J1 2012 New York anyone :)?

michaella123

Soooo....whose doing the J1 to NY this summer ?? Me and my friend are heading to Woodlawn in the Bronx and might be looking for people to share with let me know if anyone is interested or whatever x

ironclaw

I'm not an authority, and just going on what I've been told, but New York is notoriously difficult to get work in (Apparently) unless you have experience. I had two friends there last year on there second J1 and they ended up coming home, having easily got work on the west coast the summer before.

I wanted to go there but have subsequently decided to go to the West coast.

michaella123

Ooooh....really To be honest now I heard the opposite! My cousin and like 15 of her friends went to the West coast and not one of them got a job! My sister and her bf went to NY last summer both had jobs fairly fast maybe just lucky! But im gonna stick with NY lived there for a few years growing up love the place

Twee.

Took me five weeks to find a job, sent out countless CVs, phonecalls, drop ins. You may be luckier, but I found it difficult to get work.

Can I ask why you're heading to the Bronx? It's really far away from Manhattan! I guess if there's loads of you it's grand, but you're kind of far from the "action" I suppose.

michaella123

Well I used to live there for a while....its great Woodlawn is a real Irish area packed with J1ers loads go over there for the summer, well usually anyway and its not far away at all! Your a 20/25min subway ride into Manhattan Job wise....there isnt much of a difference with any places on the west coast....well from what I hear anyway!

Twee.

michaella123 wrote: »

Well I used to live there for a while....its great Woodlawn is a real Irish area packed with J1ers loads go over there for the summer, well usually anyway and its not far away at all! Your a 20/25min subway ride into Manhattan Job wise....there isnt much of a difference with any places on the west coast....well from what I hear anyway!

Ah fair enough! Was just wondering!

Most Irish I met over there had trouble finding jobs, but all got them in the end.

SonicC

Me and my gf came over to NY in September,we didn't have any contacts over here or know a single person, and the two of us found jobs by the second week of looking, also living in Woodlawn now, i work in midtown takes me bout 50mins on the subway,

XxMCRxBabyxX

Hiya,

Trying to organise heading over to NY mysf this summer. Will be on my own and could be interested in a house share :-)

keithshockz

Me and my pal are heading to NYC too and thinking of woodlawn aswell cause i got a friend there if anyone needs roomies we can help

michaella123

Awww really....I have friends there too But yeah wer gonna try and look for a house there for the summer...and will be looking to share Woodlawn is a good spot like

keithshockz

cool, atleast they'll be irish hanging around :P ive never been to NYC so really excited do you know when then recruitment days are on in the colleges? because i would prefer a job b4 i go bookin flights

michaella123

Ahhh you have never been there...YOU WILL LOVE IT Ooooh I have no idea about that but jobs wise you can look for them before hand on websites like craigslist and the Irish Echo....but i doubt they will be advertising now, maybe a month or two beforehand Plus in Woodlawn there is the Aisling Irish Centre and they help you find jobs and crap

keithshockz

Fingers crossed :P hopefully its just like american pie and stuff ha, i just booked my flights there now accomodation is it dear in woodlawn dya know? My friend there won't help me because i am wreckin his head with questions but its my 1st time in the states so nervous haha

michaella123

Ah here add me on fb easier to chat there http://www.facebook.com/#!/michaella.power

lisa_92

Hey myself and 3 other girlfriends are planning on heading to New York this summer, hopefully to play with a GAA team. Have been told told to look for accommodation in Katonah Ave. and Mcclean Ave. ?? .. Has anyone ever played gaa in New York Before??

michaella123

Yeah Katonah is the main strip of Woodlawn....pubs galore and McLean Ave well thats borderline Woodlawn/Yonkers Both good spots....but I say Katnoah is more central thats where im planning to stay Well I never personally played gaa there but theres the gaa pitch there Gaelic Park on 238th st. I hear there always looking for Irish to come and play so it shouldnt be too hard theres a good few clubs there like....from what I hear anyway x

Sashman

Me and my friend are going over to NY this summer on a J1. We have been lookin on the web for accomodation but were not sure where we'll end up. We'd like to live near other Irish on a J1 for the craic? Any ideas where you'll be stayin??

michaella123

Woodlawn Its an irish place in general and usually there is good crowd there doing the j1

kmart6

Just a general bit of advice for you, not a great idea to put your FB profile out in public like that! If you want people to have it just Private Message it to them!

