Living Experience - Education
First of all, tuition in New York is no small amount, right? According to USNEWS data, Columbia University's tuition for the 2017-18 academic year was $57,208, but that didn't stop students from all over the world from applying.
NYU's tuition is slightly lower, but for 2017-18, it still reached a high of $50,464. Fordham University wasn't far behind, with tuition for 2017-18 at $50,601.
Private university tuition may be high, but there are public options, such as CUNY, SUNY, and Rutgers University in New Jersey, where annual tuition will not exceed $30,000.
Living Experience - Housing
For most students, rent is likely the biggest expense.
If you choose to live in Manhattan, that means you'll have to pay at least $1,500 a month in rent. Of course, those living on Roosevelt Island or in Newport may disagree, but if you have high standards for housing, New York can certainly accommodate you.
For students on a tighter budget, Brooklyn and Queens are more suitable choices, with monthly rent around $600. Both boroughs have large Chinese communities, so grocery shopping and dining are very convenient.
Living Experience - Transportation
1. Taking the Subway
The most common way is the subway. Students used to the subway in China may feel this when riding the New York subway for the first time: old, dirty, and unreliable. Many stations have no cell service, and you might even see rats.
But New York's subway also has its advantages: many lines covering a wide area, and express/local services for efficient commuting. Compared to fares in China, New York's subway is much more expensive: a single ride is $2.75, a 7-day pass is $32, and a monthly pass is $121.
2. Taking the School Shuttle
Another convenient and money-saving option is to take the school shuttle. Some schools offer free shuttle services on campus and nearby areas, or you can ride for a very small fee~
Living Experience - Dining
Eating in New York, the city gathers cuisines from around the world, so don't just eat in the cafeteria every day! Generally, a simple meal costs around $10, and a fancy meal is $30 or more. If you eat out most of the month, it adds up, so a great alternative is to shop at supermarkets and cook for yourself. Now let me recommend a few distinctive spots (as an editor living in a rural area, I'm absolutely green with envy!)
1. Chinatown
Whether in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Flushing's Chinatown, you can taste all kinds of Chinese regional cuisines. When you miss home-cooked meals, just go eat.
One famous spot is Xi'an Famous Foods, the first restaurant to bring Xi'an snacks to New York. It has opened six locations, featuring Xi'an-style snacks like roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, cold skin noodles, and lamb paomo. Because of its fast service, authentic taste, and affordable prices, there are often long lines.
Average price: $10
2. East Village
Near NYU, there are many small eateries, mostly Japanese. I'll introduce a popular and affordable one: Yakitori Taisho, a super popular Japanese grilled food bar!
This is a Japanese izakaya with all the characteristics of a great, delicious restaurant: small, simple decor, cramped seating, and always a wait. The menu is extensive, with various skewers, small dishes, ramen, gyoza, sake—you name it, they've got it.
Price: $15-$30
3. Ktown on 32nd Street
A whole street of Korean restaurants—Korean cuisine lovers, don't miss it.
I especially recommend Food Gallery 32, a food hall with 13 vendors offering everything from Korean full meals and snacks to desserts and drinks. Spread over three floors, it has everything from taiyaki to soondubu jjigae, from Korean BBQ to steamed buns.
Korean street snacks like fish cake soup, tteokbokki, and sundae cost only $4.99-$7.99 each~
4. Peter Lugers
If you're in New York for steak, don't miss Peter Lugers (your wallet might flinch), with over 125 years of history. This stubborn steakhouse has locations in Williamsburg and Long Island; portions are large, they only take cash, and their dry-aged steaks are superb. It's always crowded, so be sure to make a reservation~
Average price: $60
(You can almost hear the muffled sobs of your wallet~)
5. Shake Shack
Visiting New York without eating a burger at Shake Shack is like not seeing the Statue of Liberty. This burger and shake chain, which grew from a small food cart, represents quintessential New York fast food. I have to emphasize: you must try the fries and milkshakes! They are super delicious (eyes sparkling)!!!
Average price: $25
Living Experience - Entertainment/Shopping
They say in America, you should "study hard, play hard." Living in New York, visiting various malls and stores is essential. From Fifth Avenue to SOHO, all kinds of name brands and trendy labels gather; you can find the latest products here, often with a price advantage over China. If you choose to study in New York, be ready to shop till you drop.
The only downside is New York City's sales tax is nearly 9%—looks like the government is cashing in too.
In summary, normal monthly living expenses in New York amount to at least $2,000 (rent plus subway $1,100, food $600, socializing and shopping $300+, utilities around $80), which is probably more expensive than most other places in the U.S. But New York's vibrant events, deep culture, immense inclusivity, and abundant job opportunities make you feel: Yep, I came to the right place!
