NYC 101 – The yPAAN Guide to the City Life 2015 Edition

Transcription

NYC 101:
THE YPAAN GUIDE TO
THE CITY LIFE
Everything you need to know about NYC
and more!
2015 Edition
Introduction
Congrats! You've made the courageous decision to move to the Big Apple / the
City that Never Sleeps—New York City! On behalf of the Young Penn Asian Alumni
Network (yPAAN), we’d like to extend you a warm welcome.
Through this easy-to-read handbook, we hope to offer assistance in your transition
from Philly school life to real world NYC life. You’ll find recommendations on places you
MUST go and lists of resources should you find yourself feeling a little lost. This guide is
by no means exhaustive, but we do hope that this guide will be a solid starting point for
anything and everything you need to know about being an Asian or Asian-American in
NYC.
So what are you waiting for? Start turning the pages and we look forward to
meeting you in the near future!
Yours Truly,
The yPAAN Board
Wait, what exactly is yPAAN again?
yPAAN, the Young Penn Asian Alumni Network, is an organization focused on developing
a community of Penn Asian alumni post-graduation. Anchored in New York City,
yPAAN holds various social, professional, and community service events throughout
the year. Past yPAAN events have included happy hours, career panels, inter-ivy
speed dating, dim-sum brunches, and serving at soup kitchens. Coming to our events is
a great way to keep in touch with old friends, meet new ones, and have fun doing it!
yPAAN’s Board is comprised of volunteer Penn alumni living in the NYC area who are
passionate about facilitating a strong network of Penn Asian alumni that are in their
first 10 years out of college. This year's 2014-2015 yPAAN board members are:
Monica Chen (C'09), Karan Dhruve (W'12, SEAS'12), Eileen Feng (C’12), Amanda
Young (C’12), Tanvir Gopal (C’13), Kevin Jiang (E’13), Michelle Leong (E’13), Ankur
Goyal (W’14, SEAS’14), and Alina Jamil (C’14).
For more information on yPAAN events or the board, feel free to visit the yPAAN
website (www.ypaan.org) and be sure to sign up for our listserv!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Living in NYC
A.  Moving to NYC
B.  Maps of NYC
C.  Transportation in NYC
Chapter 2: Adjusting to NYC
A. 
B. 
C. 
D. 
E. 
F. 
Adjusting to Post-College Life
Top 10 Things to Know About Real Life
Resources for Help
Taxes
Being International
LGBT Resources
Chapter 3: Exploring NYC
A. 
B. 
C. 
D. 
E. 
F. 
yPAAN’s Recommended Places to Go
Fun Activities To Do in the City
List of Groceries
Personal Beauty
Volunteer Opportunities with Asian/Asian-American Organizations
NY Public Library Card Info
Special Thanks and Contact Information for yPAAN
Disclaimer
Recommendations in this guide reflect the personal thoughts of individuals
from yPAAN but are not directly associated with the University of
Pennsylvania or its affiliates, nor does yPAAN profit from any of the listed
recommendations. Additionally, this guide is not meant to be exhaustive nor
inclusive. Any differences in information provided in this guide may indicate
a change has taken place since the writing of this guide. This handbook is
meant purely as a fun and informational resource, in which yPAAN and its
affiliates should not be held liable for any issues that might arise from using
this guide.
Chapter I: Living in NYC
A. Moving to NYC
Everything you need to know about looking for apartments, moving, rent
rates, and intern housing! Additionally, this section includes an FAQ
for recent graduates and interns.
B. Maps of NYC
Want to get lost in the Big Apple? Check out Chinatown? Figure out
where K-Town is? This section is your go-to reference.
C. Transportation in NYC
Your one-stop source of knowing how the subway system works and how
much everything costs!
A. Moving to NYC:
Optimal Timeline for Housing Search
March/April:
Make a decision on how many roommates you want and your budget! Figure out what
you need and don't need (e.g. A/C would be ideal for the summer, but do you really
need your own bathroom?). Start making plans with your potential roommates.
Late April/May:
Research potential areas of living and make trips to NYC if necessary. Some housing
won't open for a month prior to move-in date, so be prepared to sign even if you
don't move into the apartment until later. Be prepared for apartments to come and
go – the market moves fast.
June/July:
Decide on housing (some places have a wait time!) and prepare the necessary
paperwork. Don't wait until the last minute!
August/September:
Be wary of moving policies and move in to your new home!
A. Moving to NYC:
Online Resources for Housing Search
Below are a couple of great websites to peruse potential apartments.
Happy apartment-finding!
NYC Times: <http://www.nytimes.com/pages/realestate/index.html>
Streeteasy: <http://streeteasy.com/>
NYBits: <http://www.nybits.com/>
Craigslist: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/ (beware of fake listings)
UrbanSherpaNY: http://www.urbansherpany.com/
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/ (a viable option for summer interns)
Worth Mentioning: Broker* Companies and their Websites
*See FAQ section
A. Moving to NYC:
The Rental Application
Rental applications are part of the moving-in process. If you find the
apartment of your dreams, get a head-start on renting and be prepared to
sign on the day you look for housing.
Things To Bring:
•  Checkbook – you should be prepared to put down a deposit very shortly after
viewing the apartment. Places go very quickly, especially in the summer!
•  Government-Issued ID
•  Proof of Employment (A signed offer letter will suffice)
•  Past 2 Credit Card Statements
•  Credit Rating Report (Fees may apply if you choose to do this through the
apartment)
•  Rental Application (Fee may range from $50-$200)
•  An income of at least 30-50 times the monthly rental price of apartment (may use
Guarantor if you do not meet this requirement*)
*See FAQ section
A. Moving to NYC:
FAQ for Recent Graduates
What does guarantor mean?
When one cannot afford the income required to rent the apartment, one can
utilize a guarantor, or someone who will be able to pay in the event the tenant
is unable to pay (security measure). Typically, this can be a parent/relative.
Some buildings will allow for this while others will not. Be aware, some
buildings require the guarantor to live in the tri-state area.
What is a “no-fee” apartment mean?
A no-fee apartment means that that you do not have to pay a Broker's fee to
rent the apartment. Real Estate Brokers are individuals who help show/find
you apartments within your budget. However, Brokers will also charge
between 12-20% of your annual rent amount for finding the apartment. "Nofee" refers to the landlord paying the fee, vs. you paying it.
A. Moving to NYC:
Where should I live?
