There’s something about New York—maybe the constant hustle and bustle, the dazzling skyline, or the seemingly endless opportunities—that make it such a desirable place to live. Living in New York may seem like a dream come true, but it can be a terrifying move, especially as a recent college grad. Meeting a roommate, finding an affordable apartment, and navigating the city that never sleeps all on you own can be a daunting feat. While there are so many factors that can make the move seem scary, there are plenty of college grads who have done it and come out on top. Keep reading to learn five recent college grads’ tips for moving to NYC, and what wish they had known before making the move to the city that never sleeps.
“In a city like NYC, you're bound to run into someone who appreciates the same things as you do”
“I think the two biggest fears I had were looking for jobs and making new friends. The usual fears someone would face while moving, whether it’s to New York or any other city. I realized that walking into offices with your résumé in hand is far more effective than just simply sending emails. I knew that I could be more productive once I was in the city. And as for making new friends? I think that is an ongoing process and it definitely takes time to find the people that you really want to spend your time with. But in a city like NYC, you’re bound to run into someone who appreciates the same things as you do. I spent my time doing activities that I liked, and it helped me meet people who enjoyed the same things as I did. All I had to do was be open and unafraid to start conversations.” — Aanchal Bakshi, Graduate Student at NYU Steinhardt
“Deciding to move to NYC is a huge decision, so it's best to try it out first before you sign that year-long apartment lease.”
“I decided to move to New York after I did an internship in the city the summer before my senior year of college. I fell in love with New York during that summer, so I just knew I had to come back. NYC has so many job opportunities and things to experience. It is the place to be if you want to be involved in the fashion industry. I also just love the overall busy vibe of the city and how there is always something to do! I would suggest interning here first as a test run. Deciding to move to NYC is a huge decision, so it’s best to try it out first before you sign that year-long apartment lease. NYC isn’t for everyone!” — Tracie Pfrogner, digital marketing and e-commerce coordinator at Michael’s The Consignment Shop for Women
“You can move without a job. Yes, it's very hard with no support, but if you want it bad enough you can figure it out.”
“I did not have a job when I moved, and that was actually one of the reasons I moved. I was fortunate enough to be offered a paid internship, but it was in a totally different industry, and I took a retail position. I was really worried about moving without a full-time job. I am lucky enough to have had some support from my parents but I definitely wanted to do it on my own. Initially, it was really difficult. Even though I had the internship and the retail position, it wasn’t enough for me. I knew where I wanted to be and what kind of company I wanted to work for, and not having the security of a full-time position was nerve-racking for me, especially having worked so hard throughout my years in college. But, you can move without a job. Yes, it’s very hard with no support, but if you want it bad enough you can figure it out.” — Victoria Haworth, merchandise coordinator at Kate Spade & Company.
“Just go for it! You'll find your place.”
“I moved here without an apartment or roommates, so that was definitely stressful. I also graduated early, so all my close friends are still in school. Luckily, I have some older friends here and girls I know from interning, but moving without an immediate support system is pretty scary! I used Gypsy Housing when I was looking for a roommate and places to sublet. I had about five living situations fall through while I was crashing on my friend’s couch, so I ended up in a studio. I snagged an incredible studio in the Upper East Side for the same price as I would’ve paid to sublet with roommates and much smaller living quarters. There are gems out there, you just have to find them. Apartment Finder, Street Easy, and Naked Apartments are your best resources for that. To anyone thinking about moving to New York, just go for it! You’ll find your place. And do your research. It’s a challenge, but it’s so rewarding. I look back on how far I’ve come from interning here over a year ago and how much this city has transformed me into the person I’ve always hoped I’d be. You’ll work more ten (plus) hour work days than you’d like, you will get lost on the subway, you’ll probably buy more $18 cocktails than your bank account can handle. You will question if it’s worth it, but it is.” — Kendall Becker, assistant fashion editor at Editorialist.
“I didn't realize how much I would change as a person and how much I would fall in love with the city.”
“The hardest part of moving was knowing that this was an entirely new world to me—I didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb and be taken advantage of. New York City gives an entirely new meaning to having a backbone and thick skin. New York did feel like the right place for me at first but I as time continued it felt like a second home. Months there feel like years and I learned that life puts you where you need to be even when you are working so hard and things aren’t going as planned. Before moving to NYC, I didn’t realize how much I would change as a person and how much I would fall in love with the city. That idea goes with any life changing situation—it can be such a beautiful process if you let it.” — Rachel Anderson
Are you moving to NYC this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo by @m.aiarose.
