Docking Ship in New Waters

“Find an apartment that preferably isn’t 100 years old. Also, try to avoid the Green Line if you can afford it, but apartments are the cheapest on it. The T is crazy in the afternoon, so go into work early and leave early. Find a sports team to play on (Boston RFC for me). jm Curley is an excellent bar and food spot.” –Will H. ’14

“Popular Boston neighborhoods: Fenway/Kenmore- sports addicts unite; South Boston- young professional, affordable housing, great nightlife; South End/Back Bay- families, young professionals, dog lovers, expensive.” –Joana B. ’10

“I’ve since moved to another city, but I lived in Coolidge Corner in Brookline. There are a lot of great restaurants. Regal Beagle and Zaftigs are great for brunch but have really long line. There are a ton of sushi places. Hops N Scotch is a cool bar, and Barcelona Wine Bar is amazing but that’s more towards Washington Square. Coolidge Corner is right on the Green Line and it’s so easy to get into Boston.” –Anonymous

“Border Cafe in Harvard Square and Flour in Kendall Square are my must-try food recommendations for the Cambridge/Somerville area.” –Steven T. ’16

“Many Boston landlords go through a broker. It’s a very expensive and discouraging process. Start as early as possible otherwise you may settle for less!” –Megan H. ’09

“Moved into a Boston apartment a friend was moving out of. It sucks but it’s cheap. I’d live closer to the city if I did it over.” –Will H. ’14

“Cambridge is great! The many squares provide a wealth of fun and interesting things to do. Especially Central Square. Try to live close to a T stop. It makes getting around much easier. Also, it’s a huge biking city.” –Gavin P. ’17

“Boston nightlife: Lincoln Tavern, Boylston Street (strip of restaurants/bars), Fenway (strip of bars), and Faneuil.” –Joana B. ’10

“Brookline is a nicer area with apartments with 3-5 bedrooms. Coolidge Corner or Washington Square, specifically. Back Bay, South End, and Beacon Hill are all more expensive and the apartments are smaller, but the areas are nicer than the aforementioned.” –Anonymous

“Moving to Boston after graduation was a perfect choice. It was such an easy transition from college into reality because there are so many colleges in the area and there is such a large population of twenty-somethings. The one thing about Boston I wish I had known prior was that almost 80% of apartments turn over on September 1. It is a mad rush to get the best, most affordable apartment.” –Anonymous

“Boston is a fabulous city to live in after college, for work, or for graduate school. There are tons of young people, lots of jobs, a great cultural scene, a fabulous fitness community, etc. It can be expensive, but areas like Allston or Somerville tend to be slightly more affordable. There are always new neighborhoods to explore and new restaurants popping up—get on the email lists for the local restaurant weeks so that you can try them all!” –Leah O. ’09

“You don’t need a car in Boston – in fact, buying a parking spot will often cost you a lot. See if you can get discounted Charlie Cards for the “T” (train) through work. The Brighton/Allston area is great – cheaper and larger places, safe area, young community. Finding a place close to a T line or bus stop is a must.” –Jill D. ’16

“Craigslist shows Boston apartments that don’t really exist. Craigslist is more for getting in contact with a realtor that can show you what’s actually available. For rentals, that’s probably your best bet. But if you don’t see anything you like, reach out to one of the ads just to secure the realtor. Most rentals are on a September 1 cycle. You’ll want to start searching for an apartment after June 1. Don’t wait too long because the good ones go quickly.” –Anonymous

“If you aren’t from Boston, you have to walk The Freedom Trail. I’ve never been interested in history, but the trail is still one of my favorite things about the city. In terms of transportation, the T is pretty slow, but cheap and easy. Once you’re downtown, you can pretty much walk anywhere if you don’t mind walking a couple miles. Must-try restaurants: Anna’s Taqueria has the best burritos on the east coast. If you’re into Chinese food, Taiwan Cafe is the best of Chinatown.” –Matt B. ’14

“Best neighborhoods to live in the city (if you can afford it): South End, Back Bay, Financial District, and Beacon Hill. Outside the city: Brookline (Coolidge Corner, Washington Square).” –Anonymous

“I live in Central Square in Cambridge and really love it. Certain areas of the city make having a car very expensive and difficult (e.g. Brookline). Living near a T line that can get you to work is ideal. Cambridge and Somerville are great areas if you want to feel more independent and somewhat removed from touristy areas of the city.” –Megan H. ’09

“I love the Cambridge area because all the universities in the area attract great talent. The tech community here is tightly knit and full of very smart people.” –Christina K. ’16

“Find a broker in Boston you trust, and live with a friend. Live on the T, even if it’s cheaper not to.” –Dan S. ’09

“If you’re looking around the Brighton area, check out Edge Realty Advisors. They’re young, understand your budget, and won’t show you anything that you wouldn’t actually live in.” –Jill D.  ’16

“Visit Boston a lot and be ready to sign on the line as soon as you find one you like! Apartments get scooped up very quickly, particularly for September 1, June 1, and January 1 lease start dates.” –Anonymous

“I live in Boston. If you like NYC, but think its way too overwhelming, Boston is great for you. Plenty of colleges and younger people around. Abundance of food and things to do. The T can be annoying sometimes but is a decently reliable way to get around. Expensive, so find roommates/friends to live with.” –Evelyn G. ’18

“Don’t bring a car if you don’t need one. Get a monthly T pass so you’re able to get around the city easily and more cost-effectively.” –Joana B. ’10

“In order to be able to live here right out of college, most people will need roommates. It is expensive to live anywhere near the T. Brighton and Allston are very college-y but good for 21- to 23- year-olds.” –Anonymous

“The Red Line is the best line to be on, but rent is expensive. The city is made up of smaller cities and boroughs and people tend not to travel too much in-between socially (like NYC). The MBTA hours were recently extended so the twenty-somethings of Boston are rejoicing, and it is hoping to retain people that way.” –Gemma S. ’09

“Boston is the best city on Earth! The T is the way to go; parking is insane. If you want to live further out and drive in, try to park at the ends of the T lines, like Alewife, Riverside, or Wellington, because they’re usually cheaper, about $7 for the day. For the T, see if your company can help you pay for it. My hospital has a program so I only have to pay half the fee before taxes. I live in the suburbs at home and take the commuter rail in, which is super expensive, so this saves me a ton of money.” –Teresa R. ’16

