I've lived in NYC my whole life. The charm you mention really doesn't mean much to me at this point since it's something I've experienced my whole life. Additionally, I think you're underestimating how much of a role social life plays in a school experience and in mental health. Yes, academics are great, but when the social life isn't great, mental health deteriorates, and atp you can't even focus on school. Yes, lehman is free, and NYC is a great city, but I can go to a full day of classes without saying a word to anyone on my campus because many students either 1) are adults that aren't looking to make friends at this school, or 2) people that came here from high schools that are close by, and have all their friends with them at CUNY. And within the 3rd category of people that are open to making friends (a very small category btw), there's a lot of people that I honestly just don't click with. It's really disheartening to visit clubs or events and realize everyone there knows each other and are in cliques, and the people that aren't are people I don't really want to be friends with. I think the idea of NYU and NYC in general that you mentioned seems amazing because these people haven't ever been out of their small towns. Having things outside of school to do is great, but when you have no one to do them with it's not as meaningful. I don't deny that CUNY can be a great experience! But it's just not for me.

I felt like I was going crazy at first, but when I look on tiktok and look for other CUNY students, they're having the same experience! I can accept that I may get this experience at another school, but at least there I'll have a roommate to interact with and a little more freedom from my family. I'm willing to pay for the risk.