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New York Travel Guide and Activities

New York is a city which needs no introduction; you already know about its famous skyline, Central Park, Wall Street, Broadway and inhabitants from every walk of life and corner of the world. Not so much a ‘melting pot’, but a ‘salad bowl’ of cultures, colours and sounds. There’s no other city like this in America or the world.

5 things to see

  • Visit Bronx Zoo
  • Watch a Broadway Show
  • Go Shopping on Fifth Avenue
  • Picnic in Central Park
  • Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

5 things to do

  • Statue of Liberty
  • The Empire State Building
  • Times Square
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Rockefeller Center

Climate

NYC has a humid subtropical climate. Winters are cold and damp with rain and /or snow while summers are typically warm and humid. The hottest month of the year is July while the coldest is January.

Money

Currency: $ (US Dollars)
Avoid carrying large amounts of money, EC New York recommends to all of these students to get a bank account for the duration of their time at the school.

Public holidays falling on a weekday

18 January 2021, 15 February 2021, 31 May 2021, 05 July 2021, 06 September 2021, 11 October 2021, 11 November 2021, 25 November, 26 November 2021, 24 December 2021, 31 December 2021

Telephone Country Code

+1

Electricity

110 V; 60Hz - 2 flat-pin plug or third round pin are used.

Tap water

Tap water is safe unless there’s a sign to the contrary.

Medical

If you are not at school and are in an emergency you can call 911 for ambulance, fire department or police department from any telephone or call the school’s emergency number +1 347-567-3843.

If you need to see a doctor when the school is closed, the following clinics are open and close to EC New York:

Duane Reade Immediate Walk-In Medical Care

You do not need to make an appointment and they have locations all over New York.

Docs Walk-In

You do not need to make an appointment. They are open Mon- Thur 8am-8pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm and Sun 9am-2pm.

Make sure that the doctor you are visiting accepts your insurance. If the doctor has any questions about your insurance protection, ask him or her to call the insurance company directly.

We do not recommend going to the emergency room unless it is a major emergency. Emergency Room visits are extremely expensive in the United States.

Transport

Subway /Metro and Bus

A one-way ride on the subway or local bus costs $2.25. The fare for an express bus ride is $5.50. Subway and bus maps can be found at each station and are given to students during orientation. One way for students to save money and explore the city to the fullest extent is by buying unlimited MetroCards. Each of these cards are valid for unlimited subway and local bus rides.

Bus Service

There are many ways to travel from NYC to various cities located on the East coast, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Boston. Travelling by bus to these cities can be very inexpensive. Some notable bus services offered are the BoltBus, MegaBus, Fung Wah, Lucky Star, and Greyhound. Many of these buses leave from Penn Station and/or the Port Authority.

Train

An easy way to explore the outskirts of New York City is to travel by train. Students can explore Long Island by using the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) or visit New Jersey via NJ Transit.

Taxi

You can walk out of any building at any time and find a yellow taxi-cab. This is a quick way to travel through New York, but may be expensive depending on how far you need to go. New York City is a city full of taxis.

Public Transport Info

Visa

For Visa information please read Applying for a Visa in USA

Cost of Living

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks) $3.50-$5.00
Bottle of water/soda (0.33 liter) $1.00-$2.50
Fast-Food combo meal $6.00-$12.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant $15.00-$25.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult) $35.00-$150.00
Public transport (local transport) $2.75 (one-way)
Public transport (monthly pass) $121.00-$130.00

Other Useful Information

Driving Age

The legal driving age in New York City is 18. Most rental companies require that you be at least 25 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.

Alcohol Age

Legal age for purchasing or consuming alcohol in the US is 21 and many places will ask for identification.

Smoking laws

Smoking indoors is illegal. To buy cigarettes, you must be 18 years of age or older and must show identification.

Insurance

All EC students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.

Useful Links