This will often depend on your preference. Do you want to live in
Manhattan or in one of the other boroughs? Do you want somewhere
lively and young (e.g. Midtown) or somewhere where you might get the
biggest bang for your buck (e.g. Financial District)? Every
neighborhood in NYC has its pros and its cons. There are many Penn
graduates living in areas from Morningside Heights to StuyTown (in
Manhattan), as well as other NYC boroughs like Queens (e.g. LIC,
Queens) and Brooklyn (e.g. Williamsburg, Park Slope). Location and
budget are the driving factors. You cannot go wrong with any choice
although be cognizant some areas of New York are tough
neighborhoods and can be unsafe at night to walk in!
A. Moving to NYC:
What should my budget be?
This is dependent on your expected income in the city and how much
you are willing to spend on rent. Other factors to consider: paying off
student loans, having roommates, sharing rooms, commuting costs, tuition
costs, personal lifestyle needs (e.g. gym membership), and other areas
you know you will be spending money. One way of looking at it is the
percentage of your expected income you plan to spend on rent.
Typically, this has ranged from 15-40% but everyone is different. At
the end of the day, be sure you know your limit and remember to plan
accordingly. Speaking anecdotally, many Penn graduates have
budgeted between $800-$2,000 for rent on their first year out, but
again it is all dependent on your priorities and where you expect to
spend your budget.
A. Moving to NYC:
What are flex walls?
Installing a "flex wall" into an apartment to create more rooms is a common
tactic used in NYC apartments. Often the Broker or Landlord (whoever is
showing you the apartment) can let you know if a flex wall is possible, and
refer you to someone that can put one up for you. Walls may cost between
$800 to $2,000 and some apartments may only allow “bookshelf” walls,
meaning 1 foot of space must be left at the top.
What are some places to get furniture?
IKEA seems to be the most popular source of buying one's housing needs, from
bed frames to cookingware. There is a free ferry and shuttle bus to the IKEA
in Brooklyn, so be sure to check out their website for more information on
travel times. Other sources of furniture: Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Craigslist,
and tenants in your building.
A. Moving to NYC:
FAQ for Summer Interns
When should interns look for housing?
Timing depends on where you are looking for housing. Usually the best
summer housing options are through the various schools in the New York
area (NYU, School of Visual Arts, Baruch, etc.). They each have their
own application deadlines, which range from March-April. Once you
know you'll be living in NYC for the summer you should determine which
of these schools offer the best housing options for you and be diligent
in applying by the deadline. If you were not able to meet the
deadline, Craigslist is also an option (look for a "furnished" sublet), as
well as asking alumni and older individuals you may know.
A. Moving to NYC:
How is looking for housing as an intern different
from looking for housing as a full-time employee?
Full-time employees are generally looking for long-term, year-long
leases. Interns, on the other hand, are typically looking for three-month,
summer-long options. If you're moving to NYC permanently you may
have to employ a broker (see general FAQ for more info) to find an
appropriate housing accommodation whereas interns can usually find
suitable accommodations by either using school subletting options or
Craigslist. Additionally, the housing application process for full-time
graduates requires more time, money, and paperwork than for interns.
A. Moving to NYC:
If interns sublet, do they sign a contract officially
(like you do for a full-year lease) or is it done
informally (like handing cash to the subletter)?
This is usually done informally but interns should be confident that they
can trust their subletter and will not have issues over the course of the
sublet. To that end, one should make sure that expectations for the time
of the sublet are clear and that one fully examines the apartment to
make sure that one won't be on the hook for pre-existing damage.
Also make sure the building allows for other individuals to be a tenant
in the apartment. Be smart about it.
A. Moving to NYC:
Where are good places to look for housing?
•  Craigslist will have the best subletting options
•  Email and Facebook any Alumni you are in contact with
•  Schools with summer housing:
•  Baruch University
•  Education Housing Services
•  Fashion Institute of Technology
•  The New School
•  New York University
•  School of Visual Arts
A. Moving to NYC:
What are some price ranges that interns have paid
for summer housing?
NYU summer housing prices are usually the most expensive and are
around $175/week for non-A/C dorms and around $280/week for
A/C dorms. If you can afford it, the A/C rooms are worth it - New
York in the summer is difficult without an A/C. Other prices may range
from $50-$300/week depending on where you stay.
Does summer housing require paperwork?
Typically only the ones you need to apply to for the summer housing
program (e.g. schools/universities) require paperwork.
B. Maps of NYC:
The 5 Boroughs
New York City is a huge place to explore
and not just limited to Manhattan. A
"borough" describes a section of New York
City. There are 5 boroughs, each with its
own set of characteristics: Manhattan, The
Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
One can use the subway to get to all the
boroughs except Staten Island, to which
you can drive or take the Staten Island
Ferry.
Source: NYCTourist
B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Neighborhoods
Familiarize yourself with the map to the
right and you won't find yourself lost!
Each neighborhood in Manhattan has a
unique characteristic or quirk. In addition
to the areas listed on the map, there are
smaller neighborhood pockets within
neighborhoods which are also unique. For
example, Hell's Kitchen in Midtown West
is known for its assortment of restaurants,
similarly for the West Village in the
Greenwich Village area. Union Square in
the East Village has a bit of shopping and
a touristy-feel to it, while Battery Park
around Tribeca/the Financial District is a
nice area for families.
Source: NYCTourist
B. Maps of NYC:
How the Streets and Avenues Work
Streets increase in number
Manhattan is based on a grid system.
Numbered streets cut across Manhattan
horizontally while avenues cut vertically
along Manhattan. As you go from south to
north, numbered streets will increase. As you
go from east to west, avenue numbers will
increase. While there are only 11 avenues
in Manhattan, there are a couple hundred
streets, with non-numbered streets extending
further south past 1st street.
Important note when navigating Manhattan!
Distances between avenues are 2 to 3x
longer than between streets, so be sure to
plan accordingly!
Source: AAccessMaps
Avenues increase in number
B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Chinatown
B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Chinatown
Where: Worth Street (S) to Grand or Broome Street (N); Broadway or Lafayette
Street (W) to Allan or Essex Street (E)
Highlights: Restaurants (Dumplings, Dim Sum, Pho, Shanghainese Food),
Groceries, Chatham Square, Columbus Park, Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
in mid-Winter, Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in early fall
Ways to get to Manhattan Chinatown:
Take the 4/5 downtown to 14th St., transfer to 6, get off Canal St.
Take the 4/5 uptown to Brooklyn Bridge, transfer to 6, get off Canal St.
Take the N/Q/R uptown/downtown to Canal St.
Take the B/D uptown/downtown to Grand St.
Take the J uptown/downtown to Canal St.