WoollyRedHat

This thread has been quiet for last three months.. presume there is a good few of us going to New York, lets get this thread going a bit, is there another New York J1 thread for this year? If not let's make this the main one

Have people had any luck for accomadation in NY. Where are the best places in the boroughs

Queens, Brookyln and Bronx?


For Queens, as far as I can tell so far, Sunnyside and Woodside seem two good places!


Anybody having luck with jobs? Would suggest people think outside the box when it comes to looking for them... instead of just considering bars and retail maybe think of museums and the like too, there are loads in New York City and the boroughs

If people are interested maybe we could have a New York Boardsie meetup for those going over during the summer, just an idea... anyway, hope more people post here and we can all help each other out, only about 4 months to go

Will also post some NY Resources that I've found that others might find helpful

Twee.

Time Out and Oh My Rockness are great event guides to follow.

WoollyRedHat

Nice shout Twee, haven't heard of Oh my Rockness before, looks good.

Also there's Village Voice.com, particularly good for music listings and such

Village Voice is the definitive source of information for news, music, movies, restaurants, reviews, and events in New York.

There are some other good ones, will post them when I get the chance.

HavingCrack

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Queens, Brookyln and Bronx?


For Queens, as far as I can tell so far, Sunnyside and Woodside seem two good places!

I wouldn't be overly keen on Sunnyside or Woodside, fairly boring spots for New York, a lot of the Irish community there have begun to move out also if that's your angle.

Queens wise aim for Astoria or Long Island City, both have lots of bars, restaurants etc., only two stops from Manhattan, cheapish rents for New York.

Brooklyn has become so popular in recent years that rents have become crazy, especially in Williamsburg. Try Greenpoint instead, nice enough area.

You can actually afford to live in Manhattan if you're prepared to go uptown. I used to live in Hamilton Heights (140-147 Streets) and it was only 20 minutes on the express train to midtown. Really nice old apartment buildings, fairly cheap, lots of delis and a lovely park. However the area is heavily Dominican which puts off a lot of 'white' people. We never had any problems though, made friends with all our neighbours and even went to the local 'block' party .

Hoboken is also worth having a look at. Granted it's New Jersey but the PATH is just as handy for commuting as the subway. Really hip little town and as close as Sunnyside to Manhattan.

I wouldn't bother living in the Bronx or Staten Island. Actually Staten Island isn't too bad but the commute on the ferry will destroy your soul unless you're working in Battersea Park region.

WoollyRedHat

HavingCrack wrote: »

I wouldn't be overly keen on Sunnyside or Woodside, fairly boring spots for New York, a lot of the Irish community there have begun to move out also if that's your angle.

Queens wise aim for Astoria or Long Island City, both have lots of bars, restaurants etc., only two stops from Manhattan, cheapish rents for New York.

Brooklyn has become so popular in recent years that rents have become crazy, especially in Williamsburg. Try Greenpoint instead, nice enough area.

You can actually afford to live in Manhattan if you're prepared to go uptown. I used to live in Hamilton Heights (140-147 Streets) and it was only 20 minutes on the express train to midtown. Really nice old apartment buildings, fairly cheap, lots of delis and a lovely park. However the area is heavily Dominican which puts off a lot of 'white' people. We never had any problems though, made friends with all our neighbours and even went to the local 'block' party .

Hoboken is also worth having a look at. Granted it's New Jersey but the PATH is just as handy for commuting as the subway. Really hip little town and as close as Sunnyside to Manhattan.

I wouldn't bother living in the Bronx or Staten Island. Actually Staten Island isn't too bad but the commute on the ferry will destroy your soul unless you're working in Battersea Park region.