“I found a place that’s very close to work, this helps with daily commute.” –Christina K. ’14

“I moved to Boston! I live in a neighborhood closer to the suburbs called Brighton, since it is near my school. I love it because there are so many students and young people; the city has great energy. There are so many places to eat and shop. There is lots of history to take in as well. I love the newer area of Seaport for cool new buildings and beautiful views of the water. I also love eating Italian food in the North End.” –Eileen R. ’18

“If you’re not on one of the major bus lines, try to get an apartment within 15 minutes walking of a train stop. You do not have to get an apartment in the Loop or River North unless you’re looking to burn cash. The bar with the best view of the city is Cindy’s.” –Deborah P.  ’09

“Tons of good neighborhood options abound. Identify your priorities and then find a place. There are many factors: proximity to public transportation, proximity to the lake, areas with a lot of bars/restaurants/nightlife, types of neighborhoods, etc. Know what you want, and find something accordingly.” –Anonymous

“Craigslist. Proximity to a grocery store is key – especially if you don’t have a car. BTW, you don’t need a car.” –Deborah P.  ’09

“Chicago is a great city to live in with a strong network of Rochester graduates. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and has something for everyone. Are you into sports bars and a party atmosphere? Head north to Lakeview or Lincoln Park. Low key small bars and restaurants? Go to Bucktown or Wicker Park. Higher end restaurants and nightlife? Go to the West Loop or River North. One thing is for sure: Chicago is an excellent city for dining no matter where you go.” –Bennett P.  ’11

“People fresh from college usually really enjoy the Lakeview area. It has a lot of college-age students due to its vicinity to DePaul, and plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars.” –Anonymous

“I grew up in the Chicago area and heard about my place through my high school network. Affordable accommodations are pretty common though.” –Bennett P.  ’11

“I ended up in my first Uptown pretty unintentionally, as I visited the city just one weekend to find a place. I used Chicago Apartment Finders which helped me narrow down what I was looking for and took me around different neighborhoods to see several places in one appointment. I have remained in the same neighborhood, and am very glad to be right next to the red line, away from the craziness and expensiveness of the downtown/Loop area, and surrounded by all the establishments I need to live and have fun!” –Hannah A. ’11

“Everybody seems to live in Lincoln Park, but the West side (Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, and parts of Humboldt Park) is pretty great, too! Living near the train is a huge plus, since buses have to deal with traffic. If you’re looking to make the move to any place, make sure you can find a solid grocery store close-by without having to take a bus. If you drive, there’s always free parking somewhere, depending on how far you’re willing to walk and how hard you’re willing to look. And most importantly, while everyone who visits Chicago seems to gravitate towards the Loop, the good restaurants are in the neighborhoods outside of the Loop. If you’re looking for some good food and cool places to explore, hop on a train out of the Loop.” –Ashley C.  ’09

“Truth be told, I used Craigslist to find the apartment I live in now. I picked a neighborhood and combed ads daily. Another tip is to go to the neighborhood you want to live in and search around, do drive-bys, or walk to find ‘For Rent’ signs. Just be careful – a cool neighborhood can become really shady if you walk past a certain street. You can get really lucky on a place, or really unlucky. I used to live in a building that had tons of giant centipedes. Suffice it to say, I moved out of there as soon as I got the chance!”–Ashley C.  ’09

“Chicago is a phenomenal city to live in after college. I’m an East Coaster at heart, but the weather is really not all that different, and surprisingly enough there are beautiful beaches here right on Lake Michigan. It’s a huge city, but has a variety of different neighborhoods, each with their own vibe and community, which makes navigating more manageable. I have lived in Uptown since I moved here, and work nearby in Rogers Park. Both are less-mainstream neighborhoods which I love. There are tons of restaurants, bars, and concert venues around me, and it’s easy to hop around different areas using public transportation. I have had some of the most delicious food, and have met some of the most inspiring people since I moved here.” –Hannah A. ’11

“I love Chicago! It’s a bit colder than Rochester, but it’s wonderful. I live in Hyde Park. It’s easy to bike or take city transportation everywhere.” –Tony I. ’13

“I used student resources since UChicago was so close and found a great apartment for a great price!” –Toni I. ’13

“I recommend using local connections, online search databases, and Craigslist to find a place to live.” –Anonymous

“You have to coordinate your schedule around traffic and depending on where you are going you should add an extra 15-30 minutes during peak times. You need a car to get to many places but the transportation is getting better. Koreatown is a good location to live since it is right near easily accessible transportation systems and the prices are not ridiculously expensive. Koreatown is also pretty central and close enough to downtown, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills.” -Amelia S. ’11 “Learn to drive, get a car. Don’t plan on traveling between 6-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. If you do, double time of travel at least.” –Jessica M. ’13

“LA is a huge city, and you can mainly find anything you want. There are great hiking trails, so if you like to explore nature, it is a very nice place to live. You really need a car to live here, however, if you live close to your workplace, you can take metro, bus, or Uber every day.” –Zongqi L. ’15

“I moved in with roommates who already lived here, but I would suggest Craigslist and other websites. Living alone will be expensive, $1,300-$1,800 for a studio/one-bedroom in a nice area. But there are a lot of areas further out that are affordable. Two to three roommates and you can live for $800-$1,200 a month somewhere nice. It’s not like NYC where you need a real estate agent, you will be able to find something on your own. Go to the neighborhoods and see how close they are to highways. Preferably know where you would think about working before you find a place because a long commute can be completely demotivating. Going 5 miles can take 30 minutes and going 10 miles can take up to an hour, and that’s average. Santa Monica and the west side are rather expensive. West Hollywood/Hollywood are a little less expensive but not good for commuting. The Valley and North Hollywood are much more affordable but only if you work close by and you are kind of stuck up there. Silver Lake/Echo Park are more hipster vibe and you can bike around and eat really good food but it’s hard to get to the west side. Downtown is different from most downtowns in a city, but can be nice and maybe affordable. The further south along the beach you go the more affordable it gets. Culver City is up and coming and really nice (I want to move there!). And then there are still a bunch more neighborhoods that could be great.” –Emily R. ’14

