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The names at the top of the list in the latest edition of the QS Best Student Cities index all have a few things in common: they're bustling, they're busy and they're all pretty big. Living in a big city is no mean feat; you've got pigeons coming at you any which way you turn and angry commuters expecting you to know all the rules... But don't let that stop you; city life is also packed full of culture, exciting new experiences, innovation, personal growth and more!

Whether you're looking to study in London, New York City, Paris, Hong Kong - or any other major metropolis - here are some tips to make city life that little bit easier as soon as you arrive. If you have any more practical tips for living in a big city, let us know in the comments!

Just a few years ago you wouldn't go anywhere in a new city without a trusty A-Z. Now, with app technology, getting fast and reliable directions is even easier. Using a map is essential when living in a big city; it doesn't matter whether it's on paper or iPhone, you will thank the stars that you've bought/downloaded one when you inevitably get lost somewhere!

Scroll to the bottom of this post to find some useful travel apps and other resources for city life.

If you're travelling using public transport in the morning between 6am and 10am, or at night between 5pm and 8pm, make sure to plan for a train/tram/bus full of people. With a full load, the journey often takes longer and sometimes you might even have to wait for the next service in order to squeeze on. Even at other times in the day, public transport is not always 100% reliable, so make sure to always leave early for lectures and important meetings - after the first few weeks your tutors will probably stop accepting transport issues as a valid excuse for being late to class!

If you're coming to study in London (like me four years ago), or other cities with a healthy annual precipitation level, you should prepare for rain. Many of the study abroad students I met had invested in wellington boots within the first week of arriving, and I don't think they wore anything else until around April!

In most big cities, you're likely to experience variation in the weather, and you may notice this more than usual - mainly just because it'll be a little different from what you're used to. It's essential to bring clothes that will keep you both warm and dry in winter (add another few layers if you're planning to study in New York City), as well as light cotton clothes to stop you getting too warm in the summer (remove another layer if you're headed to study in Hong Kong). Basically, be sensible - if you spend a lot of time too cold, damp or heat-exposed, you're going to end up getting sick!

Anywhere you turn in a city you can spend money. Clothes shops, restaurants, cafés, market stalls, charity salespeople, homeless people, coin fountains - you name it, you'll be able to hand it your hard-earned money.

To avoid falling victim to crazed consumerism (we've all been there), make sure you fix a weekly budget, buy most of your food and drink from a supermarket (cook for yourself as much as possible), and try not to get tempted by all the amazing offers advertised all over town. Do keep an eye out for student discounts - but make sure you're really getting a bargain, not just being sold something you don't really need.

I'm not saying you should start conversing with everyone you meet in the streets, but asking local people for tips on where to go and what to do can result in finding some pretty cool places away from the largest tourist traps. To ensure your safety, only ask people you think you can trust, such as the people at public information desks, shop workers, librarians (they've got plenty of time on their hands!), university staff members and fellow students who've had more time to get oriented.

You're in a city filled with inspiring and motivated people, with all kinds of interests, talents and hobbies. Now's your chance to sign up to do something you've never done before. Whether that's attending a laughter yoga class or doing a charity fun run across the city, you're bound to learn something new about yourself, and meet exciting new people who can help take you out of your comfort zone.

Once you've been living in a big city for a while, it's easy to get into a habit of ignoring what's going on around, immersing yourself in music or a good book. This may help you to stay calm amidst the chaos, but ensure that you have your wits about you when out and about. Theft can be common in certain areas of many cities, so make sure you keep your belongings close by and zipped up and any valuable items out of sight when outside - especially at night.

Choosing to study in London, New York City, Paris, Berlin, or in another big city can be a great decision, but only if you make the most of living at the heart of everything. Culture in these big cities is innovative, diverse and extraordinary, and the people living, studying and working here are even more interesting. If you put yourself out there, attend student events, talk to the people around you and interact with your tutors and fellow students, you'll soon have a strong network of people to enjoy your beautiful city with!

When city life gets too much, leave. Not for good - that would be silly, but leave for a bit. Plan a trip out of the city to coincide with your holidays; you may want to go back home, but if not, there are likely to be plenty of places you can visit on a budget within the local area. If you study in Berlin, go for a quiet beer in Bavaria; if you study in London, go for a traditional afternoon tea in a smaller city like Bath or Brighton; if you study in New York City, go for pancakes on Long Island. You'll find that once you return, you'll be a lot less tense!

