If you recently moved to NYC, you’ve probably already noticed that the city never stops moving at full speed. From getting around to buying groceries to doing your laundry, everything in New York is completely different—and, in some cases, much more difficult. With that in mind, here’s a list of NYC life hacks to help you survive your first year in the Big Apple.
Focus on your health.
New York City is famous for its high energy—you can feel it as soon as you step foot in the city. Sometimes, New York’s high energy can motivate you to work harder and inspire you to accomplish great things. Other times, the city can weigh you down and stress you out. To effectively manage your stress, budget time for stress management regularly.
According to the experts at the Therapy Group of NYC, an online therapist can help patients address symptoms of anxiety, identify their underlying causes, and provide resources to face life’s stressful, anxiety-provoking challenges. The professionals at the Therapy Group of NYC, a network of therapists and mental health professionals in New York, helps New Yorkers directly address struggles with anxiety, depression, and stress via teletherapy and one-on-one in-person sessions.
Find cheap things to do around the city.
Between loading your MetroCard, going out, and paying rent, finding extra cash to explore the city can seem impossible. Finding free things to do around the city can help you learn more about New York’s culture, meet new people, and take advantage of all the Big Apple has to offer.
If you’re not sure where to start, try attending a “Pay What You Want” day at the Met, the Brooklyn Museum, or the Natural History Museum. Most museums ask for a suggested donation, so you can embark on an afternoon adventure even if you’re short on cash. The Natural History Museum rarely has a line at the underground entrance near the 81st Street station, and the credit card-only kiosk at the Met typically offers a short wait.
Additionally, IDNYC, a free government-issued identification card for New York City residents, involves a simple sign-up process and offers free access and discounts all over the city. IDNYC includes a free one-year membership to the Botanical Gardens, the Bronx Zoo, and Carnegie Hall.
Spend wisely.
With the costs of living rising every year, living in New York isn’t cheap. Consequently, budgeting your monthly expenses, making a conscious effort to spend wisely, and searching for tricks to cut costs can help you stress less about money while living in NYC.
Although New York is home to some of the greatest restaurants in the world, resist the urge to constantly order take-out or eat at restaurants. Cooking high-quality food can not only help you feel better, but it can also save you money during your first year in NYC.
To further cut your monthly costs, consider investing in a smart home hub. Whether you own a home or you’re renting an apartment, smart home technology helps you take control of your energy use to make sure your home is running efficiently 24/7. With home automation, you can control your home using your mobile device or with a simple voice command—so if you’re running out the door to catch the next subway train, you can trust home automation to lower your thermostat, turn off your light switch, or make sure your door locks.
If you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere. Although adjusting to life in New York can feel overwhelming at first, remember that the first year is the hardest. Ultimately, taking care of yourself, exploring the city, and spending wisely can help you survive your first year as a New Yorker and take advantage of all the city has to offer.
