Being a New Yorker isn’t a title you earn. It’s something you’re given when you’ve migrated to the city and made your way through the process of becoming a New Yorker. However, knowing all these things won’t make you one. 

It’s easy to talk about NYC culture, but do you actually know what it is? People from all over the world are stunned by New York City, but they don’t understand why so many people are fascinated with it. That’s where this guide comes in. We will here show you what 1,000’s of New Yorkers have gone through to experience being a part of the New York culture.

1. Know how to use a public restroom.

If you’re there already, it needs no telling that most of them are extremely gross. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be able to go in and get out as quickly as possible, and maybe even avoid touching anything at all.

1. Be prepared with your own toilet paper, soap, towel or hand sanitizer.

2. Avoid using stalls whenever possible; they’re often clogged or flooded. If you need privacy, just choose a restroom that’s not as busy.

3. Aim right into the bowl! The cleanest part of the toilet is the water in the bowl, so aim right into it. If you miss (and you will), there’s usually enough water to flush the ick away before it makes contact with any of the bowl’s surfaces. (Even though most bathrooms don’t have toilet seat covers anymore.)

4. A plastic bag comes in handy: Use it to cover the toilet seat before sitting down if you’re worried about germs; or wrap dampened toilet paper around your hand if you have to touch something (like a door handle).

2. Learn to hail a cab or just order one with your phone.

New York visitors and new residents quickly realise that ordering a cab isn’t easy. There are so many people who need one that you have to call ahead, or be really lucky. If a cab is available, it will have a light on the roof. If it’s off duty, it won’t be taking any more fares.

Today, you don’t even need to try to hail a cab. Just order one of the many cab services in the city with your phone or online.

3. Be able to have a conversation with anyone

You must be able to have a conversation with anyone at any time. Even if you don’t know them, you can still talk about the weather or whatever is going on around you. The point is, don’t be afraid to make friends out of strangers!

Be able to stand up for yourself against any odds. You need thick skin and an even thicker skull if you want people to respect your opinions on politics, sports, or anything else controversial. Always speak your mind because nobody else will do it for you!

Listen carefully when someone says they like something because they might not mean it. For example, if they say “I love football” then don’t ask them which team they support because chances are good that’s just something they’ve said before without ever actually having watched any games themselves. Don’t take anything personally; just listen carefully before jumping into an opinionated debate with them over which team has the best quarterback in history.

4. Manage your finances smartly

The cost of living in New York is high, so you need to be able to manage your finances. And while this can be said of any city in the country, especially those with large populations, it doesn’t make it less relevant here. When you’re paying for rent, loans, and other expenses every month, you’ll want to try and make sure that you’re keeping up with all of them. 

If you fall behind on one bill, it can set off a chain reaction that could lead to serious financial problems down the road. So before moving to NYC, make sure that your budget is in order and that you’ve got enough money coming in each month to cover all your expenses without going into.

Another thing that you must keep in mind, if you’re a homeowner, is to get homeowners insurance for New Yorkers. Ask any homeowner around you, most of them would answer positively once you ask them if they have any insurance policy tailored to living in the city. It’s fairly obvious that insurance is your safety net whenever things go south. And in a city like New York, where managing your finances could be so crucial, you wouldn’t want to take risks.

5. Learn the subway system

One of the best ways to get to know New York is by subway. It’s fast, it’s cheap, and it will take you everywhere. Learn the system — and how to get around.

Before you ride even one train, you should learn a little bit about the subway system. Know that there are local trains, which stop at every stop; and express trains, which skip stops. And you should get familiar with the colour-coded lines that make up the system.

You can do this by studying a subway map or using Google Maps for transit directions when you need them. But once you feel comfortable getting around on your own, you’re ready for the next step: learning how to navigate without relying on your phone or a map!

Get off at a random station and explore!

An easy way to start exploring on your own is to hop off at a random station in an area you’ve never been in before (or even an area you think you know well). Look around, see what shops and restaurants are nearby, and ask locals for suggestions on where to go next.

In conclusion

We know, we know, the hustle-bustle of the city that never sleeps could be intimidating. But take our word for it—it gets better with time. We hope this guide gives you a nice starting point to channel your “True New Yorker” energy!