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Open Phones: College in NYC

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Jessica Nunez, Director of College Activities at Barnard College, discusses the orientation of college freshman, and we take calls from listeners who attended college in NYC to offer advice to this week's incoming class.

"Welcome, Students. Now Watch It." from the New York Times


Comments

  • [1] busted from new york/london September 04, 2007 - 10:44AM

    REMEMBER: In New York City, the cops are not *always* looking out for your best interst.

    This is an important lesson for anyone first coming to new york to remember.


  • [2] Donald Ford from NYC September 04, 2007 - 10:48AM

    There is a useful site to check if your class has been cancelled and you have the day off!

    www.myclasscancelled.com


  • [3] Sylvia from Manhattan September 04, 2007 - 10:50AM

    I would recommend getting a NFT (Not for Tourists) guide. My best friend, a native New Yorker, gave me a copy when I moved here for school from Maine. It is full of good information and advise about the different neighborhoods! Also I would suggest walking around as much as you can and taking the bus, so you can see how everything blends and works together.


  • [4] Sharon B from Bronx, NY September 04, 2007 - 10:50AM

    I was a freshman at Columbia in 1995. While the education there was rigorous, more important was my education in New York City. Go to the museums (many are inexpensive with a student ID), go to the free theater events, and most importantly volunteer. I volunteered in The Bronx and in Harlem with children and discovered the wealth of cultures coexisting in New York that you won't see if you stay in midtown Manhattan.


  • [5] Mike from Brooklyn September 04, 2007 - 10:51AM

    I went to NYU starting as a sophmore in 2004. I grew up in Suburban New Jersey.

    My recommendation is make sure you seem confident. New York is really a very safe place, but the best way to stay safe is to project confidence. I have been living and hanging out in "bad" neighborhoods for years and I have never had a problem. If you act like you know where you are going, don't walk around flashing money or your ipod or cell phone or whatever, and walk at a real speed (don't just wander aimlessly down the street) you will probably be OK.

    Don't let all the information schools and police throw at you scare you away from going out and having a good time, just figure out where you are going before hand, bring a friend every time you are able to and don't let this city scare you it is a great place.


  • [6] Josh from Manhattan September 04, 2007 - 10:59AM

    Speaking of i-pods, don't leave those, laptops, bookbags or other valuables unattended in the library or any other location for that matter. I was the "crime reporter" for NYU's student newspaper and found that NYU's department of public safety kept records on thefts and other crimes. The statistics show that i-pods and laptops are the most stolen items primarily because people leave them out, leave their bags unattended or leave their dorm rooms unlocked. So don't take it for granted that this is common sense. Keep your valuables close to you at all times and be smart.


  • [7] Robert from NYC September 04, 2007 - 10:59AM

    Great call. Great defense. Chess hustlers my eye. You sit down if you know KNOW the game you play; if not DON'T PLAY.


  • [8] Ben from bklyn September 04, 2007 - 11:01AM

    Cheap food suggestion:

    talk to the maintenance satff, movers and elevator people..they always know the best food for the best prices!


  • [9] JOh from queens September 04, 2007 - 11:06AM

    Uh....1997....uh....1993.....uh.....

    1997 uh......the Year "The Freshman" movie came out. That's 1990.


  • [10] Howling Rabbit September 04, 2007 - 11:37AM

    New Yorkers love the cold. In 60 degree weather, air conditioners will be on at full force in buses and subways.


  • [11] Ivo from nyc September 04, 2007 - 12:42PM

    Choose your professors strategically and establish lasting relationships with them. Think where are you going to be at the end of your 4 year study.


  • [12] Ellen from New York September 04, 2007 - 08:08PM

    I went to Columbia 1995-1999. My advice is to go to TKTS and get student tickets early and often. Even if you stay in New York you won't be able to stand in lines as much as you can when you are in school. I saw more plays, opera, and concerts in some months while I was in school than I do in some years now, and it was wonderful.


  • [13] peter from switzerland September 05, 2007 - 05:33AM

    stanley kubrick was also a 'chess hustler' in washington sq.


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