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firstly i will say (not that it never happens but), statistically violent crime in nyc is actually increasingly low right now compared to previous years and compared to other large US cities. i am short and in my 20s and generally i always feel really safe alone on the subway until around 12AM-ish, but after then i might uber. besides a few weird or uncomfortable experiences nothing bad has ever happened to me or (afaik) people i know on the subway, both now and when i was taking it growing up if you’re going out early in the week (Sun-Wed), be aware that less people will be out the later it gets. but on weekends people will be out really late, especially around bars and in the neighborhoods you’d be going to some notes/tips - you could always look at the specific bar locations and go to one that‘s under a few minutes’ walk to a subway stop. i also would strongly not recommend getting trashed if you‘re new to the subway so you can have a clear head navigating — and be sure you know the difference between “express” and “local”. also citymapper > google/apple maps but really the #1 thing is just to mind your business - don’t stare, keep your bag on your lap, and just read/look at your phone/listen to music. i usually wear (wired) earbuds on a lower volume when walking and on the subway so i can hear things but it’s obvious i don’t want to chat ! and in the rare instance someone is making you nervous or just being really annoying, at the next stop you can just switch to a different car on the train
Dec 14, 2024

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i second this, im going to university in san jose rn but im from nyc (going home next week yay) and i was just thinking today about how i feel safer on the streets of nyc at 10 pm then I do in california at like only 5 pm. to add on to what marxinista said i would say avoid subway cars that are not too crowded or more or less devoid of people; try to get into cars that have a good amount of people if possible. having a friend together with you also ups your safety, and just keep your wits about you, dont look at your phone, just keep looking up and around and show visually that you are alert and aware of your surroundings. If someone is doing a um quirky thing just ignore them, confrontation is the gamebreaker with those kinds of people. Even if they're saying things seemingly directed at you I know it's hard but just act as if you can't hear or see them. once the train hits a stop you can switch cars like marx said. If it helps you feel any better, this is also coming from a 20 year old female of short stature, so I'm not speaking from a place of ignorance ;w; I definitely understand the concerns and want you to stay safe out there! But I think it'll be fine as long as you keep your wits about you. Enjoy your time in NYC and have fun! 🥺
Dec 15, 2024
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sofii thank you sososo much for all the advice! I really appreciate it and feel a lot more reassured now :)
Dec 15, 2024
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sofii seconding this !! and clarifying that when i said just read/be on ur phone i mean when ur settled on the subway or standing on the platform hahah def do not walk around on your phone it’s not a good idea for many reasons LOL
Dec 15, 2024
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marxinista oh lol for sure!
Dec 15, 2024
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czfixer ofc!! have fun <3
Dec 15, 2024
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thank you so so so much i really appreciate it! ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Dec 15, 2024
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czfixer enjoy ur trip !!
Dec 15, 2024
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