NYU Law Class of 2016 Forum

[maggielizer]

Hi guys! I'm officially committed to NYU as of earlier this week. Very excited (albeit still pretty intimidated by NYC)!

Yay! Are you going to the end of April ASW? I wanna try to coordinate a TLS meetup...

ETA: dude, you got the RTK? Major props. I remember you talking about how badly you wanted it on one of the other threads. Nice work.

[Anonymous4444]

withdrew really tough choice bec i love nyu but didnt want to hold up $ and a seat

[risa]

.

[Gisney]

Hi guys! I'm officially committed to NYU as of earlier this week. Very excited (albeit still pretty intimidated by NYC)!

Yay! Are you going to the end of April ASW? I wanna try to coordinate a TLS meetup...

ETA: dude, you got the RTK? Major props. I remember you talking about how badly you wanted it on one of the other threads. Nice work.

Thanks I'm still a little shocked myself! There are at least two others I know of on TLS too. I was at NYU last weekend so won't be at the late April ASW. Have fun! We had pretty nice weather but yours should be even better!

Congrats Risa! Excited for you!

[ph5354a]

Is anybody still waiting to hear back on their appeal?

[ph5354a]

Is anybody still waiting to hear back on their appeal?

As God as my witness, NYU's e-newsletter will never give me a heart attack again!!

[beautyistruth]

I am. Not that hopeful, but we'll see.

[ph5354a]

I am. Not that hopeful, but we'll see.

When did you submit your appeal? Someone who submitted on 4/8 heard back on Friday, so hopefully we hear something soon.

[Tekrul]

Thought I'd put this out there for those who are not savvy with the area.

Jersey City is a solid place to live off campus. One stop on the Path puts you ~5 blocks west the law school. Two stops puts you closer NW. Rents are cheaper, rooms are bigger, taxes are lower, groceries, restaurants, etc. The Newport district puts the Path right outside your front door and gives you waterfront property.

Financial District, way south Manhattan, has a 10-15 minute commute by subway. Contrary to what one may think, rush hour won't be bad. People are coming downtown in droves, you would be commuting uptown. Rent has gone up in NYC so a roommate is advisable here. But prices won't be as bad as near NYU, the buildings will be nicer, rooms cleaner/newer.

UWS is not so expensive the further west you get. Waterside is windy as hell but secluded, quiet. The Trumps line the coast ~65th st. Rent is comparable to the village but a bit pricier. But each buck goes further here than the village for sure. Getting a doorman, gym, swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, garden courtyard, rooftop lounge, billiard room, etc. would be ludicrously expensive in the village but comes competitive in this area. Commute would be the downtown 1,2,3 which will be HELL in the mornings.

As a general principle, however, north-south commuting is far preferable to west-east commuting in the cities.

I just put these out there as these are the 3 I'm choosing between myself. These and on campus of course but as these options can be cheaper than on campus and come with more amenities, I'm leaning this way.

Please also remember that whatever the monthly rent is, you'll have to add broker fees, condo fees, utility, cable, Internet, and commuting costs. Conservatively, I'd say add about 400-600 more to the "rent" the broker is hustling you into for the true net effective cost.

[chickpea]

Hmmmm, in my experience living right by NYU (Greenwich Village/West Village) is significantly more expensive than living on the UWS or UES. I also think it's cheaper to live in the Financial District than it is to live in Greenwich Village/West Village. Also, it's possible to find an apartment without paying a broker's fee if you're willing to search through the listings yourself and do a big of legwork to view apartments.

[Swimp]

UWS is not so expensive the further west you get. WatersideRiverside is windy as hell but secluded, quiet. The Trumps line the coast ~65th st. Rent is comparable to the village but a bit pricier. But each buck goes further here than the village for sure. Getting a doorman, gym, swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, garden courtyard, rooftop lounge, billiard room, etc. would be ludicrously expensive in the village but comes competitive in this area. Commute would be the downtown 1,2,3 which will be HELL in the mornings.

Your advice is pretty solid, but I'm going to quibble on two points:

1) The 1/2/3 isn't HELL in the morning. It's just crowded. Unless somebody jumped in front of a train or something, they come fast and you can get an express downtown in like 10 minutes. I take it every day.

2) In my opinion, paying $2,500 at a minimum to live in a 600 sq ft studio in a luxury complex like Trump Place while in law school is nuts. There are much more affordable options in normal buildings on the UWS that are fine. You just don't get a doorman, roof terrace, gym, spa, and movie theater in the building.

