Columbus: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

LKLyudmila Kovalevamila_kovaleva · Oct 15, 2011Read

On the morning of June 30th, we woke up around 10 AM and headed straight to the Port Authority. We found a supermarket there, bought some cookies and mineral water, since their other food didn't really inspire much confidence in us) Our departure was at 3 PM, so we had plenty of time, but nothing to do, and we were carrying luggage too. As luck would have it, there were no benches or chairs anywhere... though Americans don't really worry about that; they can sit anywhere: on the steps, on the grass, and even on the floor! Getting tired, Aseka decided not to worry either and settled on the floor near an outlet to charge her phone. At first, I was a bit hesitant, but then I sat down next to her too... well, we had to get used to American life) Around 2:20 PM, we headed off to find our gate (the gate where our bus was waiting). At 2:40 PM, boarding for the bus began. Well, what can I say, they were just regular buses... except for the unreal cold from the air conditioners. These Americans are strange; they'd rather be cold than hot. It's a good thing I had heard about these 'climatic conditions' on the bus beforehand, so I put on a bunch of clothes and made Aselya do the same. Our first destination was Baltimore... then Rs Midway, Pittsburg, Columbus, Dayton Trot, Indianapolis, Garlingston, Burlington, Des Moines, Blumington, Omaha, Cheyenne, Lexington, Brush, Casper, Lovell, and a bunch of other towns we passed through. In almost every one of these cities, we had to transfer to other buses. Of course, spending 3 days on a bus isn't easy, but I would do it again without hesitation! After all, while we were traveling, I saw so many cute towns and buildings... basically, we drove across half of America! We ate cookies for all 3 days because our bodies simply rejected that artificial American food. On the buses and at the stations themselves, we saw a lot of strange people (believe me, you wouldn't see that back home). What I found funniest was how many guys (particularly African Americans) prefer to wear their pants so low that half of their backside is on display (in their underwear, of course)) We also met two nice Americans around 35 years old on the way, one of whom offered me a drink (probably so I'd sleep better)) And as we were approaching Wyoming, we met a charming Spaniard who taught me a few phrases in his language... To my great disappointment, he was heading to Montana (a state located just past Wyoming). Our last stop before Cody was the town of Lovell. There, a small bus picked us up... the fact that the only passengers were me and Aseka, honestly, made me a bit nervous... only one thought was spinning in my head: 'God, what kind of hole am I taking us to! Aselya is going to kill me!'

MMarinaMarina_Nagibina · Aug 13, 2011Read

I'll start by saying that I spent the whole summer working as a lifeguard at a pool in a small town where there was nowhere to go, and transportation was a nightmare. I worked 63 hours a week, which, given the low lifeguard salary and lack of reasons to spend money, allowed me to save up for a big trip. I came to work in America without a group of friends, tried to make friends with someone to travel with, but everyone had tickets for the beginning of September, so I had to do everything myself. My first trip was in the middle of summer. I asked my company for a week of vacation and went to New York. During that week, I found a day to go and see Niagara Falls. Since it was only the beginning and I had no travel experience, I didn't book accommodation online and didn't really know what or where I needed to see in New York. By a stroke of luck, I met a Mexican-American guy who worked at my pool in landscaping, and he was also heading to New York, so he helped me get there and also helped me find a hostel; I booked a week. Then I asked him to take me to the Empire State Building and buy a city map. Then I said goodbye to him and was left alone. The next day I went to Central Park. I lived in Upper Manhattan and went to the upper part of the park, and after half an hour, I successfully confused south and east. It's a good thing there are so many rickshaws there. One of them was Ukrainian; he said he would take me for free and help me get out. He drove me through the park, took me to Columbus Circle, and explained how I could get to the Statue of Liberty. I had already learned that you can take a free ferry to Staten Island. I also found out where the bus station was, where you could buy tickets to Niagara. So I took the subway to the station, got out, and couldn't find it. It's a good thing a guy helped me get to Greyhound and buy tickets, and I already knew that the next evening I was heading to the falls. When I was riding on that bus all night, I was so cold. I was so glad I wore jeans. The air conditioning on those buses is hellish. But strangely enough, I still use that bus company. I arrived in the morning before the attractions opened. First, I sat in the park, then I noticed that everyone was moving in one direction. I walked over and realized I was so close to the falls. I liked it so much, it's such beauty! Throughout the day, I only used 2 attractions, otherwise, I just walked around and went to cafes. That's how I spent the whole day. My bus back was at 10:30 PM; I specifically bought those tickets to have time to see the falls at night. Then, returning to New York, I just walked around, rode the subway, and looked around. The biggest downside of traveling alone is that constantly asking people to take your photo gets annoying, and you don't always find people who agree. As the week ended, I got on a bus and went to Washington, and from there I arranged with acquaintances that they would pick me up (thankfully, by that time I already had acquaintances, because the summer was very slow until I met them). So, I arrived, and it turned out they were still in Ocean City, which is at least another 4 hours of waiting, and I had a huge bag. I decided to wait for them at Union Station. I waited and waited, and since there are so many homeless people in Washington, they were all asking for money, and then towards evening, when it got dark, one of them came up to me and said they had a place to sleep! I was very surprised, but it was still very sweet of them.

