How crazy living in New York City really is?

How to go about working and living in New York city?

• Hey guys, Would really appreciate some advice on this: I am looking to work and live in NYC for approximately 2 months during my semester break at the end of this year (from December to February). I was wondering if anyone knew what the best way of doing this would be. Since I am not from the United States i would need to apply through a travel agency in my country of origin and either apply for an internship or a general hospitality job (which I would have to look for myself). However, given that I will be doing this program alone I am wondering what kind of industry I should look for work in as i would prefer to work in an environment where I can easily meet people (such as other young students like myself) and make the most of my experience in New York. I am a little fearful that an internship where I am surrounded by many adults would make my experience a little dull and boring. However also fearful that I wont be able to find a job in hospitality industry unless I can somehow apply prior to my arrival. Ive never been overseas before so this is a relatively new experience! I plan to stay somewhere in Manhattan or somewhere with a 'young vibe' - any recommendations of where to stay and how to go about doing this would be really helpful as I would like to live somewhere near other students that also reside in NYC. In terms of job availability - I have limited work experience given that I am full time student so I currently only work in hospitality. The aim of this trip is to experience life in New York and meet other young people along the way. I'm also thinking of doing an exchange at Columbia University in the year 2013 so this experience would be really useful in getting a feel of living in NYC. Thanks guys! Any advice on this would be really helpful :)

• Answer:

  Its really difficult to execute unless you have substantial cash or friends to help. To find an apartment you most likely need to live in a motel for a couple days, and apartment hunt via craigs list or the local papers. Finding apartments in Manhattan is going to be hard and very expensive. I suggest Queens or Brooklyn for you. As for jobs, I suggest the usual fast food outlets / waiting tables. Its not easy to find work better than this in a hurry and especially if it is on a part time basis. Just to warn you..life here isn't all that. Its great if you have friends and a happening social circle...otherwise...it could be a struggle and even a disappointment.