[Tekrul]

True. I guess hell for me is squeezing into a subway car like sardines in a can and then feeling the subway door crush my arm ten times before people squeeze in more and I can fit in. And skipping the train to take the next one doesn't work. From van cortlandt park to 72 street will present you with a packed train every time until you're too late for class anyway.

Sorry to people if it came off like you wouldn't be able to make the commute. Oh, if you want to get on that 2/3 train, you CAN fit in...

Riverside*. I just didn't think people would know the name so I meant waterside as in by the water. Also, I don't think that other buildings in the area are cheaper by rule. The Trump option was the best deal I found when looking for an apartment last year. The other appealing vacancy I found, on 70th and West End was slightly cheaper but the difference in quality/amenities is significant. You'd be appalled at some of the things people try to sell you at 2,500. But I guess I see your point. Part of the reason it's on this list with my other two options is I'd have 0 cost of moving.

As a bottom line, I far prefer Jersey City (Newport) and FiDi to it. My list came in the order of preference.

[02889]

True. I guess hell for me is squeezing into a subway car like sardines in a can and then feeling the subway door crush my arm ten times before people squeeze in more and I can fit in. And skipping the train to take the next one doesn't work. From van cortlandt park to 72 street will present you with a packed train every time until you're too late for class anyway.

Sorry to people if it came off like you wouldn't be able to make the commute. Oh, if you want to get on that 2/3 train, you CAN fit in...

Riverside*. I just didn't think people would know the name so I meant waterside as in by the water. Also, I don't think that other buildings in the area are cheaper by rule. The Trump option was the best deal I found when looking for an apartment last year. The other appealing vacancy I found, on 70th and West End was slightly cheaper but the difference in quality/amenities is significant. You'd be appalled at some of the things people try to sell you at 2,500. But I guess I see your point. Part of the reason it's on this list with my other two options is I'd have 0 cost of moving.

As a bottom line, I far prefer Jersey City (Newport) and FiDi to it. My list came in the order of preference.

Are you currently actually paying (or did you actually pay) $2500 per month for rent? If you don't mind me asking, was that through your own personal savings, or were you able to increase the rent allotment in your expense budget to take on higher loans?

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

[ph5354a]

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

It's approved by NYU, and from what Jam has said, they're pretty helpful with it. I believe people have mentioned getting the COA increased to allow for purchasing winter clothing, so it sounds like NYU is pretty reasonable if you have a legitimate and specific need to borrow more. Thought I doubt wanting to live in a Trump building is justifiable

[02889]

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

It's approved by NYU, and from what Jam has said, they're pretty helpful with it. I believe people have mentioned getting the COA increased to allow for purchasing winter clothing, so it sounds like NYU is pretty reasonable if you have a legitimate and specific need to borrow more. Thought I doubt wanting to live in a Trump building is justifiable

Thanks. Yeah, haha, I have no interest in $2,500 a month for rent in a Trump building, but I was just curious.

[JamMasterJ]

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

It's approved by NYU, and from what Jam has said, they're pretty helpful with it. I believe people have mentioned getting the COA increased to allow for purchasing winter clothing, so it sounds like NYU is pretty reasonable if you have a legitimate and specific need to borrow more. Thought I doubt wanting to live in a Trump building is justifiable

LOL I got 800 bucks for winter clothes for my wife and I

Don't live in a Trump building - that's dumb. There are plenty of places really close to (whichever of the 123 is the express) above 600ft for around 2K. Yes it's a 2-3 story walkup, and no, there's no hot-tub, but oh well, you're a full-time student.


Also, if you can't ride the subway standing close to people, I don't really know what to say.

[02889]

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

It's approved by NYU, and from what Jam has said, they're pretty helpful with it. I believe people have mentioned getting the COA increased to allow for purchasing winter clothing, so it sounds like NYU is pretty reasonable if you have a legitimate and specific need to borrow more. Thought I doubt wanting to live in a Trump building is justifiable

LOL I got 800 bucks for winter clothes for my wife and I

Don't live in a Trump building - that's dumb. There are plenty of places really close to (whichever of the 123 is the express) above 600ft for around 2K. Yes it's a 2-3 story walkup, and no, there's no hot-tub, but oh well, you're a full-time student.


Also, if you can't ride the subway standing close to people, I don't really know what to say.

Thanks for the response. A 1 bedroom/studio in a walkup for 1800-2000 is exactly what I'm hoping to score, somewhere between Hell's Kitchen and lower Harlem, as I'll be living with my significant other who'll be attending Columbia. But my parents are broke and I'm skeptical I'll have over 10,000 saved by the time I leave my job, so I'm stressed by everything related to NYC apartments right now.

