Navigating a city college

Whether you were born and bred in rural Iowa, downtown Los Angeles or the sprawling suburbs of Chicago, attending college in the city can be a surreal experience. Even the simple process of switching burroughs for a New Yorker can mean an utter change in the personality, warmth and familiarity of location. Cities are intimidating places - rushed, traffic-heavy, hard to access and harder to leave.

So as you're preparing to continue your academic career among skyscrapers, pigeons and pedestrian traffic, consider some of these tips and tricks for navigating your new urban life.

1. It's not a bastion of class. Cities gather large populations of vast socio-economic range. Not everyone will be a student. Remember that colleges have classes, but that's not indicative of class. Be respectful, remember you're part of a larger urban ecosystem and don't get snobbish. Enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors, because they're unique to your new home.

2. Be careful. Some schools are set in dangerous areas - Yale and New Haven are an excellent example - and while the campus itself is quite safe, roaming the surrounding streets at night can be a potentially hazardous move. Always stay safe and travel in groups, in any city.

3. Take advantage of everything a city has to offer (yes, everything). Of course you should see the museums and head to small art-house cinemas, but more importantly if you think you might not like dim sum or perhaps Colombian cuisine isn't for you, that's all the more reason to give it a try. Don't leave any stone unturned!

4. Get away sometimes. While there's plenty to take advantage of in the city, they can also be panic attacks waiting to happen. Let the stress build up for too long and you may find yourself in need of a restorative weekend away. Hop a train and stay with friends or family in the suburbs or country. Even the Jersey shore is never that distant!

5. Apply for scholarships. As many students will tell you, the worst part about going to school in a major city is the cost. Between tuition, housing, meal plans and the general expense of getting around, you'll be racking up quite a few bills. Help make these more manageable by applying for scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are readily available and the best way to help keep financially afloat during school.

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