Take the F uptown/downtown to East Broadway
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B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Koreatown (K-Town)
B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Koreatown (K-Town)
Where: 31st Street (S) to 33rd Street (N); Broadway or Avenue of Americas
(W) to 5th Avenue (E)
Highlights: Restaurants (including 24/7 food joints), Bakeries, Karaoke, Bars
Ways to get to K-Town:
Take the 2 or 3 uptown/downtown to 34th Street - Penn Station
Take the B/D/F/M uptown/downtown to 34th Street - Herald Square
Take the N/Q uptown/downtown to 34th Street - Herald Square
Take the N/R uptown/downtown to 28th Street, walk north 2 streets
Take the 6 uptown/downtown to 33rd Street, walk west 2 avenues
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B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Little India #1
B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Little India #2
B. Maps of NYC:
Manhattan Little Indias #1 & #2
Little India #1:
Where: Lexington Avenue, between 26th and 30th Streets; south of Murray Hill
Highlights: Restaurants, Shops
Ways to get to Little India, also known to some as "Curry Hill":
Take the 4/5 uptown, transfer to 6 at 14th Street, get off at 28th Street
Take the 4/5 downtown, transfer to 6 at 42nd Street, got off at 33rd Street
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Little India #2:
Where: East 6th Street, between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue
Highlights: Restaurants, Shops
Ways to get to Little India:
Take the N/R uptown/downtown, get off at 8th St - NYU, walk southeast 3 avenues
Take the 6 uptown/downtown, transfer to Astor Place, walk southeast 2 avenues
Take the L to 3rd avenue, walk south 8 blocks
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B. Maps of NYC:
Explore Different Cuisines and Places!
Bangladeshi
Murray Hill, Manhattan
Richmond Hill, Queens
Chinese
Flushing, Queens
Chinatown, Brooklyn
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Filipino
Norwood, Bronx
Indian
Jackson Heights, Queens
Flushing, Queens
Japanese
Flushing, Queens
Korean
Flushing, Queens
Pakistani
Murray Hill, Manhattan
Flushing, Queens
Taiwanese
Flushing, Queens
Thai
Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan
Vietnamese
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
C. Transportation in NYC:
The Ever Important NYC Subway Map
Source: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The MTA System
The Difference between Express and Local Trains
While express and local trains run the same track, an express train will only
stop at major stops (e.g. 14th street, 42nd street). Local trains stop at all the
stations that the express trains do, plus some more in between (e.g. 18th
street, 23rd street). For most of Manhattan, the express trains take the same
route, but will typically diverge once you get to the outer boroughs like the
Bronx and Brooklyn. Be cognizant that while subways run often, you may
still have to wait due to delays or maintenance! Also, be sure to check the
weekend schedules, typically posted on signs in the subway or online.
Express Trains:
2 or 3 on West Side of Manhattan
4 or 5 on East Side of Manhattan
Associated Local Trains:
1 on West Side of Manhattan
6 on East Side of Manhattan
The MTA System
Going north-south (uptown/downtown) is generally convenient – just
take the A-C-E, 1-2-3, or 4-5-6 trains (blue, red, and green lines,
respectively).
Going east-west ("crosstown") is much more difficult as there are few
trains that do this.
The S train will take you between Times Square and Grand
Central, but is irregular with timing.
The L will take you between the west and east side on 14th street.
Great for the folks who live in Stuy-Town!
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Everything you know about the trains may get completed screwed up
late at night or on the weekends, mostly due to construction. Be sure to
check out www.mta.info when traveling during these times to see
which stations are closed/which trains might be skipping stops!
The MTA System
Cost Per Subway Ride: $2.75 (can be bought at any kiosk)
Unlimited Passes: (can be bought at any kiosk)
•  $31/week (great for consultants and interns)
•  $116.50/month (ideal if you take >50 trips per month)
•  Anyone who regularly takes the subway to and from work will most
likely want to go this route.
Be sure to check and see if your job has a commuter benefit plan!
•  These plans allow you to save on transit expenses.
•  They take pre-tax money from your paycheck and either:
1. Put it into a special transit expense account for you (via card)
2. Buy metrocard passes for you and mail them to you
•  This means that you won't be charged income tax on the money you
put towards transit expenses!
Driving in NYC
•  While it is possible to have a car in the city, be cognizant
you may have to pay a separate rent price for a parking
space (could be in the hundreds of dollars).
•  Familiarize yourself with ways of getting in and out of the
city, as well as associated tolls, including: the Lincoln Tunnel,
George Washington Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan
Bridge, and the highways on either side of Manhattan. If
you’re not carpooling, these tolls can run up to $14 for cash
and $11.75 for peak time EZPass users
•  Don’t forget you can also rent a car for a day or week at
various rental places around the city.
•  Be wary of rush hour traffic. In many instances, taking the
subway would be much faster than driving in the city.
•  Be smart and don’t leave any valuables in your car. Be
sure to turn your side view mirrors inward if you park on
the street.
Getting to/From New Jersey
•  NJ Transit, ranging in prices depending on where you want
to get to, is the major transportation system of New Jersey
and a great way of getting to the Newark airport, different
parts of New Jersey, and back to Philadelphia.
•  The PATH Train, $2.75 per ride, stops at World Trade
Center, Christopher St., 9th St., 14th St., 23rd St., and 33rd St.
in Manhattan and go to Newark, Harrison, Journal Square,
Grove St., Exchange Place, Newport, and Hoboken in NJ.
•  The Port Authority Bus Terminal on 40-42nd St. and 8th Ave.
offers an array of bus services to and from New Jersey, also
ranging in prices dependent on destination.
  If you are looking to save money on rent but still want to be close
to Manhattan, Jersey City and Hoboken, NJ are great living options
with plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars and other places to explore!
They are both just across the Hudson River and easily accessible by
the PATH Train.
Other Tips & Tricks
Getting To/From Long Island
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The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the main form of transportation serving the
length of Long Island to and from Manhattan, including Brooklyn and Queens.
Prices range depending on destination, but the LIRR operates on a 24/7
schedule.
Penn Station is the only Manhattan stop of the LIRR.
If you are traveling the LIRR for the first time, don’t be overwhelmed by the
number of individuals at Penn Station watching the TV screens. Don’t let the
people rushing by bother you, either. Stay calm.
Getting To/From Philadelphia (Penn!)
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There are multiple bus routes that go to the 30th Street location stop in
Philadelphia. Popular ones include the MegaBus, Bolt Bus, and Grey Hound
bus lines.
Be ready for any delays and watch out for other stops the buses may make.
Prices range from ~$10 to ~$30.
NJ Transit and Amtrak are also great options, although NJ Transit may take
longer while Amtrak is more expensive.
