Living in New York City as a student can feel like being swept into a current that never slows down. There’s always something happening, somewhere to be, or something new to try. While it is exciting that the city is constantly full of endless opportunities, it can also be overwhelming.
When I first moved here almost four years ago, I felt immense pressure to do everything. I needed to try new experiences. I needed to make new friends. And I needed to discover new versions of myself. That is what I thought college was all about.
However, I’ve learned that the key to thriving as a student in the city isn’t about chasing every opportunity. It’s about being intentional with your time, protecting your peace, and remembering that only you get to decide what your version of “making the most of it” looks like.
Maybe that means saying yes to a late-night comedy show, even when you’re exhausted, just to laugh so hard you forget why you were stressed in the first place. Or waking up early to run along the East River, where the quiet water and morning light make the city feel like it’s holding its breath just for you. Maybe it means carving out time for fitness, not to chase some goal, but because puppy yoga makes you laugh when a tiny dog climbs on your mat, or because hiking through The Ramble feels like disappearing into another world where no one can email you.
Balance does not always mean equal parts, either. Some weeks might be full of adventure, like constantly exploring different villages in the city, trying new restaurants, and making new friends. Other weekends may be filled with class readings, FaceTiming family because you are homesick, or finally doing your giant load of laundry. Both are a part of being a student in New York.
You don’t have to put everything on your plate at once. It is okay to not go out every weekend. Maybe your comfort zone is a cozy bookstore, a quiet café, or the corner of the park where you feel miles away from the city’s chaos. That can be just as valuable. At times it is hard to swallow sometimes, but you do not always have to be “doing.” You are still growing and experiencing. Even in the pauses.
So as you navigate your own path in this city, give yourself permission to go at your own pace. Let New York’s energy inspire you, but don’t let it pressure you. You don’t need to do everything, just the things that feel right for you. Learn to say no when your body or your mind needs rest. Learn to say yes when something excites you or challenges you in a good way. And most importantly, learn to listen to yourself.
This city will teach you a lot about people, art, culture, and ambition. But maybe the most important thing it will teach you is this: You don’t have to rush to belong here. You already do. Take a deep breath, find your rhythm, and move forward with one step at a time. This is your city, so live it in your way.
By: Skylar Park
Skylar Park is a Film & TV student at NYU with a passion for storytelling and city adventures. When she’s not writing or filming, you can find her running by the East River or hunting down the coziest bookstores in New York City.
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