25 Life Hacks for Surviving Your First Year in New York

If you've recently moved to New York City, you've probably noticed that life in the city never stops. Everything in the Big Apple is different than it was back home, from getting around to buying groceries and doing laundry. SpareFoot compiled a list of life hacks that will help you survive your first year in the largest American metropolis.

Transport

1. Use the MTA Subway Time website

The New York City subway isn't perfect. Delays, breakdowns, and even derailments are common. But there's a quick way to find out: The MTA has created official site, which tells you how soon the next train will arrive. It uses GPS, so you don't have to rely on outdated timetables or the often-inaccurate Google Maps. And as most users have found, it often works even better than the official app.

2. Take the bus

Surprisingly, many newcomers to New York City don't even think about taking the bus, which is often more efficient and effective than the subway. Each vehicle is equipped with GPS - find out on bustime.mta.infowhen the next bus arrives at your stop.

On the subject: The Art of Small Talk: 10 Useful Phrases for Small Talk

3. Stay informed about planned service changes

Weekender — a great resource for planning your trips around the city. Find out when system maintenance will affect your line and how best to reroute.

4. Ride a bike

New York City has over 1600 miles of bike lanes. Whether you rent one or not, CitiBike or use your bike, New York is the perfect place for a rover ride. Book a cheap ride on Recycle-A-Bicycle or purchase CitiBike annual pass.

5. Don't cry over a lost MetroCard

If you remember which credit or debit card you used to purchase your MetroCard, visit this site and get reimbursed for lost days and trips that were left on your lost MetroCard.

6. Driving tricks

Parking and traffic jams are a never-ending nightmare for car owners in New York City. Rent one! It will help you with this Car2GoFor the price of a one-time membership fee and low rates by the minute, hour or day, Car2Go's ubiquitous blue and white smart cars offer locals a great alternative.

Acquaintance with the city

7. Attend a free outdoor concert (summer)

Various festivals invite famous musicians of all genres to Central Park or Prospect Park. Other events take place in smaller green spaces throughout the city.

8. Watch a free outdoor movie (in summer)

Free film screenings are held throughout the city.

9. Pay your price at iconic museums all year round

Most New York City museums are officially “pay what you want.” They often ask for a suggested donation of a certain amount to enter, but that’s just what it sounds like. In fact, you can pay whatever you want and it won’t break the rules.

Tip: The Museum of Natural History never has a line at the underground entrance adjacent to 81st Street Station. The credit card-only kiosk at the Metropolitan Museum of Art near Grand Central Terminal is also usually line-free.

10. Visit MoMA for free

Once a month, MoMA opens its doors to the public. The offer includes film screenings, but be warned: it's usually crowded on these days.

11. Get Freebies and Discounts with IDNYC

This New Yorker identification card easy to getIt comes with all sorts of perks, including a free year's membership to the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Zoo, Carnegie Hall, and more.

12. Check out the travel packages

The Metro-North train offers quick access to great hiking trails, camping, and adventures within two hours of the metropolis. The exciting Storm King Arts Center is just a short cab ride from the Beacon stop. You can access the hilly Breakneck Ridge hiking trail right from the train platform. Explore fantastic travel packages Metro-North for off-site excursions.

13. Go for a spin on skates

Skating is free at the city's many public rinks. Bryant Park and Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, as well as Wollman Rink in Central Park and Prospect Park, are great places to spend a fun afternoon gliding across the ice.

The only fee is for renting skates and a locker. If you bring your own pair of skates, you can save a lot.

14. Explore the city by kayak

The New York City Parks Department offers free kayaking on waterways throughout the city. Some of the best spots include Red Hook Pier in Brooklyn and Hallett's Cove in Queens. To learn more about free kayaking events, visit Department of Parks website.

15. Get discounted Broadway tickets

TKTS's Times Square booth offers discounts of up to 50% on Broadway shows. Head to one of their locations in the South Street Seaport and Downtown Brooklyn once they open.

16. Visit a gallery on Thursday evening

Chelsea's packed art gallery districts have one thing in common: they celebrate exhibition openings on Thursday nights. Head to Far West 20s on one of these Thursdays for free wine, nibbles, and cultural content. Keep an eye out for weekly festivities here.

17. Watch a TV show

You can watch your favorite TV show live in the studio (read our material, how to do it).

18. Take a walk through a secret subway tunnel

For thrill-seekers there are many secret abandoned subway tunnelsThey are just waiting to be explored.

19. Eat local food

Let me expert Steve Brill will give you a tour throughout the edible flora available for consumption: in Central Park, Prospect Park, and other places throughout the city and the Tri-State area.

20. Take a pizza tasting tour

Want to get the ultimate pizza experience in the world's cheesiest city? Try the best options, including: Scott's Pizza Tours.

Solving everyday problems

21. Find temporary or long-term housing quickly

Visit the group Gypsy Housing on Facebook. Originally a source of ads for musicians and artists only, the group has now become a quick way to find a room.

22. Find a place to pee

There is one on Apple and Google Play a range of applications and resources, which will help you find a free public restroom. But when in doubt, head to the library.

23. Use TaskRabbit for anything

The app is great for finding someone with a van or someone who can do a quick job.

24. Think twice before picking up furniture from the curb.

It's tempting to take a cute coffee table or bookshelf from the street. But think twice before bringing these things home, because this is how bedbugs get into the house!

25. Take as many books as you want from the sidewalk.

The New York version of "donating" old books is to place them on the sidewalk in front of your building. There is still a risk of bed bugs, but it's worth it.