Book two weeks in advance to save up to 25% on Amtrak fares
Other Tips & Tricks
Bus Stations
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The Port Authority Bus Terminal (40-42nd St. and 8th Ave.) is a main hub of
transportation. It offers numerous carriers that travel into surrounding states.
Do be aware of other bus lines (e.g. Bolt Bus, MegaBus) that may have a
different stop other than than the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Be prepared to wait, depending on the busline you choose. For some lines, you
may be waiting outside so come ready for the weather.
Train Stations
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The 2 main train stations of Manhattan operate at Penn Station (31-33rd St. and
7th-8th Ave.) and Grand Central Terminal (42nd St. and Park Ave).
Penn Station serves Amtrak, the LIRR, NJ Transit, PATH, and several bus lines.
Grand Central serves the Metro-North Railroad, which serves as a commuter rail
into the suburban areas of New York and Connecticut.
If it is your first time traveling on a train, do not be overwhelmed by the number
of individuals around. Watch the screens and board when your train arrives.
There is no security line although you may be searched by police.
Other Tips & Tricks
Taxis
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It's often difficult to get a cab late at night from 12AM - 2AM (NYC regulates
the number of cabs on the road, creating a shortage):
You may want to consider a service like Lyft or Uber during these times,
although it can be VERY expensive.
Avoid "gypsy cabs", which are typically black sedans. They will charge much
higher than cabs.
Public Transit Buses
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Don’t be afraid of taking the bus!
It often goes where the subway doesn’t (eg. east-west "crosstown" routes),
dependable if past 11 PM!
They operate similarly to the subway - all you need is your MetroCard to
swipe, meaning $2.75 per ride!
•  Watch out for other bus services (e.g. Select Bus service), which requires a
different type of ticket but can be purchased near the bus stop.
Getting To/From Airports
Airports
•  New York City has 3 major surrounding airports:
• 
•  Laguardia Airport (LGA) in Queens
•  John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens
•  Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey
There are various ways of getting to and from the airport. Check out our insight
below and on the next few pages:
Taxis:
Manhattan to LGA and vice versa: Expect anywhere between $35 to $75, 20-45 minutes
depending where you are.
Manhattan to JFK and vice versa: Expect anywhere between $45 to $85, 45-90 minutes
depending where you are.
Manhattan to EWR and vice versa: Expect anywhere between $70-$110,
30-60 minutes depending where you are.
Public Transit
•  LGA
Take the 7 train towards Queens/Flushing and get off at the 74th StreetBroadway stop. Transfer there to the Q47 bus going north to LGA. No
fee to transfer.
•  JFK
•  Take the A train downtown towards Howard Beach/JFK Airport stop
(careful, there's another A train that goes to Ozone Park/Lefferts
Blvd!). Transfer there to the Air Train, which is a monorail that goes
around JFK ($5 to transfer).
•  Take the E train or Long Island Rail Road towards Jamaica Station,
then transfer to the Air Train
•  EWR
•  Take the 2 or 3 train towards 34th Street-Penn Station. Transfer to NJ
Transit to Newark Airport ($12 to transfer). Transfer again at Newark
Airport Railroad Station. Expect an extra 20 minutes for this last leg
of the trip.
Top Travel Tips
•  Plan and book flights ahead of time – flights out of NYC get expensive very
quickly
•  If taking a cab, leave enough time to get to the airport based on the time of
day you are traveling.
•  Rush hour traffic can leave cars at a standstill
•  It’s also notoriously difficult to get a cab from 4PM-5PM as that’s when cab drivers
change shifts—if you’re planning on grabbing a cab around then be sure to budget
some extra time to find one!
•  If you are international, get a U.S. ID card – it will save you the hassle of
remembering to carry your passport for domestic travel
•  If you travel a lot, make sure to get a credit card which offers good
rewards points - the Amex SPG card and the Chase Sapphire are the two
most popular
Other Options
•  Bus Services: There are bus services that go to either airport which leave from
major points in Manhattan like Grand Central and Penn Station. One example
is www.nycairporter.com. Another tip to consider is the MTA bus services (e.g.
M60), which is only $2.75 and if you have more than an hour to spare.
•  Black Cars: Chinatown car services are highly recommended for their low
prices if you're willing to go that route. One example is New Golden Horse
Car & Limo (www.newgoldenhorse.com or 718-762-8888). Be wary, though,
as car service in general charge higher than taxis. The pros of car service,
though, is that you are guaranteed to find a ride to the airport. For cabs, it
may be difficult to find one willing to go to the airport during rush hour.
Travel Tips
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Plan extra time to finding a taxi.
Bring cash.
Travel light if you plan to take public transportation.
Only hail taxis from the taxi stand.
Chapter II: Adjusting to NYC
A. Adjusting to Post-College Life
It's harder than you think! Check this out if you're feeling the crush of
real world life. This section is also tailored to living in NYC – take
heed to our words, we speak from experience!
B. Top 10 Things to Know about Real Life
Compiled from recent graduates about real life. Short and sweet.
C. Resources for Help
There are times when you may feel alone. See this section for a quick
reference guide of helplines and organizations you can contact based
on your needs.
Chapter II: Adjusting to NYC
D. Taxes
Some quick tips and resources on doing your taxes!
E. Being International
Do you have an international visa? Check these tips out to see how you can
successfully navigate being an international citizen in NYC!
F. LGBT Resources
This page has a great list of resources to check out if you identify yourself
as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender!
No more Dorms & Hallmates
When you walk out of your apartment, you probably won't run into
your friends on the street. Your relationships will no longer survive from
sheer convenience and proximity. You will have to plan to see your
friends and work to maintain relationships.
Money, Money, Money... MONEY!
Having an income means more to spend, but more spending means
more bills and payments that have strict deadlines. Set up autopay
and monitor your finances regularly. You'll thank us for the tip!
Goodbye, Locust Walk
There is a ton happening in the city, but you won't know it unless you do
some research. So long to the flyers bombarding you on Locust Walk a good and a bad thing.
Choose your roommate(s) carefully
Now that you have a regular school or work schedule, you'll want to
choose your roommate(s) carefully. It's not like college where you'll be
switching rooms or rent is already set. Beware of situations (e.g.
couples moving in with each other, someone taking the flex room with
no privacy, rent prices increasing) that can cause problems and
potentially lost friendships!
Everything requires licenses/waivers in NYC
As you figure out your lifestyle in NYC, be sure that you are following
NYC policies for how you live your life. For example: if you want a
dog, you will need to make sure your dog is licensed and tagged. If
you want to play on the tennis courts, you will need to pay for a city
waiver. Live up the life you imagined but don’t be surprised at the $$$
price tag attached.
