The names at the top of the list in the latest edition of the QS Best Student Cities index all have a few things in common: they’re bustling, they're busy and they're all pretty big. Living in a big city is no mean feat; you’ve got pigeons coming at you any which way you turn and angry commuters expecting you to know all the rules… But don’t let that stop you; city life is also packed full of culture, exciting new experiences, innovation, personal growth and more!
Whether you’re looking to study in London, New York City, Paris, Hong Kong – or any other major metropolis – here are some tips to make city life that little bit easier as soon as you arrive. If you have any more practical tips for living in a big city, let us know in the comments!
1. Invest in an A-Z map or app
Just a few years ago you wouldn’t go anywhere in a new city without a trusty A-Z. Now, with app technology, getting fast and reliable directions is even easier. Using a map is essential when living in a big city; it doesn’t matter whether it’s on paper or iPhone, you will thank the stars that you’ve bought/downloaded one when you inevitably get lost somewhere!2. Avoid rush hour(s)
If you’re travelling using public transport in the morning between 6am and 10am, or at night between 5pm and 8pm, make sure to plan for a train/tram/bus full of people. With a full load, the journey often takes longer and sometimes you might even have to wait for the next service in order to squeeze on. Even at other times in the day, public transport is not always 100% reliable, so make sure to always leave early for lectures and important meetings – after the first few weeks your tutors will probably stop accepting transport issues as a valid excuse for being late to class!3. Prepare yourself for all weathers
If you’re coming to study in London (like me four years ago), or other cities with a healthy annual precipitation level, you should prepare for rain. Many of the study abroad students I met had invested in wellington boots within the first week of arriving, and I don’t think they wore anything else until around April!In most big cities, you’re likely to experience variation in the weather, and you may notice this more than usual – mainly just because it’ll be a little different from what you’re used to. It’s essential to bring clothes that will keep you both warm and dry in winter (add another few layers if you’re planning to study in New York City), as well as light cotton clothes to stop you getting too warm in the summer (remove another layer if you’re headed to study in Hong Kong). Basically, be sensible – if you spend a lot of time too cold, damp or heat-exposed, you’re going to end up getting sick!
See the original article in full on Topuniversities.com.
