I always fly into EWR on CO. I usually stay in a mid-town hotel. I've used three transportation methods in recent years.

Air Train plus PATH: I found this to be time-consuming and difficult, especially if carrying any amount of luggage. I only tried this once, when staying at Milennium Hilton directly across the street from the arriving train. I would NEVER choose this transport if arriving EWR at 10pm, but it might be safe enough for a college-age male.

Super Shuttle: Pretty easy and the best choice in really bad weather, since the shuttle driver collects you from the terminal waiting area, takes you to the van, then you're dropped right at your final destination. Can be time-consuming if you're not the first or second person dropped off.

Olympia Trails Bus: My top choice in decent weather. Buy ticket from transportation desk in baggage claim area (look for signs). Give luggage to driver, climb on bus, doze or sightsee until arrival in Manhattan. Check the company website (do a google search) for current timetables and drop-off points. My husband once arrived at EWR at about 12:30am and was the only passenger on the Grand Central bus. The driver took him directly to our hotel (I was already there) instead of making him walk the several blocks from the bus stop - wow.