Welcome to the Big Leagues, Kid: Stuff You Can ACTUALLY Do in NYC at 18 (Besides Stuff Your Parents Didn't Want You To Do Before)
So you've finally reached the magical age of 18 in the concrete jungle that is New York City. Congratulations! You've officially shed your caterpillar cocoon and emerged as a glorious butterfly... or maybe a slightly-less-glamorous but definitely-more-caffeinated pigeon. Either way, it's time to celebrate this newfound freedom with some activities that would' indulge the grown-up you while making your parents clutch their pearls (metaphorically, of course. We wouldn't want them to spill their overpriced lattes).
Freedom Fries (and Everything Else): Let's Get Legal
Forget sneaking out to that late-night movie in high school. Now you can waltz right in and buy a ticket yourself (assuming you have the ever-elusive "adult money"). Here's a taste of what legal adulthood in NYC means:
Become a Political Powerhouse (or at least a Voting One): You can finally ditch the "too young to vote" excuse and make your voice heard. Register to vote and become a tiny cog in the glorious (or maybe slightly chaotic) machinery of democracy.
Move Out (and Maybe Move In With Questionable Roommates): Say goodbye to curfew (or at least hello to setting your own) because you can legally rent your own apartment. Just remember, with great freedom comes great responsibility... like finding a roommate who doesn't hoard empty pizza boxes.
Ink It Up (But Maybe Not Your Forehead): Always dreamed of that epic tattoo? Now you can get one (within reason, folks. That tribal tramp stamp might not age well). Just be sure to find a reputable artist – you don't want your "Mom Loves Me" tattoo to look more like "M0m Loves Me."
Financial Fun (and Maybe Some Financial Faux Pas):
Become a High Roller (Well, a Low-Roller Maybe): You can finally hit the casinos upstate (or maybe just Atlantic City, baby steps) and try your luck. Just remember, the house always wins... unless you're incredibly lucky (or incredibly skilled at poker).
Credit Card Casanova (But Beware the Debt Monster): The world of credit cards is now yours to explore! Just wield this newfound power responsibly, because a maxed-out card is a recipe for financial disaster (and parental disappointment).
Adulting is Expensive (but Hey, at Least You Can Buy Lottery Tickets Now): Dreaming of winning the Powerball and finally affording that apartment with a decent-sized bathtub? Now you can actually buy a lottery ticket (but remember, those odds are steeper than a skyscraper).
How To Adult in NYC Like a Boss (FAQ):
How to Register to Vote in NYC?
Head to the New York State Board of Elections website to register online or download a voter registration form.
How to Find an Apartment in NYC?
Websites like StreetEasy and Zillow are your new best friends. Be prepared for some competition though – the NYC apartment market is a jungle out there.
How to Get a Tattoo in NYC?
Do your research! Ask friends for recommendations or check online reviews for reputable tattoo parlors. Remember, this is permanent (unlike that regrettable haircut you got in middle school).
How to Avoid Credit Card Debt?
Pay your balance in full each month, or at least the minimum amount due. Resist the urge to swipe for everything and anything (that limited-edition avocado slicer can wait).
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Lottery?
There's no magic formula, but buying more tickets slightly increases your odds (although statistically, it's still a long shot). Maybe focus on saving some of that money instead?
So there you have it, folks! A crash course in adulting in the wonderful (and slightly terrifying) world of New York City at 18. Remember, with great freedom comes great responsibility (and probably a large pizza to celebrate). Now get out there and explore the concrete jungle like the grown-up you are (even if you still feel like a kid sometimes)!
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