roommates – Blog 3

28 Mar 2018

Affordable Apartments in NYC for International Students

March 28, 2018
Metronest
International Students, Rental Apartments

Going to school in New York City can be a thrill for international students. Not only is NYC one of America’s greatest metro areas and an exciting introduction to the country, it’s also a mecca of blended cultures, cultural experiences and rich history — a great place to learn from your life outside the classroom (as well as the classes you take within). If you are planning to move to New York to go to school, the process may feel daunting. However, by doing some of the legwork in advance, you can ensure you find an apartment that suits your needs — and be certain that you end up living in an area you like. Learn more about how here.

Choosing a Neighborhood

New York City is a big place! Even though Manhattan itself is only 22.82 square miles, it has countless neighborhoods — and that doesn’t even include the rest of the boroughs. So how do you choose a neighborhood in a city that you’ve never even spent time in?

One of the best ways is to do research about the city. Our Leasing Agents can provide information about the flavor and vibe of the neighborhoods our buildings are in, what amenities they offer, and how easy it is to get around. Ask friends and family who live in the city what they like and dislike most about their neighborhood. Take to social media and ask your network – you’re sure to get some honest answers.

While you do research about different areas in New York, consider your own priorities. Do you have important classes and/or a job that you have to get to quickly and easily? If so, you’ll want to consider choosing a neighborhood near your work or school, or one that offers easy access to public transportation. Do you love trying new foods, checking out new restaurants or having fun nights out with your friends? If so, look at what restaurants, bars and entertainment options are located in each area.

Looking at Apartments

When you’re across the world and you still need to rent an apartment, you might feel daunted. After all, how can you make sure that the home really suits your needs? Luckily, technology can help with that. Find a friend in town who is willing to go look at apartments for you, and have that friend call you on Skype or FaceTime while they tour the apartment. This will give you a live, real look at what the space looks and feels like, and ensure that you don’t end up living somewhere that doesn’t feel right to you. Also, ask for pictures of the apartment (including closets, bathrooms, entryways and more) so you can think about your decision after your conversation is over.

If you don’t have a friend living in the city, consider getting in touch with a real estate agent who can also lead you on a FaceTime tour of potential apartments.

Finding a Roommate

If you are moving to New York as an international student, there’s a good chance you’ll want a roommate. Housing in New York City is expensive but becomes much more affordable when you can share the costs. The best option for finding a roommate is to tap into your network and ask whether anyone has a friend or family member looking for a roommate. Ask your parents to get social and talk to their friends. Other options for finding roommates in NYC include tools like Symbi or SpareRoom.

We understand that moving to New York City as an international student is as exciting as it is daunting and we’re here to help. Let us find you the perfect apartment and answer all your questions about life in the greatest city on earth.

23 Aug 2017

You’ve Moved Into Your New York City Apartment, Now What?

August 23, 2017
Metronest
NYC Tips

Photo credit @lisaiannarino via Twenty20

Congratulations! Finding an apartment in New York City isn’t easy, but at last you have a place to call home. Here’s a few quick tips to help you make a smooth transition to apartment life.

1. Face Time

Living alone for the first time is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life. It’s a chance to become more self-reliant, make your own rules, and explore your personal style. It’s also a little scary; you might be spending more time alone than you ever have before.

Create a routine that includes getting out and about regularly. Frequent local shops and cafes, introduce yourself to the neighbors, and join local community events. Invite your friends over — a lot. Make the most of this experience to develop your social skills, face to face to face.

2. Roommates

Sharing your apartment can be just as much fun as it looks on those classic television shows, if you find the right roommate. But don’t rush into this new relationship. Compatibility is important, and so is dependability; an error in judgment or a misunderstanding about commitment could mean more expenses for you.

Find out up front what might be deal breakers for each of you, and don’t let small annoyances simmer. Choose your “compromise zones” — usually shared spaces, such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room — and reach a mutual understanding about decorating and maintaining them.

3. Keeping House

You don’t need to break the bank to turn your apartment into home, sweet home. Throw pillows or an area rug are inexpensive ways to personalize the space, while lamps and accent lights in key places help create a warm atmosphere. If you’re sharing the apartment, go shopping together to find items you can agree on, especially for those compromise zones.

Keeping the apartment and appliances clean saves problems in the long run, and it’s essential for healthy living, both physically and mentally. Don’t let the chores build up — find a system that works for you, turn on some music and get down to it.

4. Storage

A New York City apartment probably means adjusting to living in a more compact scale than you might be accustomed to. At first it seems like you have much more stuff than space, but assessing storage possibilities will soon be second nature to you. Take advantage of the move to cull dead weight, and aim for charming instead of cramped when you decorate.

Use design techniques that make the space seem larger, such as limiting the color palette and placing mirrors strategically to reflect light. Clutter-free surfaces help create the illusion of space, too. Some furniture items can double as storage or be hidden away when not in use. Maximize vertical storage solutions to keep floor space clear — hooks and shelving are practical and can also be visually striking features.

5. That Safety Habit

No matter how safe the neighborhood is, it’s wise to cultivate a habit of safety. If it locks, lock it; always lock your door and windows — and yes, that goes for apartments above the first floor, too. You should know all the potential routes around the apartment and where the emergency exits are from any point inside the building.