Make time to exercise
There is no Pottruck to rely on in NY. Even if it costs money to go to the
gym, take some extra time to exercise. Your body and your mental
state will thank you for it! Some great gyms to consider: New York
Sports Club, Crunch, Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness, Planet Fitness, and
Crossfit gyms. Some apartment buildings come with a gym, too!
Be willing to try new things
Be willing to try new things and explore new events. For example:
check out Diwali, the Festival of Lights (in Jackson Heights, Queens), and
the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. There's
tons of events in the city! Do a little research and your life will be much
richer.
Nothing in life is free...but many things are
discounted!
Take that extra step to see if there is a coupon or other discounts for
your activities. Buy your Broadway tickets during the Buy One, Get
One free period or from TKTS and wait for Restaurant Week in NYC to
save on meals. Keep a look-out on group deals. Plan, and your
wallet will be much happier!
B. Top 10 Things to Know about Real Life
1.  Your career is not a straight road.
2.  Friendships require time.
3.  Actively manage your finances (i.e. mint.com or learnvest.com).
4.  You live in a bubble, don't deny it.
5.  Get ahead of the game - take savings and retirement planning
seriously.
6.  Online dating is normal, especially in cities.
7.  Be genuine, people can tell the difference.
8.  Networking IS important - so, do nice things for others, you'll want
others to do nice things for you.
9.  Taking vacation is important, it's an opportunity to relax and gain
perspective.
10.  Enjoy the ride... it starts to whirl by!
C. Resources for Help:
Places to Start
In the midst of starting a new job or school life, there may be times you feel
discouraged or depressed. You're not alone. Below is a starting place of
resources you can reach out to:
The New York Coalition for Asian-American Mental Health:
http://www.asianmentalhealth.org/
List of Mental Health Agencies for Asian/Asian-Americans:
http://www.aaspe.net/Agencies_Professionals.html
List of Domestic Violence Agencies, Social Services Agencies, and Legal Organizations for
Asians/Asian-Americans:
http://www.nyawc.org/info/resources.html
List of New York State and City Hospitals:
http://www.ny-hospitals.com/nyhosp.nsf/US-HospitalsByName!OpenPage
Cultural-Specific Organizations
Korean American Family Service Center:
1-718-460-3800
New York Asian Women's Center:
1-888-888-7702
New York Association for New Americans:
1-888-242-5838 (in English, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu)
Sakhi for South Asian Women:
1-212-868-6741 (in English, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Urdu, other languages)
Sanctuary for Families:
1-212-349-6009 (in English, ASL, Bengali, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Urdu)
Religion-Specific Organizations
Christianity
Islam
Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Islamic Cultural Center of New York
• 
150 W83rd, New York, NY 10024 (Manhattan)
1711 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10029 (Manhattan)
• 
695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065 (Manhattan)
• 
120 W. 14th St, New York, NY 10011 (Manhattan)
Islamic Cultural Center of Riverside Drive
1 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10023 (Manhattan)
Remnant Westside Church
17 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010 (Manhattan)
Hillsong NYC
• 
311 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 (Manhattan)
• 
5 Seymour St, Montclair, NJ 07042 (New Jersey)
Islamic Center at NYU
371 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10014
(Manhattan)
Masjid Manhattan
30 Cliff Street, New York, NY 10038 (Manhattan)
Buddhism
Hinduism
Mahayana Temple Buddhist Association
The Hindu Temple Society of North America
133 Canal Street, New York, NY 10002 (Manhattan)
4557 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355 (Flushing)
Pu Chao Buddhist Temple
Bangladesh Hindu Mandir, Inc. 20 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10002 (Manhattan)
94-39 44th Avenue, Elmhurst, NY 11373 (Flushing)
The New York Buddhist Church
Broome Street Ganesha Temple
331-332 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10025
(Manhattan)
430 Broome St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013
(Manhattan)
Triratna New York City
Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir/Hare Krishna Temple 39 W 14th Street, Suite 508, New York, NY 10011
(Manhattan)
430 Broome St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013
(Brooklyn)
Zen Center of New York City - Fire Lotus Temple
500 State Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Brooklyn)
Sikhism
Judaism
Sikh Center of New York Inc
Temple Emanu-El
3817 Parsons Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354 (Queens)
1 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065 (Manhattan)
Metropolitan Sikh Club of New York
27-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 (Queens)
Manhattan Sikh Association
104 E 30th St., New York, NY 10016 (Manhattan)
Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center
113-10 101st Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11419 (Queens)
Village Temple
33 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003 (Manhattan)
Mount Sinai Jewish Center
135 Bennett Avenue, New York, NY 10040
(Manhattan)
Brooklyn Heights Synagogue 131 Remsen St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Brooklyn)
Suicide & Crisis Hotlines
Covenant House NINELINE
Call: 1-800-999-9999 (available 24/7)
Visit: http://www.nineline.org/
LifeNet
Call: 1-800-543-3638 (available 24/7)
Call: 1-877-990-8585 (available 24/7 in Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Fujianese)
Visit: http://newyorkcity.ny.networkofcare.org/mh/index.aspx
National Helpline
1-800-273-TALK (available 24/7)
The Samaritans of New York
Call: 1-212-673-3000 (available 24/7)
Visit: http://www.samaritansnyc.org/
New York City in General*
For Emergencies: Call 911
NYC Incest/Sexual Assault Hotline:
1-212-267-7273
Information on NYC Services: Call 311
NYC Aids Hotline:
1-800-825-5448
Alcoholics Anonymous of New York:
1-212-647-1680
NYC Gamblers Anonymous Hotline:
1-855-222-5542
NYC Hunger Hotline:
1-866-888-8777
Barrier-Free Living (Disabilities):
1-212-533-4358
NYC Crime Victims Hotline:
1-212-577-7777
NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project:
1-212-714-1141
NYC Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-621-4673
*More info on NYC Mayor’s Site
D. Taxes
It's the harsh reality of real life, but everyone's got to do them: taxes. Don't
worry, though. yPAAN is here to help guide the way! Here are some
helpful tips to keep you ahead of the game:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
You can file your taxes as soon as you have your W2 form from your employer
(typically sent at the beginning of the year).
Most firms provide membership to one of the tax preparation software programs,
which provide step-by-step instructions.
If you make less than $31,000 annually, you can use the Turbo Tax Freedom edition
for free.
File your taxes early (as soon as you get your W2 form)!
Common tax-preparation software used: H&R Block, TurboTax
If you don't have the time to do your own taxes, consider hiring an accountant or
utilizing your parents' resources for tax planning, for a few hundred dollars. It costs
money but may save you time and worry!
