<p>Last winter break, I went to visit the city and I decided that I had to go to school there. I remember meeting an "interesting" man playing the flute at WTC who wanted the western calendar changed to start with 9-11-2001 and thinking "okay, I'm done. I have to spend my life here." </p>
<p>Anyone (almost) more excited about our Broadway address for the next four years than anything else right now? What are you looking forward to doing in NYC?</p>
<p>going to central park
concerts and museums
finding good restaurants and coffee shops
behind earl hall and next to the Low steps
in the library, the little side libraries with the study nooks on the balconies
independence</p>
<p>It was sooo exciting on all my APs to write in Columbia and New York, New York... I can't wait. NYC music scene, here I come!</p>
<p>lol...you only had to write it in once</p>
<p>well, enthusiasm is good</p>
<p>Hi guys, I'm also on my way to Columbia. I really need advice on what places or neighborhoods should really be avoided in NY. Is it really that bad to walk at Central Park at night?
What about Harlem, Bronx, etc.?
The thing is that I've seen pictures of those places and they don't seem that scary to me. With all respect I think people tend to exagerate sometimes. I come from a dangerous city (Mexico), and it'll be so disappointing to end up in something similar in terms of crime. A lot of people here say Central Park is dangerous, but I visited NY and it seem pretty nice, safe, and clean...but you never know, what if it isn't</p>
<p>Central Park is generally safe during the day, and at night along the outer edges, try to stay in large groups.</p>
<p>You probably will never go to the bronx except for a yankee game...brooklyn has some interesting places. You'll kinda feel where you should and shouldnt be. Generally, if there are a lot of people around, you should feel safe. It's when you get to small empty streets in ANY neighborhood that you should be really careful (of course, be careful everywhere...you know what I mean...)</p>
<p>Don't forget about Greenwich Village! As a former NYU student, I can vouch for its quirky character and its beautiful array of non grid-like, tree-lined streets.</p>
<p>magicroy and stelle: thanks for that. how does NY compare to Philadelphia, Washington or L.A. in term of security.
A friend of mine said she actually spent a night at central park; but some people say murders are common in Central Park. What shall I believe?</p>
<p>I think New York may be quite safer than those cities. New York has made an incredible comeback over the last 10 or so years when considering crime reduction and urban renewal, and now, I dare say it's one of the safest cities in the country, certainly for its size. And I have to say - the cultural opportunities offered by New York surpass those of Philly or DC or LA.</p>
<p>definitely safer than DC and LA</p>
<p>Well, I live in a suburb of LA ( if you could even call Pasadena that), and NYC is definitely safer. You feel the presence of the police in NY in a really positive way --- you feel that they are there to protect you. I would never walk in downtown LA at night whether I were with friends or not, but I have walked in NYC at night and I felt totally safe.</p>
<p>So it seems unanimous!!!! This is really encouraging. So let's just enjoy NYC</p>
<p>haha NYC is gonna kick ass</p>
<p>im thinkin about gettin a one-year membership to bungalow 8 as a grad present, so i can go nuts freshmen year lol</p>
<p>Central park at night is not a good idea unless there is an official event going on--concert, Shakespeare in the park, etc. Harlem and many parts of the Bronx, some parts of Brooklyn and Queens, should not be visited without knowing in advance the nature of the neighborhood, subway stations and risks involved--especially at night. But most of the city where most of the attractions are is safe enough--if you make sure to always be aware of what's going on, who's around you, and avoid anywhere deserted or "suspicious" looking. Ask the natives for advice and regard it as a learning project in developing street smarts. Do not take safety for granted, better to avoid being alone at night --always have your wits about you and your valuables out of reach or display. Then get out there and enjoy! (This is a parent speaking--grew up in New York and return there often--may be sending D back there to college)</p>
<p>dont worry about safety stuff, it's not that big of a deal</p>
<p>just don't go around in harlem alone at 3 am - that's not smart</p>
<p>all you've gotta do is befriend a new yorker, like myself, and they'll show you the ropes</p>
<p>i live in the lower east side and have never been hurt/mugged/etc, so if i can make it here, you can make it anywhere! (ha, ha)</p>
<p>anyways, it's pretty nice here, just, you know, be aware of your surroundings okay? :)</p>
<p>I have to say that I am very excited to be able to speak like all the people I've seen on tv and movies giving subway directions: "Take the E train to 56th street then the C to the L and get off at 84th and Broadway." I know it seems trivial (and I'm sure everyone familiar with NYC will laugh at how innaccurate I'm sure that example was), but I'm very excited to be urbane and sophisticated--riding the subway like a pro.</p>
<p>Inaccurate indeed :-P</p>
<p>but yeah, learning the subway's a pretty big feat for anyone, native new yorker or otherwise (my parents still can't get around...) :)</p>
<p>OK, guys, so it really seems like the atmosphere is pretty cool over there. What about Inwood Hill? what does it look like? I mean, nobody ever talks about the most northern side of Manhattan, I'm pretty curious about it.
I propose a thread for all Columbians or NYU wannabes: WHAT'S NY BEST KEPT SECRET??????</p>