You don’t have to be nosy, but be aware of the general habits of your neighbors so that you’ll recognize when any activity is out of the ordinary. If you have a roommate, you should discuss a safety plan with him or her, including locking the door, not giving away keys and being careful about who enters your home.

What? Still looking for that perfect apartment? Chances are we have just what you need. Click here to search

14 Jun 2017

NYC Living Isn’t Cheap—But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Out of Reach

Whether you work in an industry that thrives in New York or you’re simply looking for a fresh start in one of the most iconic cities in the world, the prospect of paying for an apartment in a desirable neighborhood like Greenwich Village or Murray Hill can seem daunting. Luckily, there’s an easy solution, and No Fee Rentals will help you take advantage of it.

The Buddy System: Not Just for Field Trips Anymore

There are so many great reasons to live in New York. The culture, the career prospects, the people, the history…it’s no wonder millions of people proudly call this city their home. This is especially true for people in their 20s and 30s who are building a career path and looking for a way to really make their lives worthwhile. But the high desirability of life in New York means that apartment rentals can be astronomical, well beyond the reach of the salary of an entry-level or junior employee in most industries.

That’s why living with roommates has become such a standard practice in NYC. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment can be less expensive than that of a 1-bedroom when you split the cost in two, and that’s driving more and more people to opt for multi-bedroom living situations with roommates. Having roommates can be great not only from a financial standpoint but also from a practical and social standpoint as well. Roommates can help you if you get locked out of the apartment or water your plants if you’re going for a weekend getaway upstate. Plus, lots of young New Yorkers luck out and find roommates who end up becoming friends, which helps combat the sense of loneliness that often comes with making a big move to a bustling new city.

Finding a Good Roommate to Share Your Space

Finding good roommates really can feel like a luck-of-the-draw process, but before you break out the rabbit’s foot and start wishing for success, keep in mind that the growing trend of living with roommates has brought about some handy solutions for finding good people to buddy up with. Roommate finding services like roommatelocator.com are like dating apps for roommates, giving you the chance to review profiles and find the people you think you’d like to live with.

Nofeerentals.com offers some Multi-Room Share apartments, meaning you won’t necessarily have to do a lot of legwork and research to find an affordable place to live. These larger units are available furnished or unfurnished, in a range of prices depending on location, amenities, and time frame – from short-term leases of just a few months to long-term rentals. They enable tenants to share the cost of utilities and common areas, while retaining the privacy of individual bedrooms.

Interested? Grab a few friends and begin your New York story here.

15 Feb 2017

5 Tips for Living with Roommates Successfully in New York

Living in New York offers countless perks: you have access to some of the world’s best restaurants, cultural attractions and job opportunities right at your doorstep. However, living in New York also presents its share of challenges, one of which is finding housing that is affordable. The housing market in New York is highly competitive and notoriously expensive, so one of the best ways for first-time New Yorkers to find a home they can afford is to live with roommates. Whether you end up living with friends or finding a housing situation via a platform like Craigslist, there are simple things you should keep in mind to make sure your living situation ends up working as smoothly as possible. The following five tips will help make living with roommates easy and enjoyable while you get your footing in NYC.

1. Discuss the Division of Finances from the Get-Go

When you first move in with roommates, it’s important to immediately decide how you will split up costs. You’ll need to determine who is going to pay for things such as the rent, electricity bill, gas bill, cable bill and internet, as well as any maintenance fees, groceries, etc. You might choose to split the costs evenly or have each person cover certain bills — there’s no one right way to do it. However, setting up financial rules from the beginning (in writing) ensures there will be no confusion or arguing about who is paying for what.

2. Set Household Goals and Values

It may sound corny, but when you first move in, it can be helpful to talk to your roommates about common household values and goals. Is it important for you to live in a space that is clean? Is quiet in the evenings important because you have work early in the morning? Lay these things out on the table, so you can make sure everyone in the space is on the same page about what is important for a happy household.

3. Keep Common Areas Clean

You may live like a tornado swept through your closet — but you should keep your mess confined to your room. Don’t leave personal belongings out in common spaces like the living room or kitchen, since it’s easy for shared spaces to get cluttered very easily. Doing your part to keep the common areas clean will encourage your roommates to do so as well — that way, the space you all spend time in together always feels nice and calming.

4. Learn Their Schedules

Most people in New York are constantly busy, pursuing work goals, artistic pursuits and enjoying time with friends. Try to learn your roommates’ schedules and be considerate of their needs. Make note of what time they tend to wake up or leave for work, when they cook breakfast and dinner, and what time they like take showers. Then you can adapt your schedule around theirs (and they to yours), and you’ll all enjoy convenient and easy access to what you need in the apartment.

5. Delineate Chores

Apartments need regular maintenance on a regular basis– the trash must be taken out, the shower cleaned and the floors swept (among other things). All these tasks should not fall to one roommate. Instead, make sure chores are delegated in a way that everyone has equal responsibility for the space. You can either assign one task to one person (for example, you take out the recycling and trash, and your roommate washes the dishes), or you can create a calendar with rotating tasks so one person isn’t stuck with cleaning the toilet bowl week after week.

Once you know WHO you’re going to live with and HOW things are going to work, it’s time to figure out WHERE you’re going to live and NoFee Rentals is the best place to start – and end – your search.

Tag Archives: roommates