Moving to NYC. Any Advice!?

Question

I'm 20/F from the PA countryside. For about a year, I've been having an identity crisis. I'm unhappy/confused at college, and don't have any more time/money to waste. Well, I want to live at home to save money this summer, and move to NYC possibly this Fall if I have the proper finances. I'm a bit of an idealist (actually, very idealistic!), but I am serious about making this work. I have a modeling portfolio, but am aware I would have a tough time getting work, as seeing NYC is mainly fashion modeling, while I'm used to the commercial modeling in Philly (I'm only 5'7"). I'd need to get a job and also hopefully take modeling jobs while I'm in the city to support myself and pay bills. I'm looking for any advice regarding jobs suitable for 20/21 year old females, bills, money, meeting people, renting, modeling in the city, or ANYTHING pertaining to a successful life in the city! All the ins and outs! I don't want to fail and have to come crying home to my parents! Thanks everyone

Answer 1

If you aren't happy at college and its your first or second year, I would say one of two things: 1) Do a year abroad, its amazing how much perspective living abroad can give you 2) Take a year off (gap year) and move to NYC or go volunteer or work abroad. There are tons of websites on volunteering/ working/living abroad (Studenttraveler.com for example, or google "volunteer abroad") Or get a cool job working in the states (Coolworks.com- lots of crazy US jobs working on cruise ships or ranches or resorts, etc)
But if your heart is TRULY set on coming here to NY, here's the deal: Bust your butt and save up every penny. Move to NY and find an apartment on Craigslist.org. For that matter, you can find a job/roommate/ furniture/anything else there too. The smartest idea is to move in with roomies (Share, rent room) so your expenses are significatnly lower. Live in Brooklyn or Queens- you will NOT be able to afford an apartment in Manahattan. An apt in Brooklyn or Queens is a short subway ride away. A cheap studio apartment in Manhattan can run around 1800 a month. Definitely look for a share, there are lots of young kids/ students who need an extra roommate. I am 27 and have done the multiple roommate thing multiple times. Fair warning: You will probably be renting out a small shoebox for approximately 800/month. Like I said, Craigslist is the best way to find an apartment. Browse around the apartment listings to get a feel for price and neighborhoods. You might want to do the same for jobs. As far as jobs go, all waitress and bartending jobs in NYC require past experience in NYC (a catch 22 for those without this experience, I know). Your best bet is an administrative job or working with a temp agency (Wall street services, kelly services, there are a million!) A lot of firms and employers use agencies. If qualified, you could land a sweet high-paying job and start in 2 days- or you could wait for weeks and weeks with no pay. Maybe a receptionist, admin assistant. Be prepared to eat raemen noodles and struggle. That being said, NY is the best city in the world. Its tough to meet people if you are a newcomer, thats where the roommate situation can also help. Modelling is a tough gig- but if you are 100% committed to it (only you know if you are or not) then go for it. But there are thousands of girls in this city who will bite off your arm for a modelling shoot, so if you don't have this inner drive then forget it. A night job would be ideal for a struggling model, but like I mentioned, bartenders and waitresses need expeerience. A final resort might be a shot girl, but I don't know what the quality of life is for a position like that =) Lastly, maybe it would be worth a shot getting a job at a chain (like Starbucks for example) where you could work and save money over the summer and then TRANSFER to in NY.

Good luck !(And feel free to message me if you have questions on any of the above)

Answer 2

1. Make sure that you have a job lined up BEFORE you get here. The worst thing to do is to move to a big city and be completely broke.

2. Try temp agencies. They pay every week, and they pay well.

3. Go to- http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/home/home.shtml . That's the website for affordable housing in NYC. You may be eligible for affordable housing, so you might end up only paying about $450-$600 for a one-bedroom, which is a HUGE bargain in NYC. The affordable housing units are newly built, and are in great neighborhoods.

4. Learn to navigate the subway system (it's not that hard, go to www.mta.info), so that you're not constantly shelling out money for cabs (that adds up to a LOT of money).

5. Use discretion when asking people for help, and don't LOOK like a tourist. This means not to go around with a fanny pack, walking around with an upside-down map, or asking someone with a ski mask and a machete for directions.

6. Try not to buy into the stereotypes of NYC. New York is a great place to live, as long as you have a goal, and some common sense. Good luck!

Answer 3

1. You can't simply hit NYC cold. Find someone you know, perhaps someone you modeled with & is now in NY, ; or a relative, or even a compatible roommate & stay with them until you get your bearings & can find a real paying job. 2. Have a cash reserve, access to a credit card for emergencies, & don't burn your bridges to your parents; you may need their help for REAL emergencies. Being young, good looking & stuck in NYC desperate for some $$ to pay the rent & nowhere to turn is just a recipe for disaster. 3. Deal with reputable modeling agencies -- who are referred by people you know & trust. There are a lot of modeling scams out there; half involve paying people $$ & the other half involve taking your clothes off. 4. There are hundreds of thousands of young people who live in NYC, have jobs, make friends, stay out of trouble, learn a lot & enjoy themselves. Some stay on for life; some leave after having a great adventure for a year or two.

Answer 4

NYC is a tough place place that feasts on young people who come with a few dollars & a dream. If you don't have guaranteed housing & a job before you get here or you can spend $ 4 -5,000 a month on living expenses until you get settled down..... dont come here.

Answer 5

rent an aprtment, I once lived in NYC get good a/c it can get hot and very cold there...my first snow was in NY wonderful place i am more familiar with mannhatten though

Answer 6

Don't go! If you don't mind an older guy in your life come to Orlando,FL. with me. Perfect place for a beautiful person like yourself. I will look out for you, you can pursue what ever interests you have and with alittle fun, love and alittle work we can be happy-ever-after. LOL. Just messin...kinda. Good luck, keep your dreams with you and alive always!

Answer 7

forget it that bad place

Answer 8

hi.. wats NYC?