Thanks Crank, good tips! Have heard of Hamilton Heights, hope to give it a look over... Staten Island, Ferry, cold, god no

New York links of interest for all your nightlife, food and other needs:

www.nycgo.com - Offical NYC site guide, handy to start off with
http://www.nyc.com/ - Great site with vast offerings
www.nymag.com/ - Be up to date with New York Magazine
http://www.newyorkology.com/index.php Great compact guide to New York
http://gonyc.about.com/ - Collection of articles on New York City.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newyorkcity/- Renowned Travel guides

http://www.nyconthecheap.com/ - Cos it be expensive
http://gothamist.com/ - Gotham city
http://www.offoffoff.com/ - Unconventional
http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/ - If you're staying near here.
http://www.gonetonewyork.com/- Moving to New York Website
http://www.clubfreetime.com/free-events-things-to-do-in-new-york-city.asp More frugal
http://nyc.myopenbar.com/ - Free bar froogal
http://www.sheckysnightlife.com/ - Ny Nightlife
http://newyork.metromix.com/ - New York Ents guide

Dave2k10

Myself and 8/10 lads heading to NY for the summer. This will be our second summer in NY staying in Woodlawn. We got accommodation through a GAA team and most of us played football or hurling over there. If you play a decent standard of GAA at home its your best bet for a job, most clubs have contacts for jobs and a lot will put you in a house rent free for the summer if you play with them. If you're looking for a complete American experience I wouldn't go near Woodlawn, there are most Irish there than American. We usually went Manhattan Fri/Sat nights and sometimes Thursdays. Ned Devines is the place to be on a Sunday night and is jammed with J1ers. Subway is 40mins to midtown but the Metro North train only takes 25mins. Its not an ideal location for working in Manhattan but with the price of rent in Manhattan, it is the best option. Best thing about NY is that Boston/Philly/Washington are all only about 3hours away and Long Island is only an hour from midtown on train if you're looking for a beach.

paddy crazy horse

I think work is pretty slow at the moment in NY. i went over 2 1/2 years ago and i was very lucky, got a job in 2 days. But a year later my friend went out for the summer and couldnt find a job for a month and a half. It realy depends on the type of work your looking to do. As for accommodation, manhattan is very expensive. woodlawn in the Bronx is a good spot for the Irish, and prices are a bit cheaper. i was living there and youd walk down katonah or mcclean and the majority of people i met were irish and a lot from my home town. Woodlawns pretty close to cross county shopping centre with shops like GAP, old navy, macys, american eagle, sears, Stop&Shop (supermarket). there is also a liqudator shop in cross county that does household stuff and that so you can get your bed linen, kitchen stuff etc. for good enough prices. the 4 train runs from woodlawn on the lexington line into the east side of the city. i used to get off at 86th st and it took about 45mins. if looking for work look in the city too, even if you have to travel from woodlawn to city its not that bad. buy a monthly metro card and you'll save money on buses and subway.

taramhamilton

me and a friend are heading to new york for the summer. were staying in bayridge in brooklynn...anybody staying near here? were trying to find jobs before we get there but if we dont does it take long to find a job when you get there?

justin_denial

Hey guys I'm flying over with three friends staying on NYU campus.. cannot wait!!

RobKell85

Hey guys, I'm heading over to New York myself on June 5th til September 15th. I'm going on my own and am interested in meeting people to share accommodation with. My plan is to just book into a hostel for the first couple of nights. Anyone have any recommendations? I'm working on trying to have a job sorted before I head out, but it might be difficult!

Twee.

I stayed at http://hinewyork.org/ (dorm room) when I arrived in New York. Very clean, air con, places to eat nearby, direct train to midtown.

My brother stayed at http://www.chelseahostel.com/ (private single room) . It was very basic, one toilet/shower for the floor. But central location in West Village and had air con.

kmart6

taramhamilton wrote: »

me and a friend are heading to new york for the summer. were staying in bayridge in brooklynn...anybody staying near here? were trying to find jobs before we get there but if we dont does it take long to find a job when you get there?

Where in Bay Ridge!?

_EmmaMc

Hi! Two Irish girls going on a J1 to NY this summer. We have jobs set up already and we were advised by our boss to look for accommodation in the Woodside / MacLean Avenue areas. We would be up for sharing with other Irish students out there for the summer. If anyone is looking for people to share with or has any advise for us on how to go about getting accommodation we'd really appreciate it!

Dave2k10

_EmmaMc wrote: »

Hi! Two Irish girls going on a J1 to NY this summer. We have jobs set up already and we were advised by our boss to look for accommodation in the Woodside / MacLean Avenue areas. We would be up for sharing with other Irish students out there for the summer. If anyone is looking for people to share with or has any advise for us on how to go about getting accommodation we'd really appreciate it!

