Why can't you see the stars in the city, but you can in the countryside?
The stars are difficult to see in the city due to light pollution, which is the excess artificial light that shines into the night sky and washes out the stars. The light pollution is caused by street lights, buildings, and illuminated advertisements, among other sources. In contrast, in the countryside, there is less artificial light, allowing for a clearer view of the stars.
Can I do anything, short of going to the countryside, to see the starts in the city more clearly?
Yes, you could look for darker spots in your area, away from streetlights, advertisements and other light sources. You could also use binoculars or a telescope. While these cannot completely mitigate the effects of light pollution, they can help you have a better view of the night sky.