8 things i wish i knew before i moved to nyc

Summary

Mohuya Khan shares lessons from moving to New York City after previously living on Long Island and commuting to Manhattan. Her main tips include:

• Check internet availability before signing a lease. Some buildings or neighborhoods may support only certain providers, so don’t assume you’ll have several plans to choose from.
• Be persistent when apartment hunting. Listings can attract many applicants, and agents may not reply if you wait. Check sites frequently, follow up by message or phone, and have application paperwork ready, such as tax documents, pay stubs, and W-2 forms.
• Evaluate the neighborhood as well as the apartment. Walk around before committing, and consider whether you feel comfortable there and whether public transit and everyday activity are nearby.
• See the apartment in person if possible. Photos and virtual tours can hide problems or be misleading; an in-person visit can reveal the apartment’s actual condition.
• Save for emergencies and upfront costs. If possible, keep four to six months’ rent in reserve. Move-in costs may include first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, a broker’s fee, furniture, and other essentials.
• Prioritize the apartment over building amenities. Rooftops, pools, and gyms may look appealing, but they don’t make up for an apartment that doesn’t feel like home or offers poor value.
• Don’t assume you must live in Manhattan to enjoy New York. Other areas a short subway ride away can offer a New York experience without the highest rents.
• Take safety and well-being seriously. Khan discusses carrying self-defense equipment, particularly when traveling alone or using the subway. She notes that pepper spray can blow back; any equipment suggestion should be checked against local laws and safety considerations.
• Make time to enjoy the city. The pace and cost of life can lead to overwork and burnout, so take breaks and enjoy touristy activities rather than focusing only on bills and work.

Notable locations, sites, and speaker: New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, the subway, StreetEasy, Apartments.com, and Mohuya Khan. The subtitles also mention pepper spray and brass knuckles in the self-defense discussion.