questions for NYU dental students (very specific questions)

[ddsshin]

hello, I am moving to NYC for NYU college of dentistry in June and was wondering about many things.
1) I see many housing lists (STUDIO) in craiglists near lower side of manhathan for 1300-1500$ range. (Murray Hill, Chelsea, Greenwich and etc) I am looking for a small studio around $1300. Do you think it is scam? I saw some pix and they look mediocre. I am ok with that. any comments on this? or recommendation to wehre to find the studio? I need to find place near my school. its on 24th street in Murray Hill.
2) I am a graduate student and will need to commute from apt to school and vice versa. How much will my transportation cost per month? I am gonna use train and bus.
2A) I want to buy a bicycle in NYC. Can I bring my bicycle to the train? how about bus?
3) Do you think its worth getting a car in NYC? do most studos comes with parking spot or garage? how about the school? do I pay extra for spot? I am from CA. Do I need to get new liscence from NY???
4) Also, I am thinking about getting a YAMAHA motorcycle scooter ZUMA. Do I need liscence for that? registeration? you think it's safe to drive scooter in NYC?
5) My budget for a month for food, and transporation is $800. Do you think that is enough to survive? I probally make food home, eat out somewhere cheap one or two times a week..
6) IF I move to NJ, what are some of the close and safe place to commute to NYU dental school? how are the housing over there and price? Also, transportation to school from NJ? is it more expensive???? Should I stay in NYC or NJ?
*** also can someone tell me about the schedules for SUMMER RESEARCH?
I got in and need to know what time it starts and ends on which days.
*** also, those who took out the loans, can you take out for the D1 summer research? thx

Any suggestions or recommendations will be appreciated. Thank you so much!!! help needed!!!

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[Sephisabin]

1) I think $1500 should be doable for a studio in a walk up. I'd consider staying within walking distance of the school because the nearest subway is about a 10-15 minute walk away and it gets really interesting in the winter... especially if you're from CA like me... I'd be wary of things on craigslist. A lot of realtors pull a bait and switch so make sure you check the place out in person. They will also try to make you sign a contract about their fees and whatnot so make sure you read it over carefully and don't sign if you don't like the terms. Some of their fees are ridiculous, like 10-15% of the YEARLY rent, so you may want to consider places that don't need a realtor. Check out Waterside Plaza and Stuyvesant Town. Their studios are pretty reasonable. You should also look at craigslist, and try to find "No Fee" if you can.

2) Depends where you live. Again, I'd recommend staying close to school to cut down on the costs. An unlimited monthly metrocard is $89.

2A) Biking on the streets looks a bit scary to me, but plenty of people do it so I guess it's not that bad. I haven't seen anyone take one on a bus or train but I can't imagine anyone would stop you.

3) Getting a car if you live in Manhattan is pretty much an absolute no. Parking near school will cost you about $15 a day and parking near your apartment will cost you around $400 a month. Apartments do NOT come with parking spots. On a student budget, it's absolutely out of the question.

4) Not sure about licensing laws. Again, looks dangerous to me but I know one person who does it. Parking for that would be free at school since you could just park it near the bike rack. Parking near your apartment I'm not sure about... he doesn't pay for parking but deals with the occasional ticket instead... ($115 each time... ouch!).

5) Definitely doable, but not if you have a car...

Not too familiar with the other stuff.... NJ is definitely cheaper in rent though, but it's a trade-off in commute time.

 

[s2agrado]

Hey, not sure how much help I'll be, but I too am moving to the city for NYU.

I've been checking out those studios too that are around 1300 and from what I've been told (have family that lives and lived in NYC) those places are going to be closets, if they are legit. I personally have no problem with that since it's more important for me to be close to the school (assuming late study nights). I've been told it will be possible to find a decent place in that price range, it will just be tough and require patience/time. You might benefit from staying in the NYU housing for the summer program (200/week) so you can have the time to look for a place over the summer. I'm going to be staying with my sister, so I can have the time to look for a place.

Regarding bikes on trains/buses. Anytime I've been in the city, I've never seen that and the trains/busses are not like they are in LA...they're very crowded during rush hours--so I'm not sure that's feasible (trains I road in LA were pretty empty). I'm planning to bike to school as well, so I'm personally just trying to find a place within a 1mile radius of the school (Murray hill/LES/Gramercy/Midtown-ish).

Regarding the schedule for the research program, I've heard its like a job...8-5 M-F.

ALso keep in mind, once you find a place negotiate rent each subsequent year! Many people just accept rent increases thinking there's nothing they can do...negotiate each subsequent year if you want to stay there. Watch out for sketchy brokers, but accept that there are some places that require broker fees.

Anyways, I probably wasn't much help-haha-but thought my 2 cents could be helpful.

Good luck...and look into the research student housing for the summer, that might be your best stepping stone to give you time to find a place and learn the city.

 

[ddsshin]

thanks for the inputs! Wow can't believe I am leaving CA for NYC haha. excited but somewhat worried lolz.

 

[s2agrado]

You'll be straight dude, NYC is awesome...I've been to LA a lot too and love it out there, but I've been waiting for an opportunity to live in NYC!

Best of luck...I guess I'll be meeting you this summer

Oh yea and congrats on killing the DAT! Your scores are craazzyy!--don't look at mine-haha