D. Taxes
Credits and Deductions
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Once you claim your own exemption, you can also begin deducting interest paid on
any student loans for up to $2,500 a year in interest.
Look for tax credit with the American Opportunity Credit and The Hope Education
Tax Credit.
You may qualify for a tax deduction through a charitable gift (although not for
time volunteered).
You can get a tax break on your moving expenses.
Avoid credit predators! (Don't open too many credit card accounts at once.)
If you have a start-up of your own, you may be eligible for many self-employed
tax credits.
Contributing to your 401K or IRA can help with a tax deduction.
Do as much research as possible and ask questions on anything you don’t
understand.
Not a US citizen or permanent resident (green card
holder)? In the following sections, we suggest a
couple of things to keep in mind! Here's how we've
broken it down:
• 
• 
• 
• 
Visas (F-1, OPT, H-1B, TN)
Identification
Travel
Housing
Visas
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Apply for an Optical Practical Training (OPT) student visa to carry you between graduation
and start date.
Keep track of your visa status and expiration, Human Resources at your company can screw it
up and if so, you will get deported.
File for an OPT extension if you can, it will save you from two more years of social security and
medicare taxes!
During visa applications/transitions, travel is not recommended. If you do travel, consult Human
Resources at your company. You will likely have to validate your visa at a foreign consulate
and pay an extra fee.
Work visas only allow you to have a single employer, so you cannot officially have part-time or
multiple jobs with different companies.
Your employer usually sponsors your visa fees / paperwork.
No, you cannot legally found your own startup company and sponsor your own work.
Yes, if you marry an American, you may apply for a free green card.
Yes, it is ok to still measure temperature in celsius.
Identification
• 
• 
• 
If you do not have a United States Identification form (government-issued with
birthdate), get a state ID instead of using your passport/visa card. Visa cards are
sometimes rejected at places in NY.
You can drive with a foreign driver's license if it can be identified as a license by
cops.
Check out more information here on licenses: http://www.dmv.ny.gov/license.htm.
Travel
• 
• 
• 
Talk to Penn's International Program Office or the immigration specialists at your
employer to ensure your paperwork and visa situation is valid and cleared before
traveling.
International airlines usually allow 1-2 checked bags free, but domestic usually
charges per checked bag.
Be careful about travel to countries on the United States blacklist.
Housing
• 
• 
• 
Searching for housing can be difficult if you do not have any
relatives in the United States with a social security number that can
be your guarantor with good credit.
Without a guarantor, some places ask that your combined income
be 50x to 100x multiple of monthly rent.
Be flexible and be persistent in trying to sign for housing that is
affordable and within basic living standards.
F. LGBT Resources
Gay Asian and Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)
http://www.gapimny.org/
Q-Wave (equivalent of GAPIMNY for women)
http://www.q-wave.org/
South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association of New York City (SALGA-NYC)
http://salganyc.org/
The Audre Lorde Project (for individuals who identify as transgender)
http://alp.org/
Chapter III: Exploring NYC
A. yPAAN's Recommended Places to Go
• 
There are just some places you MUST go to. Check out our tailored ratings and why these
are the places are the hottest spots in town!
B. Fun Activities to Do in the City
• 
There's always something to do in the city! Feel free to reference this guide to see what
kinds of things you can do in the Big Apple!
C. List of Grocery Stores
• 
Need that craving for ramen fixed? Need a place to get Asian ingredients for your
awesome cooking? yPAAN presents to you a list of Asian groceries!
Chapter III: Exploring NYC
D. Personal Beauty
• 
Need a place to get your hair cut? A place that offers a great deal for mani-pedis? Look
no further! This section offers a couple of places we recommend.
E. Volunteer Opportunities with Asian/Asian-American
Organizations
• 
There are a plethora of places to volunteer in the city. Check out a sample of these great
Asian/Asian-American focused organizations! You can expect that this list will only grow
in the future.
F. NY Public Library Card Info
Looking for a fun way to unwind after work? Don’t spend your new income purchasing
books when you can take advantage of the New York Public Library’s extensive collection
of books and e-books!
A. yPAAN's Recommended Places:
Little Known Museums
Fun and interesting museums outside of the larger, well-known, ones (eg. MoMa, The Met,
Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim, The Whitney, etc.)
Name
Description
Rating
Price
Tenement
Museum
Educational museum about tenement life in the Lower East Side of New
York City. As a tour-based museum, there are no exhibits to walk
around--only several guided tours that're offered by very well
educated and very well informed guides.
4/5
$$$
Transit
Museum
Fun museum about the New York subway system, its history, and its
construction. Lots of hands-on activities to appease the little kid inside
of you.
4/5
$
Intrepid Sea,
Air, and
Space
Museum
Board an actual aircraft carrier to see what life was like aboard the
USS Intrepid. Bonus points for having an exhibit around The Enterprise
space shuttle.
4/5
$$
Museum of
Sex
Museum dedicated to the exploration and history of humansexuality
3/5
$$
Pizza
Check out these spots for some good ole NYC pizza!
Name
Description
Rating
Price
2 Bro’s Pizza
$0.99 for a slice, $2.75 for 2 slices and a soda
4/5
$
John’s Pizzeria
Great location, may have a long wait
4/5
$$
Grimaldi’s Pizza
Watch out for the long line at their flagship
Brooklyn location!
3/5
$$
Bleecker St. Pizza
Extremely delicious; may be touristy
4/5
$
Artichoke Pizza
Your go-to late night pizza place. Heavy stuff
though.
3/5
$$
South Brooklyn Pizza
Open late; thin slices are great!
4/5
$
Burgers
What’s greater than burgers?
Name
Description
Rating
Price
Shake Shack
Long lines, great shakes! Consider Battery Park location.
4/5
$$
Burger Joint
Tough to find--Hidden away in the Meridien Hotel!
4/5
$$
Bare Burger
Has several locations; tons of options
4/5
$$
Whitman’s
Bacon in any of the burgers is delicious!
4/5
$$
Umami Burger
Gourmet burgers– try their truffled fries!
4/5
$$
Corner Bistro
Waits can be long, but great value option
4/5
$
Bill’s Bar & Burger
Solid locatoin; get the shake!
3/5
$$
5 Napkin Burger
Appetizing burgers; large portions!
3/5
$$
Ramen
Think Ramen is just that stuff that you heat up out of the bag late at night? Think again.
Welcome to the world of fancy noodle soup!
Name
Description
Rating
Price
Ippudo
A must-go stop! Grab the pork belly buns!
4/5
$$
Totto Ramen
Also a must-go stop! Small spaces.