There is so much to tell, so many beautiful and instructive stories... Here are some useful tips for those just arriving. First of all, when you land, don't be afraid of anyone or anything. The airport is a very safe place. Look around, figure out how to get to the Greyhound station, and head calmly to the subway. It's better not to eat at the airport—the prices are sky-high. The subway (it looks a bit creepy, but that's deceptive; for me, these underground tunnels became like home) from the airport goes through Brooklyn. There will be some rough stations, and guys with very stern faces might get on :) Don't be afraid of them; act very confident, keep a 'poker face,' and enjoy the view out the window. Some crazy people or just random guys might approach you—don't be shy to talk to them, don't be afraid, and don't show that you're here for the first time and overwhelmed. Speak calmly and confidently. Oh, I forgot to mention, if you plan to stay in NYC for a while, get a transit pass... Greyhound will probably be the 'most dangerous' place for you :) because all sorts of types hang out there asking for money. Don't walk around quickly and looking confused, and don't dress 'fancy'—travel in casual clothes. If I remember correctly, when you exit the subway, you go straight from the platform into the Greyhound terminal; the ticket counters are on the right if you need to buy one. Oh, about clothes... The second time I traveled, I had a bag with notebooks for university :) It had a towel, a couple of pairs of underwear, socks, pants, and a t-shirt... So, you leave the Greyhound station and need to find a place to sleep (you can actually wait out the night there if you're afraid to go out... though there's no need to be afraid). Go up a few streets and head right toward the center; you'll see hotels along the way, go to them. Don't go left—you'll end up at 12th Ave, and there are no hotels there :) If you arrived in the morning or afternoon, walk around, maybe go up to 59th St. to the park, have a snack there, and catch your breath. It's fresh and cool, just keep walking. Don't go to McDonald's or similar cafes. If you want, look for 'China Buffet King' or something similar around 5th Ave and 42nd to 47th St. (look for a big red crab sign in that area). They have a buffet for $12-14 where you can eat well and tasty. Housing: buy newspapers, call around. Don't go to Brooklyn to the Russians, specifically Brighton Beach—there's nothing interesting there. Moreover, that area really annoys me, and in general, try to have as little to do with them as possible; they are mostly pigs and will scam their own people. Work, well, what can I say... you just have to walk around and look. Try asking the pedicab drivers; there are many Russian guys in the Central Park area, they'll tell you everything. The work is generally profitable. I worked at http://www.meyersmoving.com/—the phone numbers are on the site, call and ask. The salary was $8, but tips were $50-100 daily, almost guaranteed. The main thing is don't be afraid; no one will stab you, kill you, or take your money for no reason. Keep a confident face. I recommend walking in Lower Manhattan, below 12th St.—there are beautiful areas and parks. Definitely visit Union Square Park (14-16th St. & Park Ave-Broadway) in the evening. I got a piercing somewhere in Lower Manhattan—there are tons of salons, $15 per ear :) + don't be stingy with tips. By the way, among other things on the 'wall of fame' at this master's shop, there was a personally signed photo of Philipp Kirkorov with well-wishes :) Getting around by taxi is expensive. I don't remember the exact amount, but drivers (especially the guys) get very offended and angry if they have to give change :) Remember, in Manhattan, a 15% tip is the absolute standard!!! We often ate at Columbus Circle—there are wonderful fountains there. You can 'pick up' (buy) food at a nearby store and eat while enjoying the view of the fountain and the metropoli

A useful page!! Such a necessary thing in America as internet access is both for job hunting, finding housing, and a way to stay in touch with home! If you have a laptop, as you all know, it's extremely simple, since Wi-Fi networks are almost everywhere, especially in parks, malls... Where can you catch free internet in New York? 1) A favorite spot for students - Apple Store - available on 59th Street and 5th Avenue and in the SoHo area (well, the ones I've been to). There are many laptops, many Russian students, and almost never any free seats) 2) Samsung - this place is located on the 3rd floor of the mall at Columbus Circle - 59th Street. There is almost always a free computer here, and far fewer students; you can also watch a movie while lounging on a sofa (if you're lucky) or play games. 3) Columbia University. We once decided to visit this abode of knowledge; it has a very beautiful campus, and in some buildings, there are computers and internet! There were also benches with soft seats, a food vending machine, and a restroom! And what does that mean? If you have nowhere to sleep, go there!!))) I just don't remember which building exactly)) If I remember more, I will definitely write.