2011 RMIT Merchandising Student Exchange: The last 3 weeks in the Big City!

Hello everyone,

So I've been in NYC now for just over 2 weeks and it's been a hell of a roller coaster ride. After arriving on a Saturday, I barely got a break before it was straight to orientation day on the Monday :( FIT is most definitely interesting... the security is extremely strict and every building you have to enter you have to present your FIT ID, it's insane! Imagine having to present your ID everywhere at the RMIT Brunswick campus, from the cafeteria to the Barn lol! I remember on the first day of orientation (I obviously hadn't received my ID as yet) I tried to enter one of the buildings without a pass and this massive security guard refused to let me in, even though I tried to explain the circumstances. I was made to get a visitors pass.

Like I said before, it has been a hell of a roller coaster ride. Despite the fact that this is my third time in New York, I think my outlook is majorly different from the first couple of times I had visited. I guess because the first couple of times were a holiday basis where everyday was packed with touristy things. Don't get me wrong, I still love this city, but it's a tough place to live in.

I found myself a nice apartment located in the Lower East Side and currently live with 2 other roomies. It took me practically 2 whole weeks to really settle, buying all the bits and bobbs for my room, but I'm happy with the overall outcome.

The subway is another story. It's hot, sticky and quite smelly...exactly how the American movies portray it. It is quite easy to take... once you get the hang of it! All you really need to know is "Uptown" and "Downtown", but if you get that wrong, then you're really screwed!!!

I haven't really had a chance to do all the touristy things such as the Statue of Liberty, MOMA, Guggenheim or Central Park as I figured I have pretty much 5 months to do it. I will post photos once I do get myself to the many touristy destinations.

I'll leave you with a few pictures I've taken so far!

My Laundromat