Tips for moving to NYC alone

NYC is the most densely populated city in the USA, but that doesn’t meant that moving to NYC won’t be lonely. Like any big move, it can be hard to adjust and hard to meet people. However, despite all its difficulties, moving to NYC can be a life-changing experience. Here are some tips  for moving to NYC alone that can help you adjust to the big city.

Tips for moving to NYC alone:

1. Find a job

You don’t need to have a job secured before you move. New York City has plenty of restaurant and service jobs that hire new staff all the time. Go on Craigslist or Indeed to find out about service job opportunities exist around the city. Or, you can print out copies of your resume and go door to door asking for jobs in nearby restaurants. Restaurant jobs are great places to make friends and meet new people.

2. If you are unfamiliar with NYC, sublet before you sign a lease

Every neighborhood in NYC has a different feel and price-point. It’s important to understand how different your experience of the city will be based on what neighborhood you choose to live in. Try subletting or staying with a friend before you sign a contract and make a long-term commitment.

3. Be suspicious of deals that sound too good to be true

Lots of NYC rental advertisements may sound fishy. That’s because they are. Learn the rules and regulations of renting in NYC. First off, you should never be charged more than $20 for an application. Secondly, some apartments may have Broker’s Fees, other’s will not. Learn about these fees and if you are willing to pay them. Finally, understand that you need to pay first month’s rent and a security deposit (equivalent to first month’s rent) before you move in, so budget wisely.

4. Find roommates

Unless you are earning a fat salary, you will most likely need to find people to share your apartment with. Try craigslist or Spareroom or Facebook Marketplace to find empty rooms that you can rent with people. Reach out to everyone and anyone you know.

5. Try getting around with Via

Via is a ride-share app that is far cheaper than Uber and Lyft, if you are in a group the prices can even be cheaper than the Subway fare. If you are moving to NYC, be sure to try it out to get a better deal on a ride.

6. Get a good winter coat

New York is a COLD city in the Winter, and NYC is a city where your own two feet are the often best form of transportation. Temperatures frequently drop below freezing, and trudging through the snow can be a pain. So make sure to get a thick coat, and wear layers! Try UNIQLO.

7. Befriend your neighbor

Getting locked out in NYC can be unreasonably expensive. Often NYC locksmiths will charge hundreds of dollars for a 3 minute lock-pick job, leaving you feeling angry and broke. Try befriending a neighbor or local business, to make sure that there is always someone who has a copy of your key. If you have a good friend in the city, ask if you can leave a copy of your keys with them. Or give a copy of your key to your super, if you have one that lives in the building.

8. Learn about food delivery services (and use their promo codes!)

Living alone in NYC means that sometimes you won’t want to cook for one. The best part of living in NYC is the convenience. NYC loves Take-out and there are plenty of options. Seamless, Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, Caviar. First time users usually get a discount, and don’t forget to tip your delivery guy!

9. Be okay with being alone

Big cities can be difficult to make friends in and there’s no real secret to making friends. Sometimes you get lucky, other times you don’t. Learn how to enjoy your alone time. See live music, go to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, go on runs, visit the Brooklyn Museum, visit the Metropolitan Opera,  see a film at The Metrograph. There are plenty of activities to engage in on your own. Take advantage of what you have at your disposal.

Moving to NYC alone can be challenging and exhilarating. But, everyone’s experience is different. Making friends and adjusting to new places takes time– be patient, be open and good luck!