How far ahead of time should I be moving for law school? Forum

[Manteca]

So I'm going to New York for law school. Currently, I'm living on the West Coast (British Columbia).

Having never had to move away for school before, how far ahead of orientation should I be moving to NYC?

I'm thinking a month ahead of time in order to get get used to my surroundings, less stress, etc. Considering orientation starts late August, that would put me at late July. Is this too far ahead of time?

I know this seems like a trivial question but I'd appreciate some feedback.

[jumpin munkey]

At most schools I think it would be fine to move in a couple days before. With an NYC school and someone who isn't from the area, I think you want to give yourself some more time to get acclimated. Your idea sounds fine.

ETA: You don't need a full month, of course, but a few weeks is good. (Plus it's NYC so there's a lot to do -- although NYC in early August is not a blast.) My only point is that doing the "weekend-before" move-in to an NYC law school for someone who isn't familiar with NYC sounds like a horrific idea.

[mushybrain]

I'd say at least a week would be nice. I did about three weeks I think which was more than enough.

[TheSpanishMain]

Do you already have housing lined up? If so, I'd give yourself maybe two weeks just to scope out the neighborhood, get all your paperwork/utilities/whatever done, etc.

[Nova]

you could def get away with moving less than a month in advance, but if you have the free time and money, spending some time getting acclimated certainly sounds ideal

[Br3v]

Something like a week is probably the best, though you could do the day before probably

[yossarian]

What about considering the next year? Moving a month ahead of time now means you may be looking at moving a month early next year, meaning that you won't be trying to move in the middle of OCI. Am I overthinking that?

(Also, in college towns, there is not a ton of choice on timing. That might only be a real option in metros).

[raininthedesert]

OMG...you haven't moved yet? Get your ass out there. Time's a wasting!

[Nebby]

I recommend getting a lease that starts August 1st. Move at that time. Then you have about three weeks to get to know your surroundings and so you can relax a bit before school.

[shock259]

Housing is going to be a bitch in NYC. Speaking from experience. If you don't have anything lined up, give yourself at least a few weeks to be paraded around to shitholes/scammed/etc until you find a reasonable place. And expect to pay out the ass for it.

[TheSpanishMain]

though you could do the day before probably

You probably COULD if you absolutely had to, but it sounds rough. Taking a little time to get all your affairs in order, not to mention get a sense of your neighborhood and the NYC subway system, seems way better. I'd do at least two weeks if it's feasible.

[mountaintime]

1 week is probably the sweet spot. It's enough time to get acquainted with the new area. I think I did 2 weeks just because my lease started on the first of the month, and it was probably too much time.

[Power_of_Facing]

1 week is probably the sweet spot. It's enough time to get acquainted with the new area. I think I did 2 weeks just because my lease started on the first of the month, and it was probably too much time.

Is this one week before orientation? Or one week before the beginning of classes?

[Br3v]

1 week is probably the sweet spot. It's enough time to get acquainted with the new area. I think I did 2 weeks just because my lease started on the first of the month, and it was probably too much time.

Is this one week before orientation? Or one week before the beginning of classes?

The difference is like, 24-48 hrs. Probably doesn't matter.