NYC Amuses Me

I think I could dedicate this entire blog to posting pictures of the amusing shops I see. Weird decor, funny names, nifty products… It seems like every time I go out, I see something that makes me giggle. Anyway- here are a few pictures from my conquests today.

Looking for a job? Search no further! (Rice to Riches, Rice Pudding Shop, Nolita in Manhattan)

Can't get enough of Rice to Riches!

And some pictures for your enjoyment from our escapades.

The famous Lombardi’s Pizza in Nolita

The city is gorgeous at night.

Finding Housing in NYC is Difficult

Boroughs… Avenues… MTA… so much new lingo!

If you aren’t from the New York area, finding housing can be a daunting task. I’ve spent many hours so far researching neighborhoods/areas and what life in New York is like. It is especially hard to find housing since I am located all the way on the other side of America and won’t even be able to look at the places until I arrive to begin my internship. My tips for finding housing?

1. Use connections you already have! Ask relatives, friends, friends of friends, etc. NYC can be a challenging and scary place to navigate! What I plan to do is use my connections through my sorority to find a place to stay for the first few days I’m in New York. During that time, I will go check out apartments in the area. Since I’ll be working in midtown Manhattan, the areas I am most interested in are: (of course anywhere in middle or upper Manhattan, but it is extremely expensive!), Astoria in Queens and Hoboken in New Jersey (New Jersey is right by NYC and many times the subway commutes can be relatively short. Plus, it is a lot cheaper to live in).

2. Ask everyone you know and their mamas about information/tips/advice/experiences in New York.

3. RESEARCH, research oh and RESEARCH! Research everything! Subway maps, routes, neighborhoods, crime statistics, etc. New York is a huge city and can a completely different world than what you’re used to.

4. Use Craigslist with caution. Craigslist can be a great way to meet, connect and possibly find housing, but always be wary of strangers and take all precautions.

I’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods/areas to live in (safety and affordability taken into consideration) while working in Midtown Manhattan:

Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, Park Slope and Greenpoint.

New Jersey: Hoboken and Jersey City.

Queens: Astoria, Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, Sunnyside and Flushing.

Of course this list is by no means all inclusive, but from my research those are the areas I would consider.

Time to go start my last paper for Psych 250 and then that means… FINALS ARE OVER!!! Yay =) Good luck on finals everyone!