“L.A is huge. You 100% need a car and to live somewhere with parking. L.A is not an easy city to get used to, as the community vibe of the East Coast/Mid-West can feel absent at times. However, L.A has as much to offer as any big city. There are amazing neighborhoods, restaurants, bars, and of course beaches and mountains. The best things to do are outside of L.A. There are really good hikes and beaches and if you like surfing and sports it’s great for that. The weather is also perfect. You can play sports year round and joining a pick-up-team is a great way to meet people. Public transportation is terrible and don’t expect to be able to use it to get to useful places. Visit L.A. before you come. It isn’t a user-friendly city; try and stay with people you know and can take you around vs. staying in hotels. If you family does not live on the West Coast, it is also extremely expensive to fly to other cities so factor that in to your budget. Overall, L.A. is a difficult city to get used to and navigate, but if you have a job, start building a community and get outside enough you will learn to love it.” –Emily R. ’14

“Living in Ventura County, at the edge of Los Angeles, I get to experience the city life of Los Angeles and enjoy the comforts of living in a more suburban area. Santa Monica is a great area to explore for hiking, culture and nightlife. Downtown LA has my favorite rooftop bar, Perch, which has a great view of the city. Also, getting to drive on the Pacific Coast Highway often is a great reminder of the beauty of the California coastline.” –Janelle D.  ’15

“I am fortunate—as a graduate student at UC Irvine, I am eligible for subsidized housing. In addition to being extremely affordable in a part of the country where the cost of living is high, it also took the guess work out of apartment hunting when I moved across the country.” –Caitlin C. ’11 “I find my apartment through UCLA’s ULoop.” -Zongqi L. ’15

“The west side is the best place to live: Culver City, Palms, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Brentwood. Downtown has cool areas, but I wouldn’t suggest living there immediately if you’re not familiar with the area, as some areas can be very sketchy. Parking is impossible and is really expensive. Also, don’t plan on using any major highway from 4 to 7 p.m., if you can avoid it. Traffic is the worst. Try to take advantage of happy hour deals; they have really late happy hours here!” –Wallis N. ’15

“The closer you get to the beach, the more good food and drinks you’re going to find. Check out every hole-in-the-wall you can, as there are gems everywhere in this city. Townhouse in Venice is a great bar and right on the beach – grab a beer, a poke bowl on the boardwalk, and watch the skate boarders in the nearby skate park. If you get the chance, the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City is hands down the best use of a Saturday afternoon. Most locals don’t even know about it. Uber and Lyft are so handy and cheap, you can’t go wrong. But, if possible, live as close to work as you can, even if it’s pricey. The LA commute is never not bad, and a few hundred bucks extra a month might be worth it to spare you a 2 hour commute each way! In the movies, you never get to see how many people have dogs. Here’s the thing about a city where it never rains but is full of dogs: it reeks of dog pee.” –Jay R.  ’13

“The best way to find apartments is by walking around the neighborhood you’re interested in because a lot of the best places aren’t posted online and they go fast. You need to be ready to make an offer within a day or two of viewing a place.” –Wallis N.  ’15

“Craigslist, Westside Rentals, and LA housing groups on Facebook are the best ways to find apartments. Koreatown is a good place to start. It’s fairly cheap, decent neighborhood, and pretty central (it’s easy to get to from other LA neighborhoods). It’s much more affordable to live with roommates as opposed to living by yourself!” –Octavia R.  ’15

“Zillow is your friend! Go on every day and only sort by postings from the last 24 hours – any posting on there longer than a week is either already gone, or no one wants it for a reason.” –Jay R.  ’13

“The best thing about living in LA: the weather! There’s also so much to do. Popular neighborhoods are Koreatown (Korean BBQ is something you have to try!), Hollywood (where you’ll find the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the famous Chinese Theatre), Los Feliz (trendy neighborhood; also, home to Griffith Observatory/Park), and more. Other great places to check out include The Getty Museum, The Grove, Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, In-N-Out, and the movie studios. The one thing that everyone hates about LA: the TRAFFIC. Hop on a train if you can or order a Lyft.” –Octavia R.  ’15

“I found an apartment via a combination of online searches on major sites like apartments.com and also by walking around in the neighborhood and scouting.” -Amelia S. ’15

“Heads up: Brooklyn is the new Manhattan and Queens is the new Brooklyn.” -Emma A. ’15

“Brooklyn is my love. Get an unlimited monthly subway pass unless you’re a lucky one who can walk to work. Walk everywhere! Brooklyn Bridge Park is stunning. The summer in the city is the best time of your life. Enjoy the free events, concerts, yoga at Bryant Park, etc. Several Rochester alumni live in Brooklyn Gold—join us there! East Village, LES, South Slope are some of the best areas to live for people our age.” –Emily H. ’12

“For me, living within an easy commute to work is far more important than living near where I like to socialize. Getting to work is something that you have to do every day, over and over, and on a very specific schedule. There are also so many amazing neighborhoods and places to explore in New York that you likely won’t end up in the same exact spot too frequently.” –Chelsea D. ’10

“Working in NYC is amazing because of the diversity it offers. My favorite restaurant is Eataly because there are so many options and it’s such a fun atmosphere!” –Samantha L. ’16, Media/Communications

“My friend moved in and was looking for an extra roommate. If you’re looking in a place like New York, post messages on Facebook and other social networking sites that you’re looking for a place and a friend of a friend may very well know someone. Also Craigslist is not a bad way to find apartment listings.” –David L. ’09

“Live with your parents until January. You’ll save $300-$500 per month if you sign a lease mid-winter rather than the high season (April to September).” –Anonymous

No matter how much prep work you do, though, apartment hunting in NYC is always a bit of a nightmare. Things move incredibly quickly, so it’s rarely possible to start viewing apartments before about two weeks before you’re willing to move. Make sure you know all of the paperwork you’ll need and have it ready to go. Be aware of income requirements (usually 40x the monthly rent), so opting for roommates, or having a guarantor if that’s an option, may be necessary. All apartments have broker fees, but sometimes they’ll be covered by the renter rather than the lease. It’s definitely possible to get a no-fee apartment if you’re willing to do a little more legwork, but also do the math because sometimes a realtor can get you a better price on a comparable apartment, so the fee might be balanced out by reduced rent over time. Some brokers are also willing to negotiate for a month’s rent rather than the standard percentage fee.” –Chelsea D. ’10

