The drinking age is 21 in the US.  Some bars allow you to enter if you are 18 years old but you cannot drink.

                    There are many opportunities to make friends in NYC.  First, go to Kaplan Aspect activities and events and join our Facebook page.  You can also join outside clubs or organizations in NYC.  Go to www.meetup.com to join soccer clubs, language exchange, writing/drawing clubs and many more!

There are many organizations where you can volunteer!  First, look on www.idealist.org, there are many opportunities.  Also, check out the activities calendar.  There are volunteer opportunities listed that you can do with your friends from Kaplan Aspect.  Volunteering is a great way to meet New Yorkers and Americans!

The best way to find non-Kaplan Aspect apartments is through www.craigslist.org  Many people use this website to find rooms, studio apartments, and 1 or 2 bedroom apartments. 

There are many supermarkets in every borough.  The best way to find a supermarket near your residence is to ask your neighbors or go to www.superpages.com, where you can get a list of supermarkets in your area.  There are also many supermarkets in Manhattan.  Union Square has a nice farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays!  For fresh and cheap vegetables, take the subway to Astoria, Queens at Broadway/30^th Ave/Ditmars stations.  There are many nice outside markets at these stations.

Come to the front desk to get our activities calendar or ask your student representatives.

Happy hour is the time after work hours when bars and restaurants offer drink specials.

According to www.gayot.com these are the top ten restaurants in New York:

1.          En Japanese Brasserie

435 Hudson Street at Leroy Street

                        2.         Hakubai

                                    The Kitano New York

                                    66 Park Ave

                        3.         Inagiku

                                    The Waldorf – Astoria

          111 E. 49^th Street

                        4.         Izakaya

                       ...

You can go to coffee talk and school activities to meet with your classmates or student representatives and ask about their experiences in NYC.  Also, stop by the front desk if you have any questions or want to learn about things or places in NYC!

Generally, no.  However, like any other city, you should try to stick with big groups in well lit areas.  Be aware of who and what is around you.