With Lehigh’s close proximity to the city and the allure of a fast-paced lifestyle, the dream of moving to New York is a link that binds students together. The opportunities to experience new things — food, activities, jobs or people — make the aspiration of life in the big city one that follows students and only grows throughout their undergraduate years.
The idea of living and working in one of the five boroughs after graduation is appealing, yet it can also be daunting for those who do not know where to begin.
Renting in New York: A Practical Guide, a workshop held in Rauch Business Center, aimed to provide students with the basic information needed to successfully move to and rent an apartment in New York while avoiding scams and finding a location that suits them.
“Moving to New York and renting an apartment is an involved, complicated process with lots of paperwork and many illegal, shady things students need to be aware of,” said Jennifer Nau, a licensed real estate salesperson for Cooper & Cooper Real Estate, in a presentation March 9.
According to Nau, many students begin the moving process without truly knowing what they want, what they can afford and — most importantly — what they need.
“Everyone always has these ideas of what they want and where they want to live in New York,” Nau said. “Friends and family will always make recommendations, but you really want to live somewhere that is convenient for where you work.”
Nau recommended choosing a location that is within walking distance of work or a train line that is on the way. She also emphasized students must be up front about their budgets while being slightly flexible.
“You would be surprised by what an extra $50 or $100 can get you in New York,” Nau said.
For some students, the search for an apartment can bring about mixed feelings.
“(Searching for apartments) is very real and it’s not something you want to be thinking about your last semester senior year,” Matthew Feinman, ‘16, said. “But I am excited because it’s my next big jump in life.”
Feinman, who has already secured a job in New York, plans to move after graduation.
Price and location are two of his biggest factors, as well as his biggest fears, in his upcoming apartment search.
“Commute time versus the proximity to people my age is also a large factor, because you don’t want to be living in a boring part of New York City,” he said.
Lene Samuelson, ‘15, moved to the city after she graduated last May. She has not found proximity to those her age an issue, as she lives within two blocks of her five closest friends from Lehigh.
She utilized Lehigh’s career fair and apartment-renting seminar to assist in her job search and move.
“There is always something going on, someone new to meet, friends who are nearby and always something to do,” Samuelson said. “When moving, you are going to be broke, but you are young and you will figure it out.”
She suggests students complete extensive research when looking for a place to live, and that they do not agree to the first apartment they see.
“You really want to see what is out there,” Samuelson said. “Take everything with a grain of salt, and do your research. If you went to Lehigh, you should know to do that already.”
Nau also suggests being thorough and aware when using online resources.
She warned students of a scheme called “bait-and-switch” in which pictures from different apartments are used to advertise a single apartment.
“It’s like a collage, and it is a method used to rope you in,” Nau said. “People put up misinformation just to get you to work with them.”
Despite some financial hardship and initial worries, moving to New York has brought happiness to Lehigh students’ lives.
Samuelson said that she only applied to jobs in New York and is happy that she now lives there.
Nau said it ultimately doesn’t matter whether you get everything you were looking for or not.
“In real estate and in life, compromise is important,” she said. “Everyone has a laundry list of things they want when they move to New York, but I ask that you separate the ‘must haves’ from the ‘must likes.’ The bottom line is that you are coming to New York.”
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