Starting college is always an exciting time. It usually brings new people and experiences into your life, and for some a new backdrop for educational adventures. If that backdrop has taken you to one of the many incredible schools in New York City, you’re probably doubly excited considering all of the things the Big Apple has to offer.
Don’t let the size of the city overwhelm you. The longer you’re there and the more you venture out, the better acquainted you’ll become with your surroundings. Get out there and check out some of these fun, life-changing, and important opportunities.
Broadway, baby!
If you had any theatre friends in high school, you’ll know that Broadway is the “be all end all” of theatrical experiences. Going to school in New York means that some of the best theatre in the world is just sitting in your backyard. Take advantage of this cultural proximity and see a show on the Great White Way.
Make sure you buy Dear Evan Hansen tickets as one of your first excursions. This six-time Tony award-winning musical about a deceptive boy struggling to fit in at a high school is considered excellent in all of its iterations and casts by the New York Times. With TodayTix you can go on a whim and see this spectacular show for a more than fair price.
Grab some space
One of the quintessential experiences for college students is playing Frisbee in the quad, but many university buildings are on city blocks without the normal amount of green space that accompanies other college campuses. Take a trip and hang with your friends in one of the most well-known urban parks, Central Park.
Rent a bike, go to the zoo, take a yoga class when the weather is nice, or pay homage to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields. Get your vitamin D while hiking around the footpaths. It will be a breath of fresh air.
If you want to see the city from a different view, take a dinner cruise in New York harbor. If you want a romantic evening, take a NYC cruise at sunset!
Monitor your mental health
You can get so caught up in your studies that you don’t take the appropriate time to check in with yourself. The pressure of college courses and the general stress of living in a city can get overwhelming. If you find yourself isolated in your studies or even just having a difficult time adjusting to college life, consider seeing a therapist.
According to The Therapy Group of NYC, one-in-four adults has received therapy and 80 percent of those people found therapy to be effective. Therapy is most effective when you find the right therapist. The Therapy Group of NYC will find your correct therapist fit, personalize a plan for you to optimize your mental wellness, and will be an available resource for you even after you’re well enough to discontinue regular therapy.
Statistics show that mental health diagnoses and treatments are on an upward trend and stigma surrounding mental illness is down. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are expert professionals out there just waiting to start your journey with you.
Let art move you
New York has some of the most impressive museums in the country. One of the coolest is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It has over two million works of art to feast your eyes upon. If you’ve always wanted to see a Monet or O’Keeffe in person, this is the place for you. How about Washington Crossing the Delaware? The Met has that as well.
If you’re trying to be thrifty and you’re worried about such an esteemed museum’s cost, the Met offers all New York students the ability to pay what they can for their trip by purchasing a Suggested Admission ticket. All you need is your valid university ID. You’ll have access to all three Met locations and a day full of enrichment.