“Explore everything. When you’re new to the city, say yes to most invitations. Walk around aimlessly. Go into random different coffee shops, stores, bars, restaurants, etc.” –Justin G. ’10

“New York is an amazing place to live postgrad! Each neighborhood has its own distinct feel and there’s so much to see. While my friends and I have our own spots in our neighborhood (Morningside Heights) that we like to frequent, we also like to branch out and explore new areas of the city every weekend. We love to do brunch on weekends and always try to find bars and restaurants with outdoor or rooftop seating in the summer. Public transportation makes getting around very easy and convenient. It is expensive to live here, but if you budget wisely, you can have fun while still paying your bills.” –Andrea M. ’12

“New York has everything as far as restaurants, bars, clubs, music venues, etc. I live in Astoria which is a wonderful and safe neighborhood and very close to midtown Manhattan. I personally think living in Manhattan is overpriced and not worth it. There are plenty of great places to live in – Queens, Brooklyn, and New Jersey – that are easy to get into the city from and have nice restaurants and things to do right in your neighborhood, and they’re much cheaper than Manhattan.” –David L. ’09

“On my grad school’s student Facebook page, I looked for other people who also were waitlisted for housing. I found a UR alum two years older than me that had known my older sister on the page, so I messaged her and we ended up living together.” –Brianna I.  ’15

“Look online and arrange visits. Don’t be afraid to pay a broker’s fee because at least they know what they’re doing. You can find a good apartment in less than two weeks.” –Anonymous

“Really research neighborhoods and figure out which will be the best fit. Do not use a broker! Their fees are crazy. Your best bet is to find someone cool on Craigslist and move in. If you must find your own apartment, try to get into a building with a great landlord or a new luxury building that is trying to be filled (cheaper rent!)” –Emily H. ’12

“Lots of young professionals can find affordable housing on the Upper East Side of Manhattan or in Hell’s Kitchen. Most people find their apartments or roommates through Craigslist, alumni networking, or friends. Try to avoid brokers by searching for no-fee apartments!” –Elizabeth S. ’11

“I really like my neighborhood in Washington Heights. Most people don’t come up this far in Manhattan, but it’s beautiful and so quiet. The parks up here are wonderful and it’s a very safe-feeling community. I love coming back here after working in the busy Upper East Side.” –Jaclyn S. ’11

“One of the great things about living in NYC is that entering a new neighborhood is like entering an entirely new world. I try to explore an area I haven’t yet been to every weekend. I’ll go get coffee in a cafe, or brunch in a popular local diner, or try out a new bar. Half the time I meet someone famous.” –Anonymous “

“Live with lots of roommates to keep the rent down. Find out the building’s policies with respect to putting up fake walls. Recent college graduates tend to flock to Murray Hill and the Upper East Side—nothing wrong with that. When you’re 22, the bars there are fun and the people are your age so just go with it.” –Anonymous

“I just moved to the Bronx from Rochester. My biggest regret is not finding an apartment with included parking for my car. Some advice, make sure you get an apartment close to a train or bus stop, and whenever you commute into Manhattan or another borough, always be prepared with anything you might need in your bag.” –Angie S. ’11

“I installed the Padmapper and Trulia apps on my phone, and stalked them until I found an apartment in my price range with a decent commute. Realtors run in semi-monthly cycles, so if you see an ad for an apartment on May 16, the lease will be signed by June 1, and on June 2, the push for June 15 apartments will start.” -Emma A. ’15

“NYC is amazing. The ease of finding whatever you want to do/eat is unmatched. A solitary walk along the infamous sidewalks of Manhattan and visiting Instagram-worthy locations across the outer boroughs is always a good idea. Don’t be afraid of the public transportation system; it’s cheaper and waaaaay better than anyone will tell you it is. If you need to save money, consider commuting from LI, the LIRR makes it quick and easy to get to Penn Station.” -Hira A. ’18

“Don’t hesitate to go out and explore new areas. You’ll meet some really interesting people along the way. Try out some of my favorite spots in Astoria! Queens Comfort, Comfortland, and Gossip Coffee.” -Michael D. ’13

“I moved to NYC and live in Manhattan. Best thing about NYC is that you can find dollar pizza 24/7. Using the subway system can be annoying, especially during rush hours, but it is also a nice way to catch up on reading, podcasts, tv shows, etc. Neighborhoods such as Lower East Side and East Village have a lot of trendy restaurants, especially for brunch.” -Daniela B. ’18

When you first move to the city or to a new neighborhood, take a weekend to get a lay of the land. This will make you feel more at home, and will give you a few places to take visitors when they inevitably ask for a ‘tour.’” –Lucas P. ’12

“The best way to get to know New York City is to just walk around. Pick a place you’ve never been before and just take a stroll. And please, venture outside of Manhattan—the outer boroughs are way more awesome. If you like books, go to the Strand. It’s amazing. Be sure to find the rare books sections. People in New York aren’t as mean as people think, we’re just busy. If you need help, there is always someone who will help you, so just ask. If you need a public bathroom, try fast food restaurants and hotels. Let people off the subway before you get on and don’t take taxis too often, they’re expensive. Time Out New York is a great resource to find things to do.” –Melissa G. ’13

“I grew up in Manhattan and always knew I wanted to return after school. I am a little biased, but I love living in the city. Everything is accessible by public transportation and you never run out of things to do. Some of my favorite NYC spots are the Museum of the Moving Image, Bluestone Lane, and Washington Square Park.” –Ellen S.  ’16

“In NYC, apartments rented through management companies are typically easy to find online without a broker. Don’t let brokers show you these because they make you sign an agreement before they taking you around that says you have to pay them if you rent whatever they showed you. Once you find an apartment, you have to pay money up front, which could be a month’s worth of rent and a security deposit. If your salary isn’t a certain amount (around 40x monthly rent), you must have a guarantor that makes even more than that. There are companies that can act, but it’s expensive. After you spend some time in NYC, you will have hopefully made new friends and connections that will help you find better apartments in cooler areas for possibly less money.” -Armando R. ’12

