Mikhail Blacer
If you're moving to the Big Apple, bear in mind that doing so is something you need to look forward to. New York is literally a concrete jungle, with towering skyscrapers at every turn - it's like a maze, and a breathtaking one at that. Before you pack your bags though, here's a list of what you need to know before moving to the big city.
Given that it's informally known as the capital of the world and is filled with people, moving around the city is quite hard, unless if you live near a subway. Unless if your chosen apartment or living space is just a few blocks away (in city blocks...still quite far) from your office or university, a being near a subway is your best bet at navigating around the concrete jungle.
This is why you need to do your research and consult real estate companies to help you find an apartment near one! Speaking of trains and subways...
Empty subway cars are empty for a reason. Although the chances of an alien monster emerging from under the seats are zero, a homeless dude probably vomited all over the seats, and answered the call of nature near the door. Various smells around the subway will leave you dumbfounded and haunted for days.
Another point about smells...
If you're having breakfast in the subway (a common fixture in the city), be sure to eat food whose smell does not escape your personal space. This includes Thai, Indian, garlic-filled pizzas and other spicy food: instead, consume granola bars, ham and cheese sandwiches, and chocolate bars.
It's common courtesy to not be a burden to the nostrils of the person sitting next to you.
New Yorkers aren't rude people - most of them are just busy and have a lot of things to be concerned about. Don't expect people clad in business suits to stop and say "good morning" - there are dozens of people within a few meters, so don't expect them to be "polite".
That aside, don't expect people to stop when you're taking photos...and be sure that you're not in the way.
Approximately, there are over 1.1 million pets (500,000 cats and 600,000 dogs) in New York. You may find this bizarre, considering that the concrete jungle is hardly the best place to walk a dog, unless if you live near Central Park. You wouldn't find large, energetic dogs like labradors strolling the streets with their owners: you'll find low-maintenance and sedentary breeds like French bulldogs, bulldogs, chihuahuas, and pugs happily sleeping in their owners' couches.
Again, unless if you're just a stone's throw away from your everyday destinations, you won't have a lot of time for your self, much less to cook your own food. Food preparation is sacred, and it takes time to concoct a perfect dish - and if you insist on doing so everyday, you wouldn't have time for yourself.
This is where phone numbers of various restaurants come in handy. From pizzas to Chinese takeouts, your choices are wide. However, remember that nothing beats home-cooked and healthy food: at least eat one healthy meal a day (fruits and veggie-filled ones) and don't let fast food take up most of your culinary lifestyle.
