Taffi Woolward
What neighborhood do you live in?
Financial District.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
I am less than 3 blocks away from 4 major subway lines. The neighborhood is peaceful at night and I have an amazing view of Battery Park City and the Hudson River.
How did you find your apartment?
http://www.nybits.com/
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
No I live alone.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
It’s a large studio.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
My commute is 25 minutes door to door. I take the R train from Rector Street and get off at 8th Street.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Don’t use a broker! I was able to negotiate an additional month of free rent and a 32′ plasma tv because my landlord didn’t have to pay a broker commission.
Jennifer Schwartz
What neighborhood do you live in?
Carroll Gardens Brooklyn.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
The space in Brooklyn and being on the F train.
How did you find your apartment?
Walked around Brooklyn.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
No.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
One bedroom + living room + bathroom.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school
25 minutes door to door.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Go to Brooklyn along the F Train.
Karima Rasul
What neighborhood do you live in?
East Village.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
It’s all about location for me. I love stepping outside my door and having restaurants, bars and buzz going on at all hours. I know that I sacrificed amenities like a doorman, but it’s worth it for me. I also have a dog and Tompkins Square Dog Park is the best in city.
How did you find your apartment?
I used a broker at Crosstown Realty. I sometimes find brokers to be pushy, but Alan was great! He listened to what I wanted and didn’t push apartments on me. I had come in from out of town, and he had all of my paperwork sorted in 4 days. Tell him I sent you!
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
I live with my fiance Joel and dog, Jacques Cousteau. It’s tough only because Joel demands to be walked all the time.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
Technically it is two bedrooms, but one is a VERY small bedroom that we use as an office. Total rooms = four.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
Twenty minutes door to door. Usually I walk, but sometimes I take the crosstown bus.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Don’t be surprised if they ask for all of your bank information and life story, that’s totally normal. Also, does some research on streeteasy.com before you look at places so you know what you can get in your price range. Finally, suck it up and see as many apartments as you can in a few days — then just bite the bullet and pick the best one! August/September is a tough time of the year for real estate but everyone finds something that they love.
Jasmine Jingyi Fan
What neighborhood do you live in?
I live in Greenwich Village.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
Close to school and a safe neighborhood.
How did you find your apartment?
I used a real estate broker.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
I live by myself.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
It is a Studio Apartment.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
It’s just a 7 minute walk for me!
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Reserve a few weeks for the whole process.
Alexandra Keyes
What neighborhood do you live in?
Palladium Hall, Union Square. Palladium Hall is the on campus housing option for MBA Students at Stern.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
Palladium Hall is conveniently close to school, huge selection of restaurants and bars.
How did you find your apartment?
Through the NYU housing system.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
I have a single dorm style apartment.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
It is a studio apartment, one room + the bathroom!
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
5-7 minutes by bike.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
If you’re international, Palladium is an easy stress-free alternative to scouring New York for the best deal.
Lauren Anderson
What neighborhood do you live in?
East Village.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
I wanted an apartment close enough to walk to school that was in a fun and interesting neighborhood. I love all of the restaurants and bars — there is always something new to explore!
How did you find your apartment?
Craigslist.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
Yes, craigslist.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
2 bedrooms, living room, dining nook, kitchen, and bathroom.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
About a mile. I usually walk or take the free NYU shuttle bus.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Prioritize what is important to you in an apartment and neighborhood and realize that you might have to make some compromises, but you probably won’t spend enough time home to even remember that you compromised!
Arjun Kathuria
What neighborhood do you live in?
Greenwich Village.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
It is really close to school and there are a lot of amazing places to eat close by!
How did you find your apartment?
Through a broker.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
Yes, I met him at an open house and we decided to look for apartments together.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
2 bedrooms, kitchen/living room and a bathroom.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
3 minutes door-to-door walk. I can get to Stern in just one minute if I run.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
If you can, sign a lease before you quit your job. Landlords and brokers ask for bank statements, W-2s, paystubs, an arm, sometimes both your legs!
Anonymous
What neighborhood do you live in?
Hoboken, NJ.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
I can have a car there. Take that. Also, I have my own washer and dryer, a basement with lots of space, a back porch, and I’m paying way less than most people in shoeboxes in Manhattan. Plus a 25-minute door-to-door to school doesn’t hurt.
How did you find your apartment?
Craigslist, for rent by owner.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
Yes, I found her in college, and have been dating her for quite a while.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
4 – Living room/kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, basement.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
25 minutes, via the Path to 6th Ave and 9th St.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Don’t expect to find an apartment in this area with more than 6 weeks before you move in. And don’t get too worried if it’s less than a month before your move and you don’t have a place yet.
Nikki Carroll
What neighborhood do you live in?
Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
I chose to live there because it’s cheap ($2000/month for a 2bed/2bath) and close to 3 different trains (2, 3, Express 5). It offers all the food options I like Jamaican, Trinidadian, Chinese, Mexican and Beer garden! There is also an organic mom & pop grocery store across the street, 24hr Dunkin Donuts, and a T-Mobile store. Also I can park my car for free!
How did you find your apartment?
Craigslist.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
Yes, just one roomie. Found her craigslist via her ad for an apt share. I’m pretty good at choosing a craigslist roomies. I’ve been living with craigslist randoms since 2008, no problems.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
2 bedrooms.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
30 Minutes on the train. I normally take the 5 to Atlantic and switch to the N to 8th St/NYU – 5 stops. If I catch the D train to Broadway/Lafayette – 4 stops.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Save money now! I have heard horror stories of people having to pay 3-6 months worth of rent up front in addition to broker fees. Luckily, my choice to move in with a craigslist roommate in Brooklyn only cost me a security deposit and first month’s rent. $2200 to move to NYC – #winning.
Anonymous 2
What neighborhood do you live in?
Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?
Price was right and close to the A/C, 4/5. I love the little bars and the fact that it’s up and coming.
How did you find your apartment?
Craigslist.
Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?
I live with my boyfriend.
How many rooms does your apartment have?
1 bedroom, living room, kitchen.
How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?
35 minutes door to door. I take the subway.
What’s one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?
Craigslist is great. Know what you want so that once you can see it, you can express your interest right away. Keep your documents (i.e. proof of loan, bank account, etc.) with you when you go apartment hunting.
