In at Columbia 2015: Blue Pride__Poll better than nyu's ha Forum

[StrictlyBusiness]

My budget is roughly yours. I'm considering taking out 13,000 for post-rent living expenses. 1k a month to live on and then an extra 1k in case I need to fly home or buy a suit etc. The whole origination fee is total bullshit when you are paying 7.9% interest. I'm going to try hard not to take out more than I need, even if it means i have to ask for additional loan funds during the year.

I understand that people are trying to save money wherever they can, but $1k/month in NYC seems TIGHT. That's basically what I spend in my little college town. Could I spend less? of course, but but I think that extra grand or two will be well spent 1L year on convenience things like delivered groceries or buying your own lunch. Plus who wants to be the one who can't go out once or twice a month for drinks because they cramped themselves with the loans.

Not saying spend like an idiot, but I think your sanity will benefit from a few extra dollars over the next few years more than your bank account would.

[Bronck]

My budget is roughly yours. I'm considering taking out 13,000 for post-rent living expenses. 1k a month to live on and then an extra 1k in case I need to fly home or buy a suit etc. The whole origination fee is total bullshit when you are paying 7.9% interest. I'm going to try hard not to take out more than I need, even if it means i have to ask for additional loan funds during the year.

I understand that people are trying to save money wherever they can, but $1k/month in NYC seems TIGHT. That's basically what I spend in my little college town. Could I spend less? of course, but but I think that extra grand or two will be well spent 1L year on convenience things like delivered groceries or buying your own lunch. Plus who wants to be the one who can't go out once or twice a month for drinks because they cramped themselves with the loans.

Not saying spend like an idiot, but I think your sanity will benefit from a few extra dollars over the next few years more than your bank account would.

The bolded is a fair point, though 1k a month for expenses post rent still seems like overkill budget-wise.

[Nelson]

My budget is roughly yours. I'm considering taking out 13,000 for post-rent living expenses. 1k a month to live on and then an extra 1k in case I need to fly home or buy a suit etc. The whole origination fee is total bullshit when you are paying 7.9% interest. I'm going to try hard not to take out more than I need, even if it means i have to ask for additional loan funds during the year.

I understand that people are trying to save money wherever they can, but $1k/month in NYC seems TIGHT. That's basically what I spend in my little college town. Could I spend less? of course, but but I think that extra grand or two will be well spent 1L year on convenience things like delivered groceries or buying your own lunch. Plus who wants to be the one who can't go out once or twice a month for drinks because they cramped themselves with the loans.

Not saying spend like an idiot, but I think your sanity will benefit from a few extra dollars over the next few years more than your bank account would.

1k/month after rent sounds like plenty to me.

[Corrupty]

I'm considering taking private loans to avoid the origination fees. 4% of 250k is not an insignificant amount. I've got good credit and a decent rapport with my bank so I hope I can pull it off.

[hypothalamus]

I'd say $1,200-1,300 post-rent is quite doable without feeling like you can't do anything.

[StrictlyBusiness]

The bolded is a fair point, though 1k a month for expenses post rent still seems like overkill budget-wise.

Toilet paper, shampoo, tooth paste, hell 4 beers and a burger cost me $45 in NYC last weekend. It's amazing how those things add up.

[Bronck]

Even if you want to be really wild with your food estimates, 1k a month still sounds like a ton.

Say 500/month for food, eating out every night, cereal for breakfast, taking advantage of some free lunches on campus.

100/month for unlimited subway pass.

100/month for drinking at bars.

You're still left with 300...

[hypothalamus]

100/month for drinking at bars.

Having exactly 5 mixed drinks a month?

[Bronck]

100/month for drinking at bars.

Having exactly 5 mixed drinks a month?

I'm fairly introverted, that still sounds like a lot to me.

[Tiago Splitter]

Even if you want to be really wild with your food estimates, 1k a month still sounds like a ton.

Say 500/month for food, eating out every night, cereal for breakfast, taking advantage of some free lunches on campus.

100/month for unlimited subway pass.

100/month for drinking at bars.

You're still left with 300...

QF Bronck never picking up my tab next year LOL

[hypothalamus]

100/month for drinking at bars.

Having exactly 5 mixed drinks a month?

I'm fairly introverted, that still sounds like a lot to me.

I just mean going out is VERY expensive... I always make sure to drink at home first

[Doorkeeper]

100/month for drinking at bars.

Having exactly 5 mixed drinks a month?

I'm fairly introverted, that still sounds like a lot to me.

Oh TLS, how I do love your conversations sometimes.

[Bronck]

100/month for drinking at bars.

Having exactly 5 mixed drinks a month?

I'm fairly introverted, that still sounds like a lot to me.

I just mean going out is VERY expensive... I always make sure to drink at home first

Hahaha, that's true. But on the food front, at least, you can easily get by with relatively inexpensive meals.

