About New York, New York, U.S.A.
New York, New York: “the city so nice, they named it twice.” Known throughout the world, New York City is a bustling city-center with a population of 8.4 million (2013 Census). The most famous of the “5 boroughs”, Manhattan is home to most businesses and well-known attractions in New York City, and also where EO’s New York City University makes its home.
The United Nations are headquartered in New York. Now infamous Wall Street is found in lower Manhattan’s financial district. You want live stage spectacles on Broadway, giving you Wicked, Les Miserables, and Phantom of the Opera? Go to the heart of Manhattan: Times Square. And the “gateway to the New World”, Ellis Island is found right off the coast of Manhattan, while Lady Liberty looks on. For most visitors, if you want the quintessential urban American experience, go to Manhattan.
Location
New York City is the largest city in the United States and consists of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island. The EO New York City University host hotel will be located in Manhattan. During the University, all activities and off-site excursions will provide transportation for you.
Time Zone
At the time of the University in June 2015, the time zone will be UTC/GMC -4 hours, Eastern Daylight Time(EDT).
Compare the time to your home city.
Language
The United States does not have an official language, however, English is predominantly spoken in the United States. In New York City, specifically, you can expect to hear many languages spoken fluently, such as Spanish or Korean, because the city is home to many immigrants. English will be the official language of the EO New York City University.
Currency
The official currency in New York City is the United States Dollar (USD $). To find current exchange rates, visit XE.com.
You can find many places to exchange money within the airports and all around Manhattan.
Taxes
There is a total 8.875% tax charged on all goods and services purchased within New York City. Parking or garaging a motor vehicle is subject to a 18.375% tax.
Tipping
Tips are very rarely added to services in the United States and the amount you should tip is a constant topic of discussion. Generally, 15% – 20% is socially acceptable for dining, salon and spa services, and taxi cabs.
For suggestions for other tips, please refer to the Lonely Planet article on how to tip like a New Yorker.
Electricity
The electrical current in the United States is 110 volts, 60 cycles alternating current (AC). Wall outlets take plugs that have two flat blades – some outlets will also have a round hole for plugs with a grounding pin.
Plugs in the United States will look like this:
To ensure the safety of your electronics, you can purchase a wide array of converters and universal adapters online.
Stay Connected
The country code for the United States is 1. When dialing a United States number from abroad, be sure to dial 1 before the area code and number.
Please contact your individual mobile phone service provider for information about international plans.
Mobile phones are widely used throughout United States. Call your service provider before arriving in the United States to determine if you should purchase an international roaming plan.
Wi-Fi is available in most for free public places in the United States such as hotel lobbies and coffee shops. The strength and speed of the signal may vary.
Visa
To enter the United States, you’ll need a valid passport. Visa requirements vary by country. Visit the official U.S. Department of State website for complete details on your country of origin. Please check your visa requirements as soon as possible because the process can often be lengthy.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter the United States as long as you are up to date on “routine” vaccinations. You can find more health and safety recommendations from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Dietary Restrictions
Please fill out the Dietary Restrictions Form so that your needs are accommodated at the University.
Weather
June is a wonderful month in New York City! The weather is warm and the rainfall is limited. As always, the weather can fluctuate, so please check the weather as you pack closer to your departure date. Keep in mind, New York City is a densely populated city with sky-scrapers, and therefore you may encounter chilly wind-tunnels. Dressing in layers is always recommended. Also, the hotter it is outside, the more likely it will be that the air conditioning inside will be very cold.
Average Temperatures during the New York City University from 3 June – 7 June 2015:
Average High: 73°F/23°C
Average Low: 56°F/13°C
Dress
The dress code for the daytime meetings at the hotel is business casual. The meeting rooms are air-conditioned, so a light jacket or layers are suggested for comfort during sessions.
Evening Social Dress Codes
Wednesday night: 230 Fifth – Casual Cocktail. Welcome to New York! Begin the New York Global University with a casual cocktail night. Enjoy tastes of New York while taking in breathtaking views of the city from a rooftop bar.
Thursday night: Rockefeller Center – Sharp and Snazzy. Bring out your prohibition-era finest and celebrate the New York of the roaring twenties. We’re doing it up Gatsby-style, so come prepared. Outfit rentals will be available, or bring your own!
Note: In New York you’re on your feet, and we’ll be walking to this venue.
Friday Night: McKittrick Hotel – New York Chic. Prepare for an evening of mystery and intrigue. Think modern-day masquerade and come for a night of adventure. Set in the McKittrick Hotel, the venue spans several areas that are available to explore. You may find yourself in a dark staircase, so please choose appropriate shoes.
Saturday Night: Ellis Island – Glamour and Class. Dress to impress for our grand finale at this iconic New York national monument, which was the gateway for millions of immigrants coming to New York.
Please know that part of the evening will be outside on the lawn.
New York City area Airports
Three airports service New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). When searching for flights, your airlines will consider all three airports when suggesting flights. Make careful note of your arriving and departing airport as they may be different, even on a round-trip flight!
- JFK is located in Jamaica, New York, about a 30-minute* drive from the Waldorf Astoria**.
- LGA is located in New York City in Queens borough, about a 20-minute* drive from the Waldorf Astoria**.
- EWR is located in Newark, NJ, about a 30-minute* drive from the Waldorf Astoria**.
*All drive times are subject to notorious New York City traffic, which will vary at all times of day due to motorcades, festivals and construction. Do not ever assume you will arrive to your destination exactly on time by car or taxi. Allow extra time for a stress-free trip!
**Waldorf Astoria is the host hotel for New York City University. See the Hotel Page for more information.
Taxis and Ground Transportation
All New York City Airports have several modes of transportation that can be utilized for entry into Manhattan. Visit the links below for the “Ground Transportation” pages that will give you details on all of your options.
You may encounter solicitation for illegal, unsanctioned transportation outside the airport. Do not accept assistance from anyone without a uniform. For the safest transportation by motor vehicle, approach the taxi stand outside every terminal or arrange for limousine transportation.
