WHY SHORT TERM HOUSING MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOUR FIRST NYC MOVE?

Like many young artists you may have daydreamed about moving to NYC to expand your career! When I was 21, I was in college full time for political science and economics as well as dancing full time in a ballet company in Dallas, TX. Spending mornings in classes and behind the desk at my dual enrollment internship, evenings dancing and rehearsing and performing, traveling the world attending diplomacy conferences and spending most of that time wishing I was in NYC. I finally decided to make the move and if I can do it and make it work, literally anyone can. One of the best ways to get started is to come and use short term housing.

If you want to know why you might choose short term housing? The top reasons...you are here for a program or a finite contract (8-16 weeks) or just getting settled and are not sure if you will want to stay after. Short term housing means you don’t need to buy furniture, sign a lease, or make any kind of long term commitments. It includes things like utilities, security, and even sometimes meals. It really allows you to soften the transition to the city if you just want to be here for just an audition season or are here for an 8 week rehearsal period. These dormitory style dwellings are a huge part of the entertainment industry. Many stars got their starts in NYC by using these. And while there are not nearly as many as there once were…

Here are some resources for finding a short term housing situation that is right for you…

The New Yorker

This one averages between $4,000-$7,000 a semester depending on the room you choose. More details can be found about their midtown and other properties at  https://www.studenthousing.org/student-life/new-yorker. 

The Dancers Dorm

This is great for young dancers attending programs in the city or just looking for short term housing. It is located just half a block from one of the biggest open studios in the city on 45th street. 

More details can be found at https://www.studenthousingassociates.com/.

YMCA Residences

When I first moved to NYC many young dancers I knew were using this housing option. You get a dorm and a communal kitchen. 

Info can be found at ymcanyc.org.

Webster Apartments 

The Webster is 715 bi weekly. These can also be found at studenthousing.org.

Centro Maria and Pink Dorms 

These are female only options and were a frequent choice when I was younger particularly for minors who were here for ballet school programs. Centro comes with meals and curfews. 

Studenthousingassociation.com 

This is a great resource and can link you to many options for student/short term housing. 

Hope this helps you navigate the many decisions to make when moving to NYC to pursue your career. 

Stay Hungry. Be Creative.