5/5
$$
Momofuku Noodle Bar A bit of a walk from the subway station!
3/5
$$
Jin Ramen
Spicy tonkotsu ramen is great
4/5
$$
Zutto
Grab some sushi with the ramen – delicious!
3/5
$$
Hide-Chan Ramen
No reservations, so be prepared to wait!
3/5
$$
Korean Food
Head over to Koreatown (32nd street between 5th and 6th ave) for some of these
Korean eats favorite (and karaoke!)
Name
Description
Rating
Price
Kunjip
The go-to place in Koreatown. Great food and quality service. When
times are busy they'll be quick to hustle you in and out though.
5/5
$$
Seoul Garden
Great lesser known spot, located on the second floor. $20s for a plate
of kalbi and a small hotpot of soon tofu & seafood soup.
4/5
$$
Dong Chun
Hong
Scrumptious Black Bean Noodles and Tangy Fried Pieces of Pork– mix
of Chinese and Korean cuisines
4/5
$$
Kang Suh
Great place for korean BBQ
4/5
$$
Picnic Garden
For all you can eat Korean BBQ
3/5
$$
Pocha 32
Late night spot in Ktown. Suggested dishes are the noodle casseroles
which are pots of ramen noodles cooked with an assortment of things
like spam/cheese (it's good, trust us). That and the watermelon soju.
4/5
$$
Gallery 32
Cheap but good eats in a food court setting
3/5
$
Chinese Food
Chinatown has a wealth of delicious foods. This is just a sampling of many!
Name
Description
Rating
Price
Xi'An Famous Foods
Cheap and delicious Chinese food. Multiple locations across
the city. Some of the locations are really small, though!
5/5
$$
Tasty Hand Pulled
Noodles
Great and cheap soup noodles.
4/5
$
Joe's Shanghai
Soup dumplings!
3/5
$$
Mission Chinese
Brought over from San Francisco, Mission Chinese has got
an interesting take on fusion American-Chinese food.
4/5
$$$
Great NY Noodletown
Open til 4AM. Great late night spot if you're in the area.
3/5
$
Prosperity Dumpling
4 dumplings for a dollar? Yes please!
4/5
$
Jing Fong
Great for Dim Sum
4/5
$$
South Asian Food
If you've got a craving for Indian food, check out these places to satisfy your hunger!
Name
Description
Rating
Price
Haandi
Quick, cheap, and one of the best values
3/5
$$
Dhaba
Expensive, but still delicious
4/5
$$$
Saravana Bhavan
Great South Indian food
3/5
$$
Junoon
Indian fusion
4/5
$$$
Punjabi Grocery and
Deli
"Late Night Gold" - on 1st and 1st/Avenue A,
right in a very active part of the Lower East Side
4/5
$$
Indikitch
Indian Chipotle
5/5
$$
Madras Mahal
Cheap and for the dosa lover
3/5
$
Okay, we got a little food obsessed in our last section. Here're some
awesome activities for non-foodies.
For the Outdoors
• 
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• 
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• 
Check out the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens or New York Botanic Gardens for nature
escapes.
The Central Park Zoo and Bronx Zoo are great places to see animals roaming
around.
There are tons of outdoor movie venues around the city, such as the River to River
film festival, outdoor movies in Bryant Park, and Rooftop Films.
In the winter, Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center open up their ice skating rinks.
Once the weather is warmer, Rockefeller's Rink Bar opens up.
Governor's Island is a fun place to explore, rent bikes, and picnic!
Chelsea Piers offers a great source of fun and entertainment.
Greenwich Village Country Club offers mini-golfing along with other activities.
Discover The New York High Line, running along the west side of Manhattan and
featuring great architecture and a great view of the city.
Interesting Shows
• 
• 
• 
• 
Fuerza Bruta is a unique take on an interactive Brazilian dance show with people
flying and sliding around in water... in the air!
Sleep No More is an interesting take on Shakespeare's Macbeth which takes you
roaming around a multiple story hotel as the play is acted out in front of you.
The Upright Citizen's Brigade (UCB) is a cheap and dependable source of laughs
and improv comedy.
Cliché, but everyone must go see a Broadway show at least once while in NYC! For
half-priced tickets, consider doing the lottery at the ticket booth 1-2 hours before
the show or wait for the Buy One, Get One free special that runs 1-2 times a year.
For the Active
• 
• 
Try your hand at rock-climbing at Brooklyn Boulders. If you get into it, look out for
Groupons as they often offer deals for it.
Check out the Trapeze School as well if you want to give soaring in the air a try!
Karaoke
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Duet (all over Manhattan)
Gagopa in Koreatown
MK Karaoke (Koreatown)
Chorus (Koreatown)
5Bar (Koreatown)
• 
• 
• 
• 
K-One in Chinatown
Biny (Chinatown)
U2 (St. Marks and 3rd)
Sing Sing (St. Marks)
Miscellaneous
• 
• 
• 
• 
The Brooklyn Flea Market is a large flea market and Smorgasburg is a huge
collection of food vendors from around the city. Both alternate locations in
Williamsburg and Brooklyn Heights.
Chelsea Market is another great food and gift haven. Discover your new favorite
food and then hang out on the High Line to ward off food coma.
During the holiday season, there are tons of holiday fairs throughout ManhattanUnion Square, Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, and more.
On that note, don't be afraid to discover the various events outside of
Manhattan. Don’t be afraid of venturing!
C. List of Groceries
East Asian:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
m2m (Japanese / Koreanish, all over Manhattan)
Katagiri & Co. (59th St, between 2nd-3rd Ave)
Hong Kong Supermarket (Hester St, between Elizabeth-Bowery St)
New Kam Man (Canal St, between Mulberry-Walker St)
Bread & Honey (Koreanish, 8th Ave, between 55th-56th)
Sunset Market (Japanese, Bryant Park and St. Marks Place)
HMart (Korean, Koreatown)
Deluxe Food Mart (79 Elizabeth St)
South Asian:
• 
• 
• 
Punjabi Grocery and Deli (on 1st St. and 1st Avenue)
Kalyustan's (Lexington between 29th and 28th)
Foods of India (Lexington between 29th and 28th)
Popular Groceries
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Trader Joe's (Union Square, Chelsea, and more)
Whole Foods
Food Emporium
D'agostino
Gristedes
Citarella
Zabar's
Chelsea Market, Union Square Farmer's Market, 57th St Greenmarket
o  Better for specific goods, or organic/free trade things. May be able to find
some good deals.
Rite Aid/CVS/Walgreens/Duane Reade
o  Keep your eyes for cheap deals on: groceries, cereal (BOGO), eggs, and
household needs. Get membership card for great savings!
