New York City, also known as the ‘Big Apple’, is a global hub of culture, art, and history. From iconic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods, there are endless opportunities to explore and experience the city’s unique energy.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
New York City is the largest and most populous city in the United States. The city is made up of five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island – each with its own distinct vibe and attractions. Famous for its diverse population, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant arts scene, New York serves as a melting pot where various cultures converge.
Climate
NYC has a humid subtropical climate. Winters can be cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while Summers are typically hot and humid with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F (around 30°C). Spring and Autumn are usually mild and pleasant, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities. There are occasional rain showers all-year round, so it is always a good idea to have an umbrella handy.
Money
The official currency in New York, as in the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the city. Avoid carrying large amounts of money, EC New York recommends that all its students get a bank account for the duration of their time at the school.
Telephone Country Code
The United States country code is +1. New York City’s primary area codes are 212, 646, and 917.
Electricity
110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plug or third round pin. Travellers from countries using different plug types may need an adapter.
Tap water
Tap water in New York City is safe to drink, unless there’s a sign to the contrary, and is renowned for its quality and taste.
Transport
New York City has one of the most comprehensive and efficient transportation systems in the world. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the subway system, which runs 24/7 and connects all boroughs except Staten Island. Buses complement subway routes and provide access to areas not serviced by trains.
Subway, metro and bus: A one-way ride on the subway or local bus costs $2.75. The fare for an express bus ride is $6.75. Subway and bus maps can be found at each station and are given to students during orientation. One way for students to save money and explore the city to the fullest extent is by buying unlimited MetroCards. Each of these cards are valid for unlimited subway and local bus rides.
Bus Service: There are many ways to travel from NYC to various cities located on the East coast, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Boston. Travelling by bus to these cities can be very inexpensive. Some notable bus services offered are the BoltBus, MegaBus, Fung Wah, Lucky Star, and Greyhound. Many of these buses leave from Penn Station and/or the Port Authority.
Train: An easy way to explore the outskirts of New York City is to travel by train. Students can explore Long Island by using the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) or visit New Jersey via N.J. Transit.
Taxi: New York City is full of taxis. You can walk out of any building at any time and find a yellow taxi-cab. This is a quick way to travel through New York, but may be expensive depending on how far you need to go.
Public Transport Info
The subway is the most popular mode of transport, running 24/7 and covering all five boroughs. Buses are another affordable option, and both subway and bus fares are paid using a MetroCard or the contactless payment system OMNY.
You do not have to sign up or download an app to use OMNY — simply use your contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device to tap and go. You will pay the same base fare – $2.75 – and still get free transfers. After 12 paid trips during one week it automatically switches to the 7-Day unlimited pass – no need to buy it upfront.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 01 Jan, 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 1 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec, 31 Dec.
A visa may be required depending on your nationality and length of stay. For Visa information, please visit our Visa Requirements page
If you are not at school and are in an emergency you can call 911 for ambulance, fire department or police department from any telephone or call the school’s emergency number: +1 347-567-3843. If you need to see a doctor when the school is closed, the following clinics are open and close to EC New York:
Duane Reade Immediate Walk-In Medical Care
You do not need to make an appointment; they have locations all over New York.
Docs Walk-In
You do not need to make an appointment. They are open Mon- Thur 8 am-8 pm, Fri 9 am-7 pm, Sat 9 am-3 pm and Sun 9 am-2 pm.
Make sure that the doctor you are visiting accepts your insurance. If the doctor has any questions about your insurance protection, ask them to call the insurance company directly.
We do not recommend going to the emergency room unless it is a major emergency. Emergency Room visits are extremely expensive in the United States.
Legal Driving Age
The legal driving age in New York City is 18. Most rental companies require that you be at least 25 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in New York is 21. This law applies to purchasing alcohol at bars, restaurants, and retail stores. Make sure to carry identification (such as a passport or government-issued I.D.) with you, as you may be asked to prove your age.
Smoking Laws
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, bars, and workplaces. Outdoor public spaces such as parks, beaches, and pedestrian squares are also smoke-free zones. E-cigarettes and vaping are subject to the same rules. To buy cigarettes, you must be 18 years of age or older and must show identification.
Insurance
All EC students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
$1.50
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
$3.00-$3.50
Fast-Food combo meal
$5.00-$10.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
$15.00-$20.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
$90.00-$100.00
Public transport (local transport)
$2.75 (one-way)
Public transport (weekly pass)
$33.00
Public transport (monthly pass)
$127.00
Metro single ride
$2.75
Express Bus ride
$6.75
Rent a bike, take a leisurely stroll through Central Park’s many paths, and discover its famous landmarks. Whether you’re relaxing by the lake or having a picnic on the Great Lawn, this urban park offers the perfect escape from the city’s bustling streets.
A ferry ride from Battery Park provides stunning views of this iconic monument. It allows visitors to explore Liberty Island and Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants first arrived in America. Or hop on a ferry to Liberty Island, where you can tour the statue, visit the museum, and enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Broadway is synonymous with world-class theatre, showcasing diverse productions from musicals to dramas. The energy of live performances, combined with the dazzling lights of Times Square, makes for an unforgettable night out.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world. Its vast collection spans over 5,000 years of history. Check out the rooftop garden, which provides panoramic views of Central Park and the surrounding skyline.
The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer panoramic views of the entire city, from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty. To avoid the crowds, go in the early morning or late at night.
This vibrant neighbourhood is filled with authentic restaurants and markets. After your meal, stroll through the bustling streets and discover numerous unique stores, or visit the Museum of Chinese in America.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
EC New York offers special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school and in the global workplace.
We have new classes starting every Monday, and we are open all year with English classes held from Monday to Friday with morning and afternoon lessons (no evening classes, sorry)
General English is our most popular course. You can choose how many lessons a week you want to study:
General English 20 (20 lessons/ 15 hours per week)
General English 24 (24 lessons/ 18 hours per week)
General English 26 (19.5 lessons/ 19.5 hours per week)
General English 30 (22.5 lessons/ 22.5 hours per week)
If you choose a General English course with more than 20 lessons per week, your extra lessons will be Special Focus Lessons (SFLs). These are elective classes that let you personalise your course. You’ll still study 20 core General English lessons each week, and your additional lessons will focus on topics you choose.
For Business English classes, try English for Work: These intensive classes help you develop the skills you need to advance in your career, which combines immersive English language lessons from EC with specialised online courses from leading universities and educational institutions worldwide.
We have TOEFL Exam Preparation courses starting every Monday for students who want to feel confident and fully prepared to get their best score.
At EC New York, we offer host family or shared student apartment accommodation. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in New York City. This is a great option if you want an opportunity to practice your English with a local family over home-cooked meals. If you would like a bit more independence, a student residence may be the right option.
New York is known as ‘the City that Never Sleeps—because the activity never stops. Have a picnic or go boating in Central Park. Take in a Broadway play. See the Statue of Liberty. Visit world-class art museums. Walk the High Line. You’ll find endless opportunities to explore the city and practice your English. EC New York has a dedicated activities programme to immerse you in all this amazing city.
Depending on your nationality and your length of stay in the United States, you may need an F-1 student visa to study in New York. Contact us to learn more about your situation and F-1 status.
There’s no place in the world like it to improve your English proficiency. This is the right choice if you want to learn English in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. People from all over the world, and from all walks of life, looking for ESL programs come to this city for its many universities (like Columbia University & Cornell ) and endless opportunities for networking and career growth. EC New York offers various courses for all skill levels designed to help you improve your English for school, work, or travel, while you immerse yourself in this iconic city.
