As the semester and this column come to an end and the weather becomes increasingly warm, I want to conclude this semester of thrilling exploration with some tips and advice for this summer and future semesters of adventure as a Stevens student β so sit back, relax, enjoy the sun, and embark on this exciting journey of exploration with me!
1: Be Prepared
Being prepared is paramount when embarking on a journey into the city (or any other area). When I was a first-year student and did not realize this important fact, I ended up in the middle of Times Square watching a free concert when it started to pour. I was completely soaked, my shoes were waterlogged, and my phone, wallet, and dorm key were swimming because I forgot to check the weather and bring a raincoat. All the same, I ended up going to Central Park (which is a decent way away from the PATH station I debarked from) and was wearing not-great shoes, leaving me in pain for days after. Or, on another occasion, I went to Governors Island without sunscreen and was a bright shade of pink for the week after. All this to say, be prepared: check the weather, and bring extra food, water, money, and portable chargers for your phone β if you don’t, you’ll almost definitely wish you had them.
2: Bring a map (or a GPS if you’re technologically competent)
When exploring, the idea is that you are going somewhere new. Whether this be a planned excursion to a new museum or a new neighborhood, the nature of exploring will probably lead you to be lost. That is why having a map or GPS on your phone is helpful. My phone died once when I was supposedly one block from the subway station that would take me back to Hoboken. I made one turn, and I had no clue where I was. Looking back later, I went right instead of left and ended at the East River, not the Hudson. I circled a block five times before realizing the shop I was looking for was right next to me because I figured, “The GPS says I’m there, I’ll turn it off,” which would have been fine, except I didn’t know the name of the store or the address. While it may seem obvious where you are going, it is always better to keep a map or the GPS out until you are where you want to be β or keep walking until you hit a river and go from there!
3: Stay Alert
As sad as it is to say it, New York can be a dangerous place. Even in some busier or safer areas, it is always important to know what is going on in your surroundings, keep an eye out for people around you, and understand where you are going. If there is yelling, sirens, or other concerning noise, keep clear or stay in a secure area. When wandering, make sure you have a good feel for where your valuables (like your phone, wallet, keys) are. It takes only a second for a pickpocket to grab your phone and then disappear into the millions of people in the city. Luckily, being prepared and bringing a map can help with this. You can avoid areas if there is potential for a dangerous situation using your fancy map (or GPS). Additionally, dressing appropriately (like with internal or front-facing pockets) can aid in keeping a hold of your belongings.
Exploring New York (or anywhere, really) can be fantastic. The opportunity to explore the city was a selling point for me when I came to Stevens. Learning, meeting new people, and seeing new places will always be fun for me and hopefully others. Whether going out to eat with friends or going for a lovely spring walk along the Hudson River Walkway, exploring is a joy. Thanks for exploring with me this semester, and as finals pass by, remember to keep exploring!