“I went to trulia.com and found a few I was interested in based on the areas and amenities of the building. Then I booked out a weekend with showings back to back, and by the end of the week- end I was ready to make my deposit. Make sure you have all your documents ready before you go apartment hunting because there’s a lot of competition in NYC!” –Angie S. ’11

“I was able to get into an apartment through Columbia University Apartment Housing, so that worked out really well for me. If you have the opportunity to live in university housing even as a graduate student, you should take it. The apartments are cheaper and usually much nicer than apartments you’d pay the same price for that weren’t university-affiliated.” –Andrea M. ’12

“Identify potential neighborhoods by looking at transportation maps to find areas that are accessible from where you work and other important locations. If you can, try to talk to somebody who grew up in the area or at least has been living there for a while. There are so many different neighborhoods and things change quickly, so it’s hard to get a feel for different areas just by information online. If at all possible, go walk around places you think you may want to live and check out the vibe, plus look for things like grocery stores and laundromats that make everyday life a lot easier.” –Chelsea D. ’10

“You’ll find that Philadelphia residents really love their city. There’s even a wildly popular hashtag to reflect it: #whyilovephilly.” –Arielle F. ’10

“Philadelphia is a city built up of neighborhoods. Popular ones for twenty-somethings are Old City, Washington Square West, Graduate Hospital, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Rittenhouse. Fishtown seems really far away from the rest of the city (it’s not really,) but there’s a lot going on there in the creative scene.” –Arielle F. ’10

“The living conditions are far better in Center City (east of 30th street) than they are in West Philadelphia around UPenn’s campus. Apartments in Center City are slightly more money, but it’s worth it to not have to deal with the crummy houses that they rent out to students and young professionals around UPenn’s campus. Definitely look into Philly Sport and Social Club and Philly Sports Network. These are companies that run weekly ongoing sports leagues for everything from softball and basketball to dodgeball and kickball. It’s a great way to meet people and make friends. It’s also super fun. Who doesn’t like dodgeball?” –Benjamin P. ’12

“Craigslist has always worked for me! You have to be willing to look at a few duds first, but stick with it and you’ll find great places. Just make sure to jump on new posts, and make decisions quickly, since awesome apartments will go in a flash.” –Arielle F. ’10

“Start with Craigslist and then set up appointments to meet and see the actual space. Try to do research on the location you want to be in first (i.e. the ideal neighborhood). I had another apartment in Wilmington before my current one and I didn’t realize that it was on the outskirts of all the shops, eateries, and bars until after I had moved in. Now I am in the center of everything, close to the highway, on the bus line, and across from a park!” –Emily W. ’10

“Philly is a great food and drink city. There are always fantastic events going on like Restaurant Week and Center City Sips, which can be a great way to explore new parts of the city and try new restaurants. The neighborhoods around South Street are a fantastic place to live.” –Leah P. ’12 Just Five Ad “Popular Neighborhoods: Northern Liberties, Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls. Must-try Restaurants: El Vez, Shake Shack, Alma de Cuba, Las Margaritas, Chima. Hang-out Spots: Mad River, Frankford Hall, Drinkers, The Plough & The Stars, Zee Bar.” –Michelle H. ‘09

“Philadelphia is a phenomenal place to live. I grew up in the suburbs and, until 2014, had never lived in a big city before. Even though Philly is the 5th most populous city in the U.S., it doesn’t feel like it at all. Plus, it has one of the best food scenes in the country!” –Christopher Y. ’11

“You can’t go wrong with living in Center City of Philadelphia. Philly is a very walkable city, you can get to almost everywhere on foot, and burn a bit more calories doing so. There are tons of restaurants, bars, theaters, museums, etc. – something for everyone to do.”–Anonymous

“Philadelphia is filled with communities of passionate people. You just need to find them! Once you start going to events, reading blogs, and seeing what’s out there, you’ll find that there is a community that you fit into, and it will open up your world in awesome ways.” –Arielle F. ’10

“West Philadelphia has a great vibe due to the many universities, but the crime rate is staggering, so be careful when walking around after dark. The Manayunk neighborhood is a bit safer and is home to a lot of grad students. Manayunk has a lot of bars, not to mention these insane cliffs that rival those in San Francisco. Rittenhouse Square has a lot of nice cafes and shopping. City Tavern serves only colonial recipes, so that’s a unique place to eat.” –Dan G. ’14

“Shop, shop, shop. We found prices varied widely and saw a ton of places that were pricier and less nice than our final choice. Duplexes are big in Philly, and we’ve had much better luck than other friends who got apartments in larger buildings in West Philly, many plagues by roaches, mice, bedbugs or smoke. We live above our landlady in the “maid’s quarters” of an old duplex and have never had to worry about these things.” –Ryan W. ’08

“Padmapper.com! Hands down easiest way to find an apartment.” –Arielle F. ’10

“Philly is really becoming an amazing city for millennials! The city has become really into pop-up beer gardens and restaurants. Don’t be scared of SEPTA buses, because they make it so easy to get around! Popular neighborhoods for 20-somethings: Old City, Washington Square West, Midtown Village, Graduate Hospital, Bella Vista. Best brunch spots: Hawthorne’s, Cafe Lift, Kennett, Honey’s. Best coffee shops: Chapterhouse, Good Karma on Pine St., Menagerie, Cafe Ole. Best happy hour: Sampan, Mixto, Perch Pub (and a million others, Philly has awesome happy hours).” –Arielle F. ’10

“Philadelphia is a very walkable city and fun to explore – you could even walk by City Hall, Chinatown, Penn’s Landing, LOVE Park, and the Philadelphia Art Museum in one day. Reading Terminal Market has tons of delicious food and there are usually samples to try! Magic Gardens is a very unique visit – it’s a small outdoor environment completely covered with mosaic. It is inexpensive for students and South Street nearby has great little shops and tasty food. The Philadelphia Zoo is unique because it has elevated tunnels above the pedestrian walkways that animals such as big cats or apes can use to explore. In the summer, there are tons of beer gardens that are uniquely decorated and cozy. In the winter, Penn’s Landing has a really nice skating rink by the river. There are fire pits and you can even buy the fixings to make s’mores on them.” –Anonymous

