Adjusting to College Life in a Big City

No matter what city your university is in, there will be many opportunities to live like a local. Skip the Starbucks and find a local coffee shop that makes you feel at home. Research local eateries and other locations where you can get a feel for the city. Volunteering with local non-profits is a great way to get more comfortable and make new connections in your new home. Spending your spare time in the vibrant communities that surround city universities can open your eyes to a new side of your city.

If you are living in a large American city, you live where other people vacation. Whether it’s visiting the Empire State Building in New York City or taking a tour of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., acting like a tourist in the city can be a fun way to see your home in a new way. Viator is an excellent resource for finding tours and activities in large cities. Take the time to learn about the history of your city and the United States by taking tours, such as a Revolutionary War Tour if you are attending school in Boston. Understanding the past and present of your new home can help you decide if you want to be part of its future after graduation.

Living in a large city means you will be sharing space will millions of other people, so you’ll need to learn your way around quickly. Learning to navigate local public transportation can save you time and money. Some cities offer free bus lines, but you may also want to buy a metro or subway pass to get from one side of your city to the other efficiently. When class is over, grab a friend and take the time to explore different areas of the city that you aren’t as familiar with. This is a great way to get acclimated, and you may stumble upon your new favorite spot in the city.