How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
DON'T refer to New York as "The Big Apple," refer to avenues as "ave" (somewhat debatable) or refer to subway lines by their color.
DO carry a small subway map tucked away somewhere, just in case. Or better yet, get the NYCMate app for your phone.
DON'T walk around with your NYU ID lanyard dangling in the breeze.
DON'T be entirely carefree about where you walk. In the dead of night, some streets are just safer than others (keep an eye out for open businesses), and safety in numbers is key.
DON'T waste your money on cabs. Unless you're able to spend like Chuck Bass, there is no way you can afford to take a taxi everywhere. Wherever you need to be, the subway can get you there.
LOST? The Empire State Building is north no matter where you are south of 33rd Street. Use this fun navigational fact to your advantage when you can't tell one sex shop from another in the West Village.
DO walk everywhere you can and give off the unmistakable impression that you have someplace to be and something important to do. Walk like a 20-year-old, not an 80-year-old.
DO carry your NYU ID at all times. Getting into your dorm without it is an unnecessary hassle.
DON'T crane your neck, waddle around with an oversized DSLR, wear a fanny pack, take a double-decker tour bus, etc.
DON'T fall for it. During Welcome Week, you may be approached by some smarmy bros with pamphlets promoting awesome parties held at random clubs throughout the city. In reality, these par- ties involve waiting in a long line, paying a $20 cover charge, and standing around in a hot, crowded room with bad music blaring. Take it from the people who had to endure these "parties" once upon a time: they are a severe waste of your time.
DON'T be cheap. When you go out to dinner with a group of friends and split the check, remember to add extra for tip AND tax. No one likes paying
DO experience as much of the iconic New York as you want to experience, at your leisure and with a student discount. Be a tourist without being touristy. Discover without being discovered. And for the record, the Met is always cool.