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Useful resources for study in London:

Useful resources for study in New York City:

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The names at the top of the list in the latest edition of the QS Best Student Cities index all have a few things in common: they're bustling, they're busy and they're all pretty big. Living in a big city is no mean feat; you've got pigeons coming at you any which way you turn and angry commuters expecting you to know all the rules...

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There's no doubt that high school graduation comes with some big decisions and changes.

You made your first big decision to pick the right college, which for you was a one in a big city. Now you're moving from a small town to that big city college, and you might be concerned about unknown set of challenges you face with this big transition.

Good news comes from a 2013 study by Apartment Guide that showed 30 percent of college graduates eventually move to a big city. Living in a big city now will save you the time later to adjust to city living. Another big plus about living in a big city during college is the built-in support of university supplies and resources.

Regardless of the benefits of going to a big city college, the move can still feel nerve-wracking, but here are a few ways to ease the transition.

When you come from a town with two stoplights and one main road, it can be difficult to get your bearings in a large city. Take the time to wander around campus before classes begin, so your first day is a little less stressful. You should also plan - and try out - a few routes to and from campus, so you're not late to your first class because you turned down the wrong street.

Chances are you've had your driver's license since you turned 16 because otherwise you'd need to rely on someone else for rides - it's not like you could hop on the next bus. You're probably familiar with big city transit if you've traveled to larger cities before, but taking a few taxis and riding the subway once doesn't make you a pro.

It's natural to be nervous about getting lost or simply to not know what to do, but after you take two or three trips on public transit, the rest will be a breeze. Spend some time exploring the subways and buses before you get off on the wrong stop on the way to your first class.

Check out your new city's transit website for information on routes and fares. You can usually pay cash each ride, but many transit systems require exact change, so it's often easier to buy a transit pass. Some cities offer a discount to student riders, so check the website for that too. Don't forget to grab a paper copy of the schedule! Yes, you have your smartphone, but sometimes phone batteries die, and reception isn't guaranteed. It's better to have a backup than to miss your stop and end up in unfamiliar territory.

Face it: there will be plenty of opportunities for you to spend your hard earned money in any city. From art galleries to theaters and really great restaurants, you'll want to explore it all. The first few months will be especially tempting because you'll want to do every new thing you hear about right now.

That's where a good budget comes in. Decide how much to spend on entertainment or eating out each month, and stick to it. As a student, you'll be able to find plenty of entertainment on and off campus for free and you can even cook in your dorm room. Budgeting is a good life skill for the future, so mastering it now has benefits. If you're really disciplined, you may even be able to save a little money each month, which can add up in the end.

When you visit a friend, do you just knock on the door and let yourself in? If you're from a very small town, chances are you do since no one locks their doors. While you shouldn't spend all your time in the city scared of strange noises and dark shadows, crime is something to watch out for, even if you've picked a relatively safe campus and a city with low crime rates. Not every suspicious-looking activity or person you see is a reason to call 911, so have the non-emergency police number saved to your phone, and you can still file a report without wasting emergency resources.

Finding a balance between work and play might be one of the hardest aspects of your first few semesters. The city's going to have a lot more to explore than a few gas stations, a handful of churches, and three or four bars, but don't lose sight of why you're in the city in the first place. Of course, that doesn't mean you should never have fun because otherwise what was the point of moving to a new and exciting place? Just be sure to keep your educational goals in mind, and don't let them get drowned out by all the opportunities now available.
Sources:
Caval, V. (2014, March 21.) Big city living: Post grads students ditch the suburbs. Retrieved September 23, 2014, from usatoday.com

Farrington, R. (2014, August 27.) The 10 Best Money Tips For College Freshmen. Retrieved September 23, 2014 from Forbes

Stockwell, C. (2014, August 6.) 10 of the safest U.S. colleges located in big cities. Retrieved September 23, 2014 from USA Today

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What Every Small-Town Student Should Know About Going to a Big City College

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There's no doubt that high school graduation comes with some big decisions and changes. You made your first big decision to pick the right college, which for you was a one in a big city. Now you're moving from a small town to that big city college, and you might be concerned about unknown set of challenges you face with this big transition.