“Center City has so much going on—a booming restaurant scene, a ton of eclectic coffee shops, a growing co-working/startup/tech scene, and more. It’s an awesome city for twenty- and thirty-somethings.” –Arielle F. ’10

“Philadelphia has a great restaurant scene. There are so many different cuisines to explore. The city is also very diverse and walkable! Philadelphia is a nice blend of a modern city with historic roots. Sometimes I forget that I live in the same place where the Declaration of Independence was signed!” –Jessica R.  ’16

First, start looking really early. Ideally you should be able to pick out a couple of buildings and go to Philly to look at them and be prepared to sign a lease on that day. Apartments go very fast, especially those in good locations. Furthermore, a lot of the high-rise apartment buildings are really old and thus may have a lot of unadvertised things wrong with them, so it helps to go out there and look at things like water pressure, presence of pests, etc.” –Benjamin P. ’12

“Restaurants: Coco Garden, Thali and Shiki. Spots: Park Ave and the Public Market. Transportation: get a car. City Quirks: go to the different shows at Eastman.” –Isabella T.V. ’14

“There are a lot of great restaurants in the Park Ave area such as Bacco’s, Magnolia’s, Dorado, and Sinbad’s, to name a few. There are a lot of options for bars on Park Ave and Monroe Ave such as Dragonfly Tavern, O’Callaghan’s, and ACME, to name a few. Dogtown and Mark’s Texas Hots on Monroe Ave are perfect for late night food! The Village Gate on University has some really good restaurants including The Gate House, California Rollin’, Lento, and Good Luck. I highly recommend trying new restaurants because there are a lot of great ones in Rochester. There are also some great dance studios such as Tango Cafe and Groove Juice Swing to take salsa or swing lessons at. There is really a lot to do in Rochester!” -Katlyn M. ’10

“I was very lucky and found a fantastic apartment through a friend! The location is great; the apartment is affordable, and quite spacious.” –Emily H.  ’12

“I heard about my apartment I currently live in through friends. The first apartment I lived in post-college I found by searching online for apartments in the Park Ave area. Landlords let you see the apartment before you rent it, so I recommend just going to check them out and see if you like it in person.” -Katlyn M. ’10

“There are so many wineries around and the Finger Lakes are always beautiful!” -Delia C.N. ’17

“I love the various cultures, entertainment, history, art. Get a bike. Try your best to eliminate fuel emissions. Stay fit, hydrated and run.” -Kwame B. ’17

“Rochester is more interesting than you think. The food is exceptional, the drinks are delicious, and there are a surprising amount of fun places to hang out. The South Wedge and Park Ave areas are absolutely worth checking out.” -Lauren W. ’15 “Rochester has tons of culture ” –Nahoma P.  ’15

“Rochester has so much more to offer than many of us know or explore during our undergrad years. There are so many amazing coffee shops, wonderful restaurants, and great cultural institutions. If you decide to stay in Rochester after you graduate: EXPLORE, EXPLORE, EXPLORE. This city may struggle with crime in certain areas, but there is an amazing quality of life to be found here!” -Elizabeth H. ’13

“I’m discovering new things in Rochester all the time! For being a small city, it still has a lot to offer.” -Sarah W. ’13

“Must try restaurants: Sinbad’s and Hogan’s Hideaway. Great bars: Magpie, Dragonfly, and Half Pint.” –Diana D. ’08

“I found my apartment through lots of searching! Ultimately, Craigslist. Look at the wonderful houses as well as larger buildings! Use your connections and look around for friends moving out of great places.” -Elizabeth H. ’13

“Apartment hunting: Craigslist, Rent Rochester, and Zillow. Most good rentals are up for less than 36 hours. I’ve lived in the same apartment for two years, and couldn’t be happier!” –Vincent D.  ’13

“Rochester has a lot to offer! College is a bubble of sorts, so as an undergrad, I never really realized how much there is to do in the city and what different vibes all the various neighborhoods have. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Rochester, and hardcore coffee-lover culture is growing rapidly. One of my favorite places to hang out on a Saturday night is Joe Bean, a coffee bar that also serves beer and wine. The staff are all super knowledgeable and fun to talk to about beer, coffee, and more! Rochester also has lots of great parks and trails to hike on.” –Emily H.  ’12

“Must-try ethnic restaurants: Yummy Garden Hot Pot (Chinese); Seoul House (Korean); Sodam (Korean); Abyssinia (Ethiopian); Natural Oasis (Ethiopian); The King and I (Thai); Esan (Thai); Thali of India (Indian); India House (Indian); Haveli (Indian). Other must-try restaurants: Dogtown; Han Noodles; Owl House; John’s Tex-Mex; Harry G’s; Tap and Mallet.” –Matias P. ’14

“Go to Taco John’s (a.k.a John’s Tex Mex) at South and Alexander. Venture outside the city to Pittsford, Fairport, Letchworth State Park, etc.” –Anonymous

“I had heard about Rustic Village for years – it seemed like every adult I talked to had either lived there or knew someone who had lived there as they were just starting out. I did a tour and found that it was clean, quiet, and well-run, and offered a lot of amenities at a decent price.” -Julia J. ’11

“Finding a place to live was simple, since most of my family lives in Rochester. There’s nothing wrong with living with family members after you graduate until you get your feet on the ground; in fact, I was able to save a lot of money in just a few years and am now in the financial position to purchase my own home!” -Sarah W. ’13

“Living in the Cobbs Hill neighborhood has been a great experience. It is not a popular college neighborhood, so you can feel a little more put-together, but the benefits of Park Ave are a short walk away. Watching the Culver Road armory develop over the years has been fun, and the nearby parks make it seem like you’re barely living within city limits.” –Vincent D.  ’13

“I recommend finding an apartment through Craigslist and/or word of mouth. Do a lot of research, including the Better Business Bureau, to make sure you get a landlord with a good reputation.” –Emma R.  ’12

I highly recommend the following sites for apartment searching: hud.gov and padmapper.com.” –Matias P. ’14

“Craigslist for apartment hunting. You can find great deals on places in the best neighborhoods there.” –Anonymous

“I lived in Goler House during graduate school, but when it was time to find a new place, we drove around and found a complex in a location that we liked, and called them.” –Anonymous

“Rochester is a really amazing place, and you might not have realized it if you spent most of your time on campus! We have vibrant neighborhoods, incredible people, and great food. Plus, it’s ridiculously affordable.” –Emily H. ’12

“SF is very expensive now, so be cautious when accepting a new job that the salary will actually get you a place you want to live in (e.g. shared 1 bedroom is $1500/mo.). Students live generally in the Sunset/Richmond districts, while techies live downtown or in the Mission. The upside though, is that it is a fun, young city with tons of people doing all sorts of things all year round. Being open to new experiences is a must, so don’t be surprised about the BDSM festival, the Hunky Jesus contest, Pride, Outside Lands, or really any other major festival in the city. The food here is amazing. We have everything from $6 burritos to $365 tasting menus at Michelin five-star restaurants, of every cuisine you can think of.” –Melissa R.  ’10

“Apartment hunting in San Francisco can be a grueling task. However, Craigslist is an excellent resource. When going to an apartment showing, be prepared to fill out the application and bring your checkbook.” –Lauren S. ’10

“Craigslist and other online aggregate sites are really the only thing to use to find a place. I do recommend looking at any corporate rentals as well. The term just means someone who had to move away temporarily because of work, and they can be great if you are new to a city and have yet to find a place (or buy furniture).” –Melissa R.  ’10

“San Francisco is the most magical city, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else in the world. It’s eclectic and full of free-spirited hippies who all frequent Burning Man, optimistic entrepreneurs looking to create the next Twitter, hipsters with crazy beards, and people who love climbing, camping, and adventure. It’s a huge place for self-discovery and feeling like the biggest kid, even if you’re a forty-something. The Mission, Haight, Duboce Triangle, and Hayes Valley are all really central, amazing places to live with lots of restaurants and bars. They’re expensive, though, and can be tough to make bank in if you’re not making an engineer’s paycheck. The East Bay is best if you’re living on a budget.” –Lauren B. ’10

“San Francisco is one of (if not THE) most difficult cities to find an apartment in. It’s also very difficult to try and find a lease while you’re not already living in the city. You ultimately can’t be very picky because housing is extremely limited and very expensive. In the end, I picked out a large swatch of the city to look at, and I refreshed Craigslist constantly looking at new listings until I found a studio I liked. You have to pounce at whatever looks good, then show up the next day with a checkbook in hand. You’ll get lucky eventually, and living here is absolutely worth it … but it’s tough.” –Lauren B. ’10

“San Francisco is really cool, but there aren’t as many UR alumni there as NYC, Boston, or DC. It is singularly beautiful here though, (nothing like hills in a city), and sometimes the vibe is even a bit European. Also, the weather is always perfect in my opinion. Cool to have incredible beaches right in a city. Hayes Valley, NoPa, the Castro, and Cow Hollow are some of my favorite neighborhoods. Each have a very distinct feel.” –Joshua P. ’18

“Buy a light-weight jacket – the temperature can vary dramatically when walking in the shade/sun and up/down the hills. Having a light-weight jacket is a necessity. Check out 7×7 – the insider’s guide to San Francisco. Another favorite website is sf.funcheap.com.” –Lauren S. ’10

It’s REALLY expensive. Thankfully, if you live in SF you most likely work in tech. Working in tech means you make a lot of money and can afford the outrageous rent prices. Public transportation is decent, but not the best. Uber and Lyft are becoming the most relevant form of transportation. It is difficult to have a car because there is really only street parking. The good news is, SF is only about 7 square miles, so walking is possible. There are lots of little neighborhoods within the city. Stay away from downtown, it’s super touristy. If you’re looking to live in the city, Pac Heights, the Marina, and near the Panhandle are where it’s at. There are tons of bars and restaurants in the city. The Mexican food in the Mission is the best. The best bar hopping spots are on Polk Street and in North Beach.” –Rachel Y. ’14

“The best situation is to move into a place with other people. Look for people who want another roommate. It’s way too hard to find an inexpensive one bedroom. Start asking around to see if anyone is looking for a new roommate. It’s all about networking!” –Rachel Y. ’14

“Rent is really high here, and apartment hunting is pretty miserable. Find a super-cheap short-term (three month) lease while you’re hunting and if you find a tolerable place, jump on it!” –Adrienne W. ’11

“Craigslist is the way to go to find apartments.” –Jeffery G.  ’10

“D.C. is a great place to visit, but living here is not the greatest! If you can, find a place in Maryland or Virginia, and commute in. You’ll save money and can still take advantage of all the great things D.C. has to offer.” -Patricia C. ’15

“Living near a Metro station can be incredibly expensive (unless you can find a house with several roommates). Try places that are within a mile or so of the Metro, or where you can take a quick bus ride and get onto the metro. This can save you a ton of money on apartments.” –Jonathan A. ’09

“Within D.C., some of the best neighborhoods are Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Logan Circle. Eastern Market and Georgetown are popular, as well. Outside of D.C., many young people live in Bethesda, M.D. or Arlington, V.A.—specifically Clarendon (it’s a Metro stop, but there are tons of restaurants and bars around it).” –Anonymous “There are a lot of cool areas in the city if you take the bus—don’t be afraid to (oddly a lot of young people don’t utilize that).” –Anonymous

“Live near a Metro stop. Always. And live inside the Beltway. Do not drive into the city. It’s usually not much faster than the train, and parking is expensive. Work and live on the same Metro line, if possible; an easy commute makes life much better. Buy a SmarTrip card right away. Learn the bus system.” –Ross B. ’09

“To find my apartment, I picked a neighborhood that I was interested in living in, checked online, and also just walked the neighborhood looking for vacancy opportunities.” –Jonathan A. ’09

“A piece of advice I want to give all people moving to any new city: get a short-term sublet or rental when you first move if possible. This allows you to learn a bit more on the ground and feel out what parts of the city you like best without having committed to an apartment for a whole year. If you end up wanting to stay in your current apartment, most landlords are happy to extend the lease and negotiate rates if you agree to a longer term. Trulia and Craigslist are the best places to look for apartments in D.C., but with Craigslist make sure you keep an eye out for scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” –Kaitlyn K. ’12

“I found my apartment through a LOT of research and a year in the totally wrong neighborhood. I live in North Arlington now—it’s cheaper and I absolutely love it. I did a lot of research and a lot of driving around the neighborhoods I knew I wanted to live in. A lot of apartments aren’t easy to find on the Internet unless you’re already looking. Also, if you’re looking to save money, look for things with a closed off den, sunroom, or dining room that you can turn into an extra bedroom.” –Anonymous

“The Metro is your lifeline, although it will continually be out of order. The Circulator Bus is good too. It can get you almost anywhere in the city for $1.” –Anonymous

“I love Washington D.C. It’s a young, fun city, and almost no one is ‘from’ D.C. so it’s exciting to explore with a group of people. Many people work for the government or in politics, but as a corporate person it’s nice to have an outsider view of that world.” –Anonymous “D.C. is a very young city. The popular and safe neighborhoods to live in are: Van Ness, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, 14th Street Corridor, Columbia Heights, Eastern Market, Arlington, Crystal City, and Georgetown.” –Lauren L. ’11

“Live close to the Metro or to the highway since traffic is bad. There are lots of awesome restaurants in D.C. though!” –Chad H. ’12

“Use the internet to filter through the thousands of offers, but make sure you visit more than one apartment before settling!” –Alberto S. ’14

“In D.C., almost everyone uses Craigslist to find an apartment. There’s tons of postings, but beware—it’s very competitive! Once a good place is up on Craigslist, it doesn’t last long. Shared houses are also very popular in D.C. It cuts down on your rent costs, but make sure you like the people who could be your potential roommates.” –Lauren L. ’11

“When I first moved to D.C., I was unable to see anything and could only tell via pictures online—not what I would suggest. I first found an apartment with good reviews online which worked out alright, but I now live in a row house and love it! Many older D.C. apartments do not have websites so I think it’s worth it to walk around and call numbers in locations that you like. I also used Craigslist to find roommates and it has worked out great! Just be sure to talk on the phone or Skype before signing anything. It’s pretty easy to tell who you might get along with. I also think that three is the best number if you’re all new to the city. There’s always someone to explore with in case someone else wants to stay in.” –Anonymous

“It’s really hard to find an apartment as a student or a young professional in D.C. I live in Eastern Market, and the neighborhood has its pick of Capitol Hill employees so landlords choose established people first. I had the best luck with private landlords if I was the very first person to respond to an ad or submit an application. Applying to rental companies leads to more success unless you’re in a neighborhood near one of the universities or far from the city center.” –Anonymous

“D.C. is a great city to be a young professional. There are a ton of young people here, and it’s a very transient city so a lot of people are always coming in and out. It also has a bit of a suburban feel, such that it’s a perfect little urban-suburban hybrid.” –Jason S. ’10

“If you visit, I highly suggest checking out Ted’s, either in Barracks Row or 14th Street. The president is a frequent visitor, and their milkshakes and pop-tarts are out of this world! Some of the best restaurants are in the 14th and U Street area.” –Anonymous “A few must-try restaurants in D.C.: Agora (go for their bottomless brunch on the weekends,) Cava Mezze (a few locations in D.C.), Filomena (Italian in Georgetown), and Founding Farmers.” –Lauren L. ’11

“For food: happy hour and brunch drive D.C.’s food system. Know good places for both. Pi offers the best pizza in D.C.” –Ross B. ’09

“D.C. is by far my favorite city! You get the feel of living in a busy city, while also enjoying some great parks and smaller-feeling towns (like Georgetown). I would HIGHLY recommend Founding Farmers for any meal. The Georgetown Waterfront has a great view. D.C. has really great public transport. I didn’t bring my car here with me and have had no problem getting around. That being said, Uber and Lyft are super cheap here as well.” –Kelsey S. ’16

“Find your apartment on Craigslist. But be smart about it and always take a friend with you.” –Kellie I. ’10

“Living in the District is expensive. The suburbs are much cheaper, but commute costs should be factored in. You can reasonably live without a car, though I enjoy the convenience, just expect to either street park or pay a fortune. The Metro buses are good for travel within the city, but get sparse in the suburbs. I personally love going out in the neighborhoods of Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan. Both have wonderful culture, restaurants, and night life without breaking the bank. I’ve lived in Cleveland Park and Takoma Park, which are a bit more low-key and better suited for my preferred living arrangement, but still close to the amenities of downtown D.C.” –Kaitlyn K. ’12

“My favorite restaurants are Filomena, Rasika, Jaleo’s, and Ay Jalisco. Young people’s favorite neighborhood is now U-street. Live within walking distance from a Metro station if you can.” –Victoria V. ’10

“Don’t listen to what anyone tells you about any of the neighborhoods. Go check them all out for yourself. Even the ones ‘across the river’ have good things to offer, and the most desirable ones might not even be the atmosphere you’re looking for.” –Anonymous

“D.C. is full of things to do. On top of the obvious national landmarks, museums, and other attractions, it is an urban environment with a lot to do for young professionals. Among the many places to go, the U-Street NE area is full of younger people, a good night crowd, and the famous civil rights landmark restaurant Ben’s Chili Bowl!” –Dominick S. ’16

“To find my apartment, I decided on my ideal location and budget. I identified a building and looked for a roommate on Craigslist, and then interviewed the people who responded. Check for low income apartments in the nicer neighborhoods.” –Victoria V. ’10

“Don’t freak out when you have trouble finding an apartment. I have lived in at least six places in D.C. and every time, it took until two weeks before my move-in (or move-out) date to secure something.” –Anonymous

“I found my apartment on Zillow by searching for a “condo” rather than an apartment, even though it really is an apartment. I wanted to live alone in a studio, and I was lucky to find a newly renovated studio with beautiful hardwood floors and granite countertops in a great neighborhood in DC!” –Kelsey S. ’16

“The rental market in D.C. moves fast. Lining something up three months ahead of time like you may have done in Rochester simply won’t happen. Moving to the area in two weeks without having nailed down a place to live yet shouldn’t worry you as it would elsewhere.” –Dominick S. ’16