartments go quickly in student-heavy areas, especially between May-September. Again, it’s a warp-speed process. You rarely have more than a couple weeks between discovering a place you like and moving in.

Finally, when visiting apartments, don’t just evaluate the space; check little things like water pressure, natural light, and what’s actually included in your rent. Spoiler: that dreamy “exposed brick” might come with paper-thin walls. Apartment hunting in NYC can be stressful, but if you stay organized, ask questions, and move quickly, you’ll find your spot!

You’re the boss of your budget (not the other way around)

New York City is full of spending temptations: food carts on every corner, unbeatable sample sales, and cozy coffee shops that turn into homework havens. LIM’s campus being so close to 5th Ave definitely doesn’t help curb impulsiveness. Early on, I learned that creating a realistic budget is key to balancing fun with responsibility.

Budgeting doesn’t mean saying goodbye to fun. It just means being mindful—maybe skipping a couple $8 lattes a week or finding the free events and student discounts that make NYC so unique. Know your limits, be smart, and plan!

Everyone moves at their own pace

In a city where everyone seems to be stacking their resume with cool jobs, internships, and side hustles, it can be easy to feel like you’re falling behind. I’ve been there. The comparison trap is real, but it’s important to learn how to take yourself out of that headspace.

Here’s the truth: people tend to promote their highlight reel. Everyone is figuring it out in their own way, at their own pace. It’s okay if your path looks different. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not late, behind, or moving in the wrong direction; you’re on your own timeline, and that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Final Thoughts: It’s a lot, but it’s worth it

Living in New York as a student is a mix of challenges and unforgettable experiences. You’ll adapt, learn to move fast (sometimes literally), and discover hacks that make city life manageable. Some days, it’ll feel like the city is testing you. Other days, you’ll look around and think, “Wow—I really live here.”

And that’s the magic. Through the small struggles and the big wins, New York City becomes your campus, your playground, and your proving ground. Just take it one step (and maybe one grocery bag) at a time.