How I did it: I planned a couple of months out before dashing off to New York. I spoke to as many people as possible with their take on living in New York. I did my best to assess the job and college environment because those would be my major focuses up there for income and affiliation.  After getting encouragement, my family's blessing and the train ticket, my destiny was set. I saved my earnings for 5 months, pre-sent two boxes ahead of me and packed on duffle bag and one hard case suitcase. Train ride took 17 hours and when I arrived I said with a stayed with a relative.

Lessons & tips: The best advice I can offer is to save as much money as you can. I had visited NYC many times to be with family but living there was a totally different animal. I found things to be three times higher in cost. Space is at a premium and the people are helpful BUT can be very gruff and demanding if you are irking them.

Do start networking as soon as you get there. I used Meetup.com to meet people interested in Japan like I was. Didn't hurt that my bff lived up there, too.

Before you even leave your city, state or country, HAVE JOB INTERVIEWS LINED UP. This was my initial mistake as the economy tanked. Temp agencies were (slammed and) not hospitable and many places want you to have certification in jobs that you didn't need back home.

On the bright side, NYC is stunning, entertaining and can be quite beautiful. I did live there for 7 months but returned home for personal reasons. I think I would have stayed indefinitely if no for those reasons. I encourage you to take a trip up there if you can to check it out. Also, if your desire is to live there do your research on communities, the weather (because it gets EXTREMELY COLD) and the millions of events that occur. Do take in frequent strolls in Central park, too. It is one of the jewels of NYC.

Also, look out for celebrities. I got to meet Simon Pegg and that, by far, rocked!

Resources: Meetup.com

http://consumerist.com/consumer/howto/how-to-move-to-new-york-city-sane-and-not-broke-226540.php

Do a Google search on New York City Fashion

Oct 21, 2009, 05:48PM PDT | 1 comment | 4 cheers