Are you sure its Woodside and not Woodlawn your boss told you to look for accommodation in? MacLean ave. is in Woodlawn, Woodside is in Queens, about an hour or more away by subway...

Do you mind me asking what you will be working as? Is it in a chain of bars which has locations in both Woodlawn and Woodside, because that would make sense in what you are saying...

HavingCrack

_EmmaMc wrote: »

Hi! Two Irish girls going on a J1 to NY this summer. We have jobs set up already and we were advised by our boss to look for accommodation in the Woodside / MacLean Avenue areas. We would be up for sharing with other Irish students out there for the summer. If anyone is looking for people to share with or has any advise for us on how to go about getting accommodation we'd really appreciate it!

If you want to find accomodation Craigslist is your best bet. You have to watch out for the scammers etc. but on the whole it's pretty good at what it does. Your best bet for short term leases is to try to find a sub let off someone rather than renting directly from a landlord (avoids credit checks etc.).

I'm really not getting the whole obsession with Woodlawn of all places. Why go all the way to New York to live in what's effectively a little Ireland.

_EmmaMc

Dave2k10 - Ya sorry it was Woodlawn he said, not Woodside.

HavingCrack - Thanks for the tip about Craigslist. We're going to Woodlawn as it's near where we have gotten jobs and heard it's an Irish area and as there's only two of us going we want to share with other Irish students.

ryanmul

Hey, I am heading over to New York with a friend of mine this summer on a J1 visa, I am leaving on the 28th of May, would anyone be interested in sharing an apt or a house if they arrive around the same time as me. I won't be heading near woodlawn or the heavily Irish parts, as that kinda defeats the purpose of going to America, if you just hang out and live in an Irish area while over there,

Knex*

Hey guys,

Said I'd throw a post in here in case anyone heading to New York has some questions I can answer.

I'm working in midtown Manhattan on a 6 month internship through my college course and have been here 6 weeks, so hopefully I have some knowledge of the place by now.

There's 8 of us in total, 5 in Queens and myself and two others are living out in New Jersey, near Hoboken. One of my housemates is working in Jersey City for the 6 months so we had to choose a place close to both in case anyone is wondering!

Any questions just ask here or send me a pm, whatever is easiest

Adrianno28

Ill be heading to Wisconsin June 5th if ye are ever up that way! !

WoollyRedHat

Hey Knex, just wondering could you reccomend any good places to look for an apartment, for arounder 1,800 dollars? Also, can you advise about general tips for living in New York, things you've picked up during your time spent there? Thanks

HBeary

Me n two of my mates are headin over aswell. Also lookin to stall in woodlawn. Been told its a class spot for J1ers

kmart6

It's so stereotypical Irish though...why move to America to be surrounded by other Irish people...to me it makes it pointless!

HBeary

@kmart where do you think a good place to stay would be?

Knex*

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Hey Knex, just wondering could you reccomend any good places to look for an apartment, for arounder 1,800 dollars? Also, can you advise about general tips for living in New York, things you've picked up during your time spent there? Thanks

Hey! Only seeing this now and I'm just finishing up work. I'll get together something and send you a pm or post some general stuff here pretty soon. Sorry about the delay

Knex*

Actually, I'll just quickly post some general questions so I can get a better dea of what areas to direct you towards.

Firstly I would say, rule out living in Manhattan itself unless its above 100th St, as in Harlem area. For 1800 you won't find anything unfortunately, and if you did, it would be tiny.

Areas to look, a general answer would be buroughs such as Brooklyn, Queens and then areas areas in New Jersey such as Jersey City.

The cheapest places, as far as I've found, tend to be the most diverse areas. By this I mean, they're heavily Hispanic or Chinese areas and so on. If you don't mind living in this sort of area (and it suits me for work as I posted above) then I can send you a few areas to look.

If your looking for something more similar to home then maybe Woodlawn area or somthing similar might be the best.

Another thing, getting an apartment sorted while in Ireland is quite difficult and we certainly couldn't manage it. I'd reccoment booking a hostel for the first week and then go about your search when you are here. If your in an Irish area, start with the barmen, usually they are quite helpfull. If not, like