STERN CRIBS

Linz Shelton

What neighborhood do you live in?

I live in Alphabet City.

Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?

I had seen RENT a few times before moving to NYC and have been obsessed with the idea of

living here for years.

How did you find your apartment?

Craigslist led us to a horrendous broker (note to all Oppy readers: if you ever see the name Ruth Baldwin on any listing, DO NOT CALL.) But she got us into this amazing building on 7th & B. We couldn't be happier! (If anyone wants info on the building, email me and I'll put you in direct touch with the management so you can bypass Nightmare Broker. Several other Sternies live here and more are moving in soon.)

Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?

I live with Rachael Spooner and her best pal from undergrad, Megan. "Spoons" and I met in Summer Start.

We have a ball living together. She's the best "roommate-wife ever" and makes me coffee and leaves me nice notes when she goes off to class earlier than I do. 

How many rooms does your apartment have?

It's a two bedroom that has been converted into a three bedroom (but all three rooms are a decent size).  

It also has a separate living room & eat-in kitchen. 

How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?

School's about a 20-minute walk in heels, 15 minutes in flats. I can make it in 12 min, if I'm late and

the traffic lights are kind to me.

What's one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?

Avoid Jacobson Properties like the plague. They own a ton of real estate around school, so you'll definitely run into them in your apartment search.  I rented a very cute but overpriced studio from them this summer and they were terrible to deal with.  The management reps at my current building are rock stars! 

Emily Berkowitz

What neighborhood do you live in? 

I live in the Flatiron district.

Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?

I have been living here since I moved to NYC about 3.5 years ago. Besides having Madison Square Park around the corner, there are lots of great restaurants (including Eataly!), bars (Ace Hotel, Riff Raff, Ainsworth), and shopping areas within walking distance. It's also easy to get both uptown and downtown.  

How did you find your apartment?

I found my apartment online via Rose Associates' website.

Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?

I live by myself.

How many rooms does your apartment have?

I live in a studio.

How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?

My commute is 15 minutes door-to-door via subway and about 25 minutes walking.

What's one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?

Do not look until the month before you need to move (I know it can be stressful, but no one will know their availability until then), and always try to negotiate! You'll be surprised at what you can get for your money.

Alois Monger

What neighborhood do you live in?  

Downtown in the Financial District.

Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?

I choose this location because of its accessibility to the subway and the amenities provided by the building, such as doormen, fitness center and movie theater! I also love the peaceful ambiance of the neighborhood at night. It's also a great location for anyone working on Wall Street, or pretty much anywhere on the lower half of Manhattan.

How did you find your apartment?

I found out about it at Stern Preview from a couple of MBA2s who lived there.

Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?

Yes, my roommate is one of the MBA2s from Stern Preview who spoke to me about this crib.

How many rooms does your apartment have?

Spacious one bedroom loft converted into a 2.5 room apartment with a storage closet and coat closet. The half room is used as a common living space.

How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?

It takes from 17 to 22 minutes door to door via subway. Sometimes I do take a cab.

What's one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?

Don't use a broker! You don't need one...Also visit the neighborhood at night.

Lisa Chang

What neighborhood do you live in?  

I live in Midtown West, near Columbus Circle.

Why did you choose to live there? And what do you love about the neighborhood?

I lived here before coming to Stern, but I chose to stay, instead of living closer to school, so that I can get away from school, without being too far away. I also wanted to be near Central Park. I love being close to Central Park when I want to take a walk or go for a run. I also love being near the Time Warner Center!

Do you live with a roommate? If so, how did you find him or her?

I live with my husband.

How many rooms does your apartment have?

It's a studio.

How long is your commute to school? And how do you get to school?

I take the subway, which takes about 20 minutes.

What's one good piece of apartment finding advice for incoming students?

Decide what is most important to you and look for your apartment focused on that one priority. If you are looking for cheaper rent, then you must be willing to have a longer commute. If you're focused on being near school, you may pay more, but if you are not from New York it will really change your experience.