Is it actually cheaper?
Yes and no. Honestly it depends on what your eating and the amount you eat. For
many of you, it may mean Seamless (food delivery service) every night, or travel 24/7
days in which case a carton of milk may already be overdoing it. However, most local
supermarkets offer reasonable prices. Avoid the small corner stores because their
limited selection will definitely have inflated prices. Try it for a month, see how it fares
on your budget and go from there!
Grocery Tips
•  Some groceries will deliver to your apartment at a fee.
•  In the first month you move to NYC, take the time to explore nearby stores and
compare prices of various items.
•  Expect long lines during peak hours of grocery shopping.
D. Personal Beauty
Hair Salons:
For Him:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Reamir by Grand Central (44th Street location)
East 6th Street Barber at East 6th Street
Spiff at 750 3rd Avenue
Hair Osh at 11 East 32nd Street
Kelly Hair Salon at 19 Pell Street (Chinatown)
Ace of Cuts at East 6th Street
For Her:
• 
• 
• 
• 
Mian Tian Sing Hair Salon at 170 Canal Street (Chinatown)
Hair Kuwayama at 406 East 13th Street
Cutting Edge Salon at 181 Hester Street (Chinatown)
Hayato Salon at 125 East East 23rd Street
D. Personal Beauty
Nail Salons:
•  Hana Nails at 75 Maiden Lane ($20 for manicure and pedicure)
•  Top Beauty Spa at 192 2nd Avenue ($24 for manicure and pedicure)
•  Victoria Nails at 379 Park Avenue South ($25 for manicure and pedicure)
•  Black Label Nails and Spa at 318 Lexington Avenue ($31 for manicure and pedicure)
Tip: Most nail salons closest to you will do the job just fine. Be wary of places that do them too fast! Some
places may offer waxing and other services, as well.
Other:
•  Noy Skincare at 315 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor)
•  Fresh Spa at 27 West 15th Street
•  King Spa and Sauna at Palisades Park, NJ (Korean-style spa that offers bus from Manhattan to NJ)
Tip: There are many types of spas and personal beauty places around the city. Do your research first and
make sure places fit the experience you desire. Also keep in mind that promotion websites such as LifeBooker,
Groupon, and LivingSocial often have great beauty deals.
E. Volunteer Opportunities with Asian/
Asian-American Organizations
Alzheimer's Association of NY - Minority Outreach
•  Provide outreach programming and raise awareness of the disease for those
affected by the disease and dementia
•  For more information: http://www.alz.org/nyc
Asian Americans for Equality
•  Provide multilingual counseling, education, financial assistance and other social
programming to support families with community and housing needs
•  For more information: http://www.aafe.org/
Asian American Arts Alliance
•  Dedicated to strengthening Asian American artists and arts/cultural groups in New
York City through funding, promotion and community building
•  For more information: http://aaartsalliance.org/
Asian American Federation
•  Advance the civic voice and well-being of Asian Americans through variety of
programing, research, and funding initiatives
•  For more information: http://www.aafny.org/index.asp/
APEX for Youth
•  Empower youth through 1-on-1 mentoring, educational programs, and social
services
•  For more information: http://www.apex-ny.org/
Child Center of New York - Asian Outreach Board
•  Assist with fundraising and other outreach activities for the Outreach Program,
which offers bilingual therapy, education and counseling for immigrant families
•  For more information: http://www.childcenterny.org/asianoutreachprogram.html
Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc.
•  Serving Chinese-American community through community services, day care
services, integration efforts, and senior citizen services
•  For more information: http://www.cpc-nyc.org/index.html
Coalition for Asian American Children & Families (CACF)
•  Work in areas of child welfare, education, health, and youth services to provide
support for immigrant families and underserved families in the community
•  For more information: http://www.cacf.org/index.html
Korean American Family Service Center
•  Providing support and programming to preventing and ending domestic violence
and relationship abuse; special emphasis on the Youth Community Project Team
comprised of local high school students
•  For more information: http://www.kafsc.org/
Minkwon Center for Community Action
•  Support Korean American community through community and social services, civic
participation, youth engagement, and cultural activities
•  For more information: http://www.minkwon.org/
New York Asian Women's Center (NYAWC)
•  Empowering women and children to overcome domestic violence through programs,
shelter services, and public awareness campaigns
•  For more information: http://www.nyawc.org/
The Women's Education Project
•  Helping South Asian women enter higher education and careers
•  For more information: http://womenseducationproject.org/
F. NY Public Library Card Info
It's super easy and convenient to sign up for a NY Public Library card. Your NY Public
Library Card also enables you to borrow e-books and download them onto your
Kindle. These digital library loans expire automatically, saving you the hassle of
returning & any potential late fees!
Step 1:
Sign up in person or online:
http://www.nypl.org/help/library-card
Step 2:
Visit any NY Public Library location bring your ID
and proof of NY residence
Step 3:
Receive your card and use your bar code to
reserve e-books. If downloading to your kindle,
select the "Kindle" option and then select "get
library book" when you are redirected to the
book's Amazon page.
Special Thanks & Acknowledgment
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following
organizations and individuals for their support, without which
this guide would not be possible:
University of Pennsylvania Asian Alumni Network (UPAAN)
http://www.upaan.org/
Young Penn Alumni (yPenn), part of Alumni Relations
http://www.alumni.upenn.edu/ypenn/
Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH)
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/paach/
Special Thanks & Acknowledgment
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following
organizations and individuals for their support, without which this
guide would not be possible:
2014-2015 Young Penn Asian Alumni Network (yPAAN) Board
http://www.ypaan.org/
Ankur Goyal (W’14, SEAS’14) & Alina Jamil (C’14), Executive Editors
Monica Chen (C'09), Claire Choi (C'10), Nick Eng (C'10), Ankit Dhir (W'10,
C'10), Eileen Feng (C’12), Tanvir Gopal (C’13), Ankur Goyal (W’15,
SEAS’15), Alina Jamil (C’14), Kevin Jiang (E’13), Simon Li (W’10), Karan
Dhruve (W'12, SEAS'12), Richa Gupta (W'11), Ryun Hobbs (W'12), Amanda
Young (C’12), and Carlin Yuen (SEAS'10) for their significant contributions
to this handbook.
yPAAN Contact Information
Like our guide? Have suggestions for places/
resources we should include for next year's
edition? Don't agree with what we
recommended? Contact us! We'd love to hear from
you!
Email: ypaan@ypann.org
Website: www.ypann.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/upya.nyc

NYC 101 – The yPAAN Guide to the City Life 2015 Edition

Transcription

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