Moving a Month Early to NYC- crazy?

Hey y’all,
Planning on moving to NYC in July, with a start date in full time analyst role in August. Current planned move date is a month before I start work. Is it crazy to do this?
My rationale is:
-Trying to get acclimated to city as never lived in a big city before
-Roommate starts in July so kinda obvious there
- Hard to find leases that start mid month from what I’ve seen.
Anyways,
Has anyone else done this before? I’m planning on spending these few weeks preparing for my job, going to gym, exploring the city, going to a lot of baseball games, and enjoying summer in NYC. For anyone that maybe has done this before, do you have any recommendations on things to do?
Thanks so much!

9 Comments
 

Moving to NYC a month early before starting your analyst role isn't crazy at all—it's actually a smart move for several reasons. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and recommendations:

Why Moving Early Makes Sense:

  1. Acclimation to the City: NYC can be overwhelming for first-timers. Arriving early gives you time to adjust to the fast-paced environment, figure out public transportation, and get comfortable with your neighborhood.
  2. Roommate Timing: If your roommate is starting in July, it’s practical to align your move-in date with theirs. Plus, as you mentioned, leases often start at the beginning of the month, so this avoids paying for an empty apartment.
  3. Preparation for Work: Having a few weeks to settle in before diving into a demanding analyst role is invaluable. You can use this time to set up your apartment, establish routines, and mentally prepare for the grind.

Things to Do Before Work Starts:

  1. Explore the City: Take advantage of the summer vibes in NYC. Visit iconic spots like Central Park, the High Line, and Brooklyn Bridge. Explore neighborhoods like West Village, SoHo, and Williamsburg to get a feel for the city.
  2. Baseball Games: Great idea! Catching a Yankees or Mets game is a classic NYC summer activity.
  3. Networking: If possible, start building your professional network. Attend industry events or reach out to colleagues who might already be in the city.
  4. Fitness: Join a gym or try boutique fitness classes. This is a great way to meet people and establish a healthy routine before work starts.
  5. Food Scene: NYC has an incredible food culture. Try different cuisines and explore local favorites in your area.
  6. Relax and Recharge: Use this time to rest and enjoy yourself. Once your job starts, free time will be limited.

Additional Tips:

  • Budget Wisely: NYC can be expensive, so keep an eye on your spending during this transition period.
  • Plan Your Commute: Familiarize yourself with the route to your office and test it out during rush hour.
  • Socialize: If you know anyone in the city, reach out and make plans. Building a social circle early can make the transition smoother.

Enjoy your summer in NYC—it’s a fantastic time to be in the city!

Sources: Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, 1st year analysts: stupid to move into NYC right now?, Is there anything that I can do?, Best neighborhoods to live WITH GF in NYC (and timing) - 1st year IB Analyst Midtown Summer 2019, Moving to a new city by yourself? Can anyone share experiences?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
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Yeah buddy, this sounds like one of the craziest things I've ever heard. 

"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
 
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Are you starting as an FT Analyst in AM or in IB? Because if you're starting in IB, then don't forget that you won't actually have any time to explore the city once you start work.

Anyway, you should absolutely do it. No reason not to.

As for recommendations on what to do, I'd suggest doing a bunch of things that are not in Manhattan or NW Brooklyn. Once you start work you're not very likely to venture outside of those areas.

So go check out Little Puerto Rico in the Bronx. Go to Coney Island and the NY Aquarium. Visit Flushing and Rockaway Beach. Go to the Met Cloisters (yes it's technically in Manhattan but it's pretty far up). 

Don't bother with Staten Island, though.

 

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