[JamMasterJ]

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

It's approved by NYU, and from what Jam has said, they're pretty helpful with it. I believe people have mentioned getting the COA increased to allow for purchasing winter clothing, so it sounds like NYU is pretty reasonable if you have a legitimate and specific need to borrow more. Thought I doubt wanting to live in a Trump building is justifiable

LOL I got 800 bucks for winter clothes for my wife and I

Don't live in a Trump building - that's dumb. There are plenty of places really close to (whichever of the 123 is the express) above 600ft for around 2K. Yes it's a 2-3 story walkup, and no, there's no hot-tub, but oh well, you're a full-time student.


Also, if you can't ride the subway standing close to people, I don't really know what to say.

Thanks for the response. A 1 bedroom/studio in a walkup for 1800-2000 is exactly what I'm hoping to score, somewhere between Hell's Kitchen and lower Harlem, as I'll be living with my significant other who'll be attending Columbia. But my parents are broke and I'm skeptical I'll have over 10,000 saved by the time I leave my job, so I'm stressed by everything related to NYC apartments right now.

use your credit card for other things because it won't be helpful in the apartment process. Also, maybe you can try emailing Gennet Black to see whether you can get a preliminary estimation for a budget increase, just to show landlords that you have the capability to get the money when necessary. This may ease their minds on renting to someone who doesnt have an income.

Also, look at the UES east of 2nd ave.

[Tekrul]

True. I guess hell for me is squeezing into a subway car like sardines in a can and then feeling the subway door crush my arm ten times before people squeeze in more and I can fit in. And skipping the train to take the next one doesn't work. From van cortlandt park to 72 street will present you with a packed train every time until you're too late for class anyway.

Sorry to people if it came off like you wouldn't be able to make the commute. Oh, if you want to get on that 2/3 train, you CAN fit in...

Riverside*. I just didn't think people would know the name so I meant waterside as in by the water. Also, I don't think that other buildings in the area are cheaper by rule. The Trump option was the best deal I found when looking for an apartment last year. The other appealing vacancy I found, on 70th and West End was slightly cheaper but the difference in quality/amenities is significant. You'd be appalled at some of the things people try to sell you at 2,500. But I guess I see your point. Part of the reason it's on this list with my other two options is I'd have 0 cost of moving.

As a bottom line, I far prefer Jersey City (Newport) and FiDi to it. My list came in the order of preference.

Are you currently actually paying (or did you actually pay) $2500 per month for rent? If you don't mind me asking, was that through your own personal savings, or were you able to increase the rent allotment in your expense budget to take on higher loans?

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

I live with a roommate at a Trump. We each pay 1600-1700 a month (it slightly varies) for ~850 sq ft 1br 1ba that we unofficially turned into a flex. This figure includes the fees I mentioned plus commute and utilities. It is our net effective rent. Note: we do not have cable, only internet. We watch Netflix/Hulu Plus. Note that when you find 'deals' in NYC such as 1400 or so rent for a 1br or studio, that is NOT your net effective rent. You are looking at roughly 300 on top of that for fees, utility, and commute.

I resent that my advice was taken as "lawl trump gtfo". I am fairly frugal and embrace the grad student lifestyle. This building is a good deal from any angle.

Every single person I know living in other buildings/walk ups/etc. pay more, get less, and don't know that they can get better deals in the city. Don't let the Trump name fool you, Trump only paid to build these towers to put his name on them. They're owned and operated entirely by condo board, meaning individual unit owners, aka your neighbors. I took advantage of Trulia, StreetEasy, Craiglist and did a LOT of walking, showings, and let brokers take me on wild adventures for MONTHS. My diligence led to a great deal in a great building, period.

That said, take current market prices into account. The rate we currently have is the blessing of a generous contract with option to renew at minimal rent increase. As NYC rents have gone up, I can't say for certain what the market is now. However, at the time of our renting, this was a good deal against the other buildings, and I'm sure rental prices in my building will be competitive with rental prices around the city.

I don't mind you asking at all, I currently live in this situation paying as I earn from my job. I don't have to touch my savings and it is not from NYU - I am a 0L. From a recent e-mail I received from NYU Fin Aid, they said that Graduate Plus loans can be borrowed in the amount fully covering the remaining cost of attendance. Whether or not it's sound to borrow that much is another story.

Edit: btw I noticed your SO will be attending Columbia. I commuted to Columbia College from here and it was great.

Edited again: I still hate the downtown commute and will likely be moving to Jersey City when my lease runs down and not renew. However, Jersey City being so much further south will make commuting to Columbia more difficult.