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wikiHow is a "wiki," similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has also been viewed 15,972 times. Learn more...

Growing up in a small town certainly has its hardships, but moving to a large city for college at the age of 16 can really challenge a young girl. Learn how to make these changes easier.

1. Choose. Choose a college that truly represents you. Don't pick one because your friends are going there. Make sure that is has a good report and a good success rate in the degree that you are looking to go.

2. Have some type of Transportation. You have just moved to a place where there is public transportation. This can be very frightening if you've never experienced it before. Try it with a bunch of friends during the day if it's your first time ever. It does get easier as your experience it more.

Your own car. You might not need your own car when you move to the city. Usually you have to drive quite a distance to get to the nearest store, but now they are all going to be in walking distance, or at least most of them are. And like it as said before, there is even public transportation to get you places. You can save a lot of money by not taking your car with you. You will lose out of coming home as often without a car though.

3. Cherish your town. Cherish your small town. They are disappearing slowly and surely. Take time to really look back and remember what it is like to grow up knowing everybody in your town from the janitor at you school to the town mayor on a first name basis. It's truly something you will never find again.

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wikiHow is a "wiki," similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has also been viewed 15,972 times.

Updated: February 7, 2020

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 15,972 times.

"This article made my day. I've moved into a big city, and this article helped me to endure. Thanks to the authors."

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How to Adjust to Living in a Big City when You Go to College

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Growing up in a small town certainly has its hardships, but moving to a large city for college at the age of 16 can really challenge a young girl. Learn how to make these changes easier. Choose. Choose a college that truly represents you....

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New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles are some of the largest cities in the United States and home to some of the country's top universities. Attending college in a bustling, busy city is an exciting opportunity to learn and grow while immersing yourself in a new culture, but there will be unique challenges that may take some time to get used to. However, college in a big city is a great chance to get to know your likes and dislikes before you decide where your life will take you. These tips will help you make the most of out of spending your college years in a large city.

Live Like a Local

No matter what city your university is in, there will be many opportunities to live like a local. Skip the Starbucks and find a local coffee shop that makes you feel at home. Research local eateries and other locations where you can get a feel for the city. Volunteering with local non-profits is a great way to get more comfortable and make new connections in your new home. Spending your spare time in the vibrant communities that surround city universities can open your eyes to a new side of your city.

Be a Tourist

If you are living in a large American city, you live where other people vacation. Whether it's visiting the Empire State Building in New York City or taking a tour of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., acting like a tourist in the city can be a fun way to see your home in a new way. Viator is an excellent resource for finding tours and activities in large cities. Take the time to learn about the history of your city and the United States by taking tours, such as a Revolutionary War Tour if you are attending school in Boston. Understanding the past and present of your new home can help you decide if you want to be part of its future after graduation.

Learn to Navigate

Living in a large city means you will be sharing space will millions of other people, so you'll need to learn your way around quickly. Learning to navigate local public transportation can save you time and money. Some cities offer free bus lines, but you may also want to buy a metro or subway pass to get from one side of your city to the other efficiently. When class is over, grab a friend and take the time to explore different areas of the city that you aren't as familiar with. This is a great way to get acclimated, and you may stumble upon your new favorite spot in the city.

Make a Budget that Works for You

Living in a big city can often be more expensive than attending school in a small town, which can be difficult on a college budget. The cost of living in some American cities can seem overwhelming at first, but creating a budget that works for you can help avoid financial stress. It is helpful to slow down and space out expensive outings to fit within your budget. Also, avoiding large purchases can help save money for exciting adventures or nights out with friends. If your apartment is unfurnished, furniture rental allows you to save money, move with ease and change your style as you go.

Getting comfortable in a new place can take time, but these tips can help make attending a university in a large city feel like the perfect fit.

by Yu Wu and CORT.

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New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles are some of the largest cities in the United States and home to some of the country's top universities. Attending college in a bustling, busy city is an exciting opportunity to learn and grow while immersing yourself in a new culture, but there will be unique challenges that may take some time to get used to.