Moving to New York City. Any Advice?
I’m 20/F from the PA countryside. For about a year, I’ve been having an identity crisis. I’m unhappy/confused at college, and don’t have any more time/money to waste. Well, I want to live at home to save money this summer, and move to NYC possibly this Fall if I have the proper finances. I’m a bit of an idealist (actually, very idealistic!), but I am serious about making this work. I have a modeling portfolio, but am aware I would have a tough time getting work, as seeing NYC is mainly fashion modeling, while I’m used to the commercial modeling in Philly (I’m only 5’7″). I’d need to get a job and also hopefully take modeling jobs while I’m in the city to support myself and pay bills. I’m looking for any advice regarding jobs suitable for 20/21 year old females, bills, money, meeting people, renting, modeling in the city, or ANYTHING pertaining to a successful life in the city! All the ins and outs! I don’t want to fail and have to come crying home to my parents! Thanks everyone!
Asked by:lalallalalalala
Norweiginwood420 posted: 21 Oct at 2:58 am
have fun good luck
dzazzy posted: 23 Oct at 7:39 pm
Wow – you are probably not going to like my answer Lauren.
I don’t know where you are going to college or what you are studying. You should really take the time in the summer and decide what you really want to do in your life. It will take some soul searching. Any college degree is better than no college degree. College can be one of the best experiences of your life. It is a time of finding your identity and being idealistic about your future. Those are all really good – though very hard things.
You need to figure out what is making you unhappy and confused. Is someone pressuring you to get a certain degree? What are you confused about?
I always had a hard time with the fact that you had to decide a major in college when you are so young and just don’t know. Just follow whatever your interest is now. If you don’t know, then get a liberal arts degree and try a lot of different electives.
I absolutely cannot recommend moving to NYC at age 20. It is extremely expensive and you cannot make it without living with several roommates (whom you wouldn’t know – if you think college roommates can be difficult, try living with strangers!) and having several low paying jobs. Please consider trying sticking it out one more year at school and get a degree in something. And maybe trying an internship this summer in NYC. You will set yourself up way better in the long run. Whatever you decide you want to be, you can always change! Always follow your interests and passions!
I think you are an attractive girl, but I don’t think you’ll be able to make enough money modeling at 5’7″. It would be like moving to LA to be an actor with only acting in high school plays…
You will need health insurance – and part time jobs don’t give you that.
I wish you all the best of luck.
Mike M posted: 24 Oct at 10:44 am
Whoa.. Tiger!
Do you know how many 5 foot 7 Georgeous, beautiful, and absolutely stunning fashion and commercial models live in Manhattan. Over 2 million! Now Im just exaggerating. but my point is you need 2 slow down and realize you are in for a world of some serious competition.
Its one thing to be a pretty girl from PA, but you are talking about NYC. The center and capital of the Universe. I wouldnt move to NYC with atleast 10,000 cash. You are going to need it.. Why suffer and live in an apartment with 7 other people, so not worth it. Get your cash right.. and it will be easier for you to make the jump..
First things first. You need Cash, and you need to Survive. That said, either Learn to Bartend, Wait Tables or Cut Hair, why??because the cash is Amazing. and in NYC, cash is king. You can make a lot of money, and meet many girls just like you that want a shot in the business. But you can do that in the real world to get by!
Second- You can meet people your age through and any new joband look for a roomshare till you get on your feet or find a roomate.
Third- Understand, you probably will FAIl. Most successfull Fail all the time. Look at Donald Trump, He lost over a billion dollars Twice!
So you cant go into NYC, and say I want to go be successful and not fail and not go back crying to ur parents. Most likely that may happen, but its gonna happen in stages.
NYC is one of the greatest cities on the planet, but also very competitive. You need to start out with very low expectations, make friends that got your back, and go step by step.
Understand, looks will only get you so far, and If you dont become the next Heidi Klum, you should have a backup plan.
Either way, I travel a lot from Nyc, atlanta and Miami. I do know some people in the business as I used to be a fashion hairstylist.
Email me some pics and your story at and Ill pass them along to a few folks I know in NYC.
MLaw posted: 26 Oct at 3:57 am
You posted this same query earlier. Did you read those responses?
readytomove posted: 27 Oct at 12:40 am
There are zillions of modeling agencies to go to in NYC. You just have to make sure that they are legit. If they ask for money. they are not legit. You could work as a waitress, barmaid, secretary or warehouse worker. Whatever you want. I f you don’t have that much money, I don’t know how you are going to live here on your own. You will probably have to meet some other girls and have 3 roommates to have enough money to pay the ridiculously high rent here.
parmamagoo posted: 27 Oct at 5:39 am
You should look into finding a job before arriving, its tough enough in NYC. Try gaining employment at an ad agency as a receptionist. This will expose you to may new people and plug you into the NYC life with many people in your age group. You may even find a room mate.
There is also a Cafe in Union Station I believe that is owned by models, cant recall the name but if you search in Yahoo for modelling cafe or cafe owned by models in NYC, it will show up.
The Fashion Capital of the US and perhaps the world is Broadway – 7th Ave. between 40th and 34th streets, you should take a day trip and just hang in this area, you may get lucky and meet the right person. Bryant Park is on 41st between 5th and 6th and is where the major fashion shows are held, “Fashion n 6th” check out the schedule, contact a designer shop and let them know your intentions and offer to assist as part of a project, they may offer you a chance to volunteer at the show …
stay optimistic too, it will be your greatest asset if you want to make it here… Good luck.
Tvprodgrl3 posted: 30 Oct at 11:20 am
I know exactly how you feel. I left school in Indiana to go to LA when I was 20…now at 22 I am living with my boyfriend in NY. Its very expensive in Ny so we live in Jersey which is so much cheaper but then you have to take public trans. Also my boyfriend is basically the only person I know here and I really miss my girlfriends!!!! I got lucky and found a job in the city right away but i have to commute and hour each way and its hard to party there then have to come home on weekends. Good luck if you make the move!
sexychocTexas posted: 31 Oct at 11:12 am
ok
take it easy and slow down
live with ur parents for a bit
save up atleast 7000
the reason why i say this
is because the going rate for an studio or apt is about 800 a month u need to leave a deposit and plus an extra months rents which will be 2400 u need furniture it will be another 2000 then u need money just in case u dont have a job immediately
modeling agencies are everywhere the hardest part is that there are so many models that its very competitive
u may not get book often so u need to find a paying job
look on craigslist for apt and jobs
email me if u have any questions and atleat u might have a new friend in nyc