[StrictlyBusiness]

Hahaha, that's true. But on the food front, at least, you can easily get by with relatively inexpensive meals.

I've never been able to get away with inexpensive anything, especially in places like NYC. The more I think about this $1,000/month is starting to sound like an acceptable bar tab if I end up at Columbia.

[Bronck]

Hahaha, that's true. But on the food front, at least, you can easily get by with relatively inexpensive meals.

I've never been able to get away with inexpensive anything, especially in places like NYC. The more I think about this $1,000/month is starting to sound like an acceptable bar tab if I end up at Columbia.

Then you're not looking at the right places... I stayed with my friend in the Village, and I never had to get a meal over $10. They were all delicious too.

[ahnhub]

You know, when I first saw the budget estimates for NYU/CLS I laughed because I was like, there's no way anyone's living in Manhattan on 20K/year or whatever. I mean one night out (subway/dinner/drinks/taxi) usually costs $100+. But law students just live differently, I think. And there are plenty of cheap places to drink or eat--they just may not be everyone's style.

Also--my guide at NYU ASW hired a broker for $2000 and leased a 1-bedroom for $3000 in the West Village a day after he got a Biglaw offer, all paid on loans. So you can go that route, too (I don't know how NYU FA let him get away with this).

[hypothalamus]

You know, when I first saw the budget estimates for NYU/CLS I laughed because I was like, there's no way anyone's living in Manhattan on 20K/year or whatever. I mean one night out (subway/dinner/drinks/taxi) usually costs $100+. But law students just live differently, I think. And there are plenty of cheap places to drink or eat--they just may not be everyone's style.

Also--my guide at NYU ASW hired a broker for $2000 and leased a 1-bedroom for $3000 in the West Village a day after he got a Biglaw offer, all paid on loans. So you can go that route, too (I don't know how NYU FA let him get away with this).

It IS 20K over 9 months, rather than a whole year.

[StrictlyBusiness]

Then you're not looking at the right places... I stayed with my friend in the Village, and I never had to get a meal over $10. They were all delicious too.

I was exaggerating quite a bit. I hope. But you're right, for those who want to do it there are plenty of awesome meals in the $10-15 range.

On the other hand, we found an awesome place called Lure's a few blocks from NYU, and I could never see myself escaping there for under $40.

I'll be the bad influence encouraging everyone to splurge on Fridays and ruining budgets left and right.

[Bronck]

Then you're not looking at the right places... I stayed with my friend in the Village, and I never had to get a meal over $10. They were all delicious too.

I was exaggerating quite a bit. I hope. But you're right, for those who want to do it there are plenty of awesome meals in the $10-15 range.

On the other hand, we found an awesome place called Lure's a few blocks from NYU, and I could never see myself escaping there for under $40.

I'll be the bad influence encouraging everyone to splurge on Fridays and ruining budgets left and right.

Hahaha! I guess rephrasing things from earlier: yes, it's definitely possible to live on less than 1k a month in NY (especially if you're not a huge drinker, and stick to the cheaper but still awesome meals). But, yes, those pricey distractions are always there as well, so it takes a little bit of discipline to not splurge every time.

[Tiago Splitter]

My girlfriend and I are food aficionados, so I'm pretty sure my budget is totally screwed. Definitely did not survive the ASWs cheaply.

[Mitterrand]

How is 1k not enough?

500 for food ~10 bucks to eat out a day and 50 a week for groceries whatever
200 alcohol, I'm coming straight from undergrad so no issues pre-gaming
150 for subway/taxi
50 for shampoo and such
100 flex

After rent, and with 1 or 2k put aside for large random expenses, I think that should be manageable.

[Doorkeeper]

My girlfriend and I are food aficionados, so I'm pretty sure my budget is totally screwed. Definitely did not survive the ASWs cheaply.

Tiago, I have a feeling we'd get along.

I'm coming up to NYC for NYU and I already have Marea and Minetta Tavern booked for dinners.

[StrictlyBusiness]

How is 1k not enough?

500 for food ~10 bucks to eat out a day and 50 a week for groceries whatever
200 alcohol, I'm coming straight from undergrad so no issues pre-gaming
150 for subway/taxi
50 for shampoo and such
100 flex

After rent, and with 1 or 2k put aside for large random expenses, I think that should be manageable.

What Bronck wrote. It's definitely possible to do those things. It's also possible to spend more than 1k without being unreasonable. If you and I both end up at CLS, my job will be to make sure 1k is not enough for you.

[Tiago Splitter]

The tiny bit of effort it takes to go from MH to much of NYC could save me hundreds or even thousands. CLS>NYU for this reason. Laziness=Profit.

[Bronck]

The tiny bit of effort it takes to go from MH to much of NYC could save me hundreds or even thousands. CLS>NYU for this reason. Laziness=Profit.