Or, how not to look like a tourist!

A major draw of attending Columbia or Barnard is its location in the greatest city in the world, but a major drawback is the possibility of looking like a transplant or, worse, a tourist. It’s important to blend in while you’re out exploring beyond campus. As a born and raised Manhattanite, here are some things you need to know in order to get into that New York state of mind.

For one, knowing how to act like a local isn’t just about aura, but is actually a matter of street smarts. You’re certainly acquainted with the stereotype of New Yorkers being unfazed by the city’s craziness. This is a good idea and you should practice it. Get used to tuning strangers out! It might feel rude, but New Yorkers don’t have time for nonsense, and strange people trying to talk to you usually want something you don’t want to give (such as money or your signature on a weird petition). Don’t be an easy mark, and don’t make eye contact. And don’t do touristy things like being obvious about recording subway performers. Sometimes people yell stuff at you or other people in public places, but usually you can just ignore that.

Now, that’s not to say you should actually ignore everything. Be aware of your surroundings and listen to yourself if something seems off! Stay vigilant. Yes, that means no walking around blasting your headphones 24/7. New Yorkers wear a singular AirPod, unless they’re hipsters and have wired earbuds. (If you’re sitting somewhere, it’s probably fine.) Do not forfeit one of your five crucial senses on a tiny island of over 1.5 million people. 

That said, the city is usually quite safe. In fact, major crime rates have decreased this year. I promise I’m not trying to scare you! 

Also, get used to public transportation. You don’t need to memorize the subway map, but you should know things like which stops you’re switching trains or getting off at before you get on. (There’s no shame in using Google Maps! You can even get the MTA app if you really want to commit to the bit.) Subway stations are really not that difficult to navigate— just follow the arrows on the signs. The subway is usually fine during the day and even into the earlier hours of the evening, but avoid going it alone on a night out. Friends don’t let friends go home by themselves at night.

Streets run ascending north to south and avenues east to west. It’s a grid system!

When navigating sidewalks, be fast. Stay to the right and pass on the left, like driving. I personally recommend mastering the art of bobbing and weaving around slower people in large crowds. If you have to stop, don’t be in anyone’s way, and if you’re with a group, don’t take up the entire sidewalk (this isn’t Sex and the City!). All this applies to walking around campus as well, by the way.

Jaywalking is now legal and I encourage you to partake safely, but allow me to impart an anecdote as an example of what not to do. I was once driving (yes, some of us have actually been behind the wheel of a motor vehicle… I even have a license) around the NYU area and witnessed two youngins, who I perceived to be freshmen of that institution, standing on a street corner. Now, they had the light, and I did not. They didn’t move. The pedestrian signal turned, then my red light turned green, and I watched them grip each other’s hands and book it across the street like the dickens. So basically don’t do that. Be better than an NYU student! Pro tip: if someone else is jaywalking, copy them.

As a last tidbit for you, we call most boroughs by their names, but Manhattan is “the city.” The more you know! There’s lots of fun to be had around New York, so make sure to enjoy it while you can.

Empire State Building in Columbia Blue via Bwarchives