Housing / Moving to New York

[robot_m]

What about going the no-broker route? Any success with that?

If I am in New York for a week in Mid July, what are my chances of being able to find a place during that time?

I'm not that worried because I have an aunt and uncle who live in NJ (about 20 minutes by NJTransit), so I can stay with them, worst case scenario.

 

[Suzako]

"Any advice from current students? Living close a necessity?"

Impossible Protagonist: I moved from Astoria to Morningside Heights when I got in last year, because I wanted to be closer to school. For me, I use the computer lab a lot for editing (I don't own Final Cut) and I also just wanted to be able to be really close to school for meetings and flexibility (and not having to pay for a monthly metrocard). Its worked out very well for me and was the right decision for me personally.

But there are students who commute in from Brooklyn and other places in Manhattan. Greenpoint to Columbia is a trek. I think if you're worried about it, you might want to consider moving. But I also feel weird telling you to move or not, you know?

 

[WillieGreen]

Impossible Protagonist,

Check your PM when you get a chance.

 

[robot_m]

What about moving companies? Normally I would just rent a U-Haul and move myself, but the prospect of driving/parking in NYC seems pretty ridiculous. So can anyone recommend any movers?

 

[Silverlenz]

Have you looked into those POD's storage units? They will move your unit anywhere POD's has a storage warehouse. Just a thought.

SilverLenz

 

[brendonb]

For what it's worth, the northern end of Manhattan is actually probably the easiest place in the city to drive a U-Haul. You can take the GW bridge into Manhattan, and when you're done, there's a U-Haul drop-off station on 127th St and Park Avenue. No messy midtown driving.

Don't know any good moving company, though, sorry!

 

[robot_m]

Hey, how is the AT&T reception in Manhattan?

 

[brendonb]

Simply awful.

I'm not sure where I found it, but I read some thing that AT&T considers 30% an "unexceptional" dropped call rate in NYC.

 

[Generallyspeaking22]

Though probably half of the people that live in New York have AT&T service, thanks to the iPhone.

We have AT&T and I know that service at Columbia is patchy. My boyfriend goes there for Architecture. The buildings are old, so they have extremely thick walls. You basically have to be by a window or outside for reception.

 

[robot_m]

So what's with all this stuff I've been reading about Bed Bugs in NYC? Is it bad?

 

[Suzako]

re bedbugs:
If you don't pick up old mattresses or old couches from the street, you should be fine.

 

[brendonb]

They can be awful, and a tremendous financial burden (you either have to throw away or have all your possessions professionally treated). I have a friend who had to deal with them while living in Sunnyside, Queens a few years ago. In her case, she was able to prove the landlord withheld knowledge of bed bugs in order to get her to sign the lease, so she was able to take him to court for it.

It's an incomplete resource, but definitely check this before you sign any leases in NYC. You should look up your own building as well as the buildings directly adjacent to yours: http://bedbugregistry.com/metro/nyc/

 

[robot_m]

Yeah, I have been checking that site. I'm planning on covering my mattress and box springs in a bedbug-proof mattress cover before we move, as we're using movers. I'll still have to figure something out about the couches, though.

 

[ZackDunborn]

I just got an email about my housing app that (literally) started with "I have bad news"... So, um, anyone looking for a roommate?

 

[robot_m]

I assume you are already in New York?

I did get housing, but I'm moving across the country. It's a litter further North than I would have liked, but not too much (still below 125th), but beggars can't be choosers.

 

[ZackDunborn]

I'm actually in NJ... at my mother's house. She thinks I should just commute from here.

Not. Happening.

 

[Suzako]

Hi Zack,

I was denied housing last year at first, but in August I actually did offered something. I'm not saying you should wait til then, but just saying there's still hope.

s

 

[robot_m]

How long's the commute?

 

[ZackDunborn]

The thing about NYC commuting is that there are only so many bridges/tunnels for the millions of commuters to cross to get on and off the island (Manhattan).

So for me a 20 minute drive can easily be 1-2 hours.