Tips For Moving To NYC For College
Moving to NYC for college is so exciting because there’s opportunity behind every door! But, before you move, you need a detailed game plan when it comes to packing your things, finding a place to live, navigating public transportation, and budgeting for your new, big-city lifestyle.
Starting a life in a metropolis such as New York City, can provide you tons of living options, but getting set up there can prove a bit of a process. It’s important that you perform your due diligence and follow some of the tips we’ve laid out for you below.
Tips for Moving to New York City
The following tips for moving to New York City will help make your transition as smooth as possible.
1. Research Student-Friendly Neighborhoods
The best way to find affordable student apartments in NYC is to begin your search as early as you can. Everything is fast-paced in New York City, including the rental market, so it’s recommended to start searching 60-90 days before you plan to move. Be sure to brush up on New York rent laws, too, so you don’t run into any trouble.
There are five boroughs in New York (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island) and each one can be further broken down into neighborhoods that are all unique. The best place for you will depend on where your college is located and the “vibe” you’re looking for.
That being said, the most college-friendly neighborhoods in NYC are:
- Morningside Heights – The largest student neighborhood in NYC. Columbia owns many buildings in this area that are essentially used for student housing.
- Washington Heights – An affordable, up-and-coming neighborhood that is gaining more traction with Millennials.
- Bed-Stuy – Beautiful and affordable brownstone buildings with original architecture. Some apartments have working fireplaces.
- Inwood – There are many larger and more affordable apartments in Inwood, making it popular with students and younger NYC transplants.
- Crown Heights – A diverse neighborhood with delicious food. Locals are often seen setting up barbecues and having block parties outside their apartment buildings.
2. Use Public Transit
If you want to know how to live in New York City as a college student, the first thing you have to learn is the subway system! The subway map might look like a jumbled mess at first glance, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Don’t neglect the bus routes. Although busses don’t hold as many people as subway cars, they can be extremely convenient and affordable – just make sure you get to the stop early.
3. Stay on Budget
Not having a ton of extra money is pretty typical for college life in New York. Once you find an apartment and get your roommate situation figured out, sit down and budget out your monthly expenses. Budget for an unlimited MetroCard so you can ride the subway as many times as you need each month and try to limit Uber and Lyft rides. They can really add up and put you over budget.
Keep all of your receipts or use a budgeting app to track your spending and ensure you’re not going over each month. Although New York City is expensive, there are tons of budget-friendly experiences to be had.
4. Enjoy the City
You never know where life will take you after college, so enjoy NYC as much as you can while you’re here. There are plenty of free and low-cost events, beautiful sights to see, parks, and exhibits to explore.
Bennett Movers
Bennett Movers is one of New York City’s leading moving and eviction companies. Our professional movers will ensure all your belongings get from home to your new apartment quickly and safely. We can even assist with storage needs while you’re away at college.
Please contact us today for more information about our services and get a free quote.
Moving to NYC for college is so exciting because there’s opportunity behind every door! But, before you move, you need a detailed game plan when it comes to packing your things, finding a place to live, navigating public transportation, and budgeting for your new, big-city lifestyle.
Starting a life in a metropolis such as New York City, can provide you tons of living options, but getting set up there can prove a bit of a process. It’s important that you perform your due diligence and follow some of the tips we’ve laid out for you below.
Tips for Moving to New York City
The following tips for moving to New York City will help make your transition as smooth as possible.
1. Research Student-Friendly Neighborhoods
The best way to find affordable student apartments in NYC is to begin your search as early as you can. Everything is fast-paced in New York City, including the rental market, so it’s recommended to start searching 60-90 days before you plan to move. Be sure to brush up on New York rent laws, too, so you don’t run into any trouble.
There are five boroughs in New York (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island) and each one can be further broken down into neighborhoods that are all unique. The best place for you will depend on where your college is located and the “vibe” you’re looking for.
That being said, the most college-friendly neighborhoods in NYC are:
- Morningside Heights – The largest student neighborhood in NYC. Columbia owns many buildings in this area that are essentially used for student housing.
- Washington Heights – An affordable, up-and-coming neighborhood that is gaining more traction with Millennials.
- Bed-Stuy – Beautiful and affordable brownstone buildings with original architecture. Some apartments have working fireplaces.
- Inwood – There are many larger and more affordable apartments in Inwood, making it popular with students and younger NYC transplants.
- Crown Heights – A diverse neighborhood with delicious food. Locals are often seen setting up barbecues and having block parties outside their apartment buildings.
2. Use Public Transit
If you want to know how to live in New York City as a college student, the first thing you have to learn is the subway system! The subway map might look like a jumbled mess at first glance, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Don’t neglect the bus routes. Although busses don’t hold as many people as subway cars, they can be extremely convenient and affordable – just make sure you get to the stop early.
3. Stay on Budget
Not having a ton of extra money is pretty typical for college life in New York. Once you find an apartment and get your roommate situation figured out, sit down and budget out your monthly expenses. Budget for an unlimited MetroCard so you can ride the subway as many times as you need each month and try to limit Uber and Lyft rides. They can really add up and put you over budget.
Keep all of your receipts or use a budgeting app to track your spending and ensure you’re not going over each month. Although New York City is expensive, there are tons of budget-friendly experiences to be had.
4. Enjoy the City
You never know where life will take you after college, so enjoy NYC as much as you can while you’re here. There are plenty of free and low-cost events, beautiful sights to see, parks, and exhibits to explore.
Bennett Movers
Bennett Movers is one of New York City’s leading moving and eviction companies. Our professional movers will ensure all your belongings get from home to your new apartment quickly and safely. We can even assist with storage needs while you’re away at college.
Please contact us today for more information about our services and get a free quote.