[JamMasterJ]

True. I guess hell for me is squeezing into a subway car like sardines in a can and then feeling the subway door crush my arm ten times before people squeeze in more and I can fit in. And skipping the train to take the next one doesn't work. From van cortlandt park to 72 street will present you with a packed train every time until you're too late for class anyway.

Sorry to people if it came off like you wouldn't be able to make the commute. Oh, if you want to get on that 2/3 train, you CAN fit in...

Riverside*. I just didn't think people would know the name so I meant waterside as in by the water. Also, I don't think that other buildings in the area are cheaper by rule. The Trump option was the best deal I found when looking for an apartment last year. The other appealing vacancy I found, on 70th and West End was slightly cheaper but the difference in quality/amenities is significant. You'd be appalled at some of the things people try to sell you at 2,500. But I guess I see your point. Part of the reason it's on this list with my other two options is I'd have 0 cost of moving.

As a bottom line, I far prefer Jersey City (Newport) and FiDi to it. My list came in the order of preference.

Are you currently actually paying (or did you actually pay) $2500 per month for rent? If you don't mind me asking, was that through your own personal savings, or were you able to increase the rent allotment in your expense budget to take on higher loans?

[edit] Also, as a general question, when requesting a budget increase for anything, is that approved by NYU or is it through the government? I'm just kind of wallowing in confusion while waiting for the financial aid information from NYU to arrive.

I live with a roommate at a Trump. We each pay 1600-1700 a month (it slightly varies) for ~850 sq ft 1br 1ba that we unofficially turned into a flex. This figure includes the fees I mentioned plus commute and utilities. It is our net effective rent. Note: we do not have cable, only internet. We watch Netflix/Hulu Plus. Note that when you find 'deals' in NYC such as 1400 or so rent for a 1br or studio, that is NOT your net effective rent. You are looking at roughly 300 on top of that for fees, utility, and commute.

I resent that my advice was taken as "lawl trump gtfo". I am fairly frugal and embrace the grad student lifestyle. This building is a good deal from any angle.

Every single person I know living in other buildings/walk ups/etc. pay more, get less, and don't know that they can get better deals in the city. Don't let the Trump name fool you, Trump only paid to build these towers to put his name on them. They're owned and operated entirely by condo board, meaning individual unit owners, aka your neighbors. I took advantage of Trulia, StreetEasy, Craiglist and did a LOT of walking, showings, and let brokers take me on wild adventures for MONTHS. My diligence led to a great deal in a great building, period.

That said, take current market prices into account. The rate we currently have is the blessing of a generous contract with option to renew at minimal rent increase. As NYC rents have gone up, I can't say for certain what the market is now. However, at the time of our renting, this was a good deal against the other buildings, and I'm sure rental prices in my building will be competitive with rental prices around the city.

I don't mind you asking at all, I currently live in this situation paying as I earn from my job. I don't have to touch my savings and it is not from NYU - I am a 0L. From a recent e-mail I received from NYU Fin Aid, they said that Graduate Plus loans can be borrowed in the amount fully covering the remaining cost of attendance. Whether or not it's sound to borrow that much is another story.

Edit: btw I noticed your SO will be attending Columbia. I commuted to Columbia College from here and it was great.

the difference is that you're talking about what is effectively a jr 2 br, which is necessary for non-coupled roommates, and a total of 3400 (unless you're counting your subway card in that for some reason, in which case, 3K to 3200). We're talking about a place for him and his SO, where it's OK to have a jr 1br or a true 1br at 2K, basically 2250 or so after utilities. While your place is nicer, a 1K difference is not apples to apples.

[Tekrul]

Whoops forgot that he and his SO would be, of course, be fine having a jr 1 or true 1. And their costs would be shared instead of divided such as mine. You are totally right.

I was thinking in terms that saw the SO as a roommate.

So aspie, damn.

Anyway, the spirit of my argument still stands, you can find better deals if you search diligently enough and you shouldn't accept the first attractive apartment you come across.

[02889]

Thanks for all the help! I'll continue to have questions as May and June arrive, but this was all very helpful for getting started.

[beepboopbeep]

How would you recommend searching for apartments from another part of the country? Living in housing for 1L is not an option for me.

[JamMasterJ]

How would you recommend searching for apartments from another part of the country? Living in housing for 1L is not an option for me.

Get a 1 month sublet, search from mid august-mid september.

[beepboopbeep]

How would you recommend searching for apartments from another part of the country? Living in housing for 1L is not an option for me.

Get a 1 month sublet, search from mid august-mid september.

Thanks - though that sounds awful for someone with a lot of stuff. I guess there aren't like, big management companies that have a number of buildings where I could drop in for a weekend and look at a bunch?