Dear readers,

I hope you have all started the new school year as well as I have.

College life is vastly different to high school life. For one, classes don’t start as early. Most days, I can have a lie in, then sit in a nearby cafe and enjoy a muffin, yet still get to class on time. With only two to three classes per day, I also have a looser schedule, leaving ample time for club activities, exploring the city, and of course, homework.

One of the things I like most about being here in New York, however, is the wide selection of food. I regularly eat at the dining hall where I can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. When I get tired of the food on campus, I try a local restaurant. There are countless diners, joints and delis within a walking distance of my dorm. Ethnic cuisines, such as Chinese food or Korean food, are just a subway ride away. I can devour all the delicious food I desire, while keeping an eye out for the “freshman fifteen.” This means an amount (somewhat arbitrarily set at fifteen pounds) of weight often gained during a student’s first year at college.

I’ve also made several expeditions around the city. Subway rides are US$2.25 per trip; cabs are also readily available. Thus when I’m not snowed under by school work, I like to go out and explore. I’ve found quite a few places to shop and eat. Soho, for one, is a neighborhood that brings together both fashion and food.

Yet college isn’t just about having a good time. In the first few weeks, students are consumed with homework. For certain classes, handwritten or typed work is required. For other classes, online learning programs are used for assignments. I’ve found the library an ideal location for study. I often sit there to concentrate on my schoolwork. There are many computers available for research, though some students prefer to bring their laptops to the library.

College life involves both playing hard and working hard. Like many others, I am trying to find the perfect balance between the two. Yet I am confident that we will all find our way as we adjust, and take advantage of the fascinating opportunities college presents.

Sincerely, Bingyin