First internship as a European in the USA

Hi,

I was lucky to get an internship at a small bank in DCM in NYC.  Since I am a foreigner who has never been to NYC or the US, I am hoping for your help.

Which messanger do you guys use? In Europe everyone uses WhatsApp but I heard that has hardly any users in the US.
What is the cost of living in New York? I have already found an apartment, but how much should I budget for food and partying?
What is the best way to meet people?
Any bars you guys can recommend?
Anything else that I should keep in mind?

Thank you guys already in advance! Really appreciate any help.
 

20 Comments
 

Where is your apartment in NYC?

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
Most Helpful

1. Most people just text/iMessage in the US

2. NYC is crazy expensive. It's hard to start budgeting without knowing how much you party or what you do, but expect a drink at most bars to be $15-20, and I'd budget at least $500-700 towards food a month (thats like $20/day) as a minimum starting number for most people, assuming you stay every night for comped dinner and go out 1-2 nights for dinner on weekends. You could spend less if you want to be frugal or meal prep for everything, but even a fast casual lunch is $15+.

3. Go out with people from your analyst class

4. Popular intern bars are Phebes, Biergarten, Brass Monkey. Note the drinking age in the US is 21, if you are under 21 you might want to get a fake ID to go out. If you are 21, you're going to want to bring your passport out unfortunately - most places will not accept an international ID card or student ID.

Also, if you live in Carnegie Hill I would avoid taking the subway home late at night, especially if you've had a few drinks. The subway is fine during the day but going all the way uptown I would not recommend being on it past 10pm

Array
 

$500 - $700 to budget for food per month? Is this a joke?

-

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Do you live in NYC? Groceries and eating out are wildly expensive here. The NYC average is $471 per person on food per month, and the average person is definitely not on a banking salary. And those estimates are pre recent inflation increases

Array
 

I lived in both London and NYC

Best way to meet people, IMO

- through work/your professional network
- hobbies (car meets, the gym, sports, interest groups, or anything where you meet other people)
- church (stay for the coffee after service)
- through existing contacts you already have, i.e. family, social media, or from abroad
- through dating apps. It's ok if you don't hook up or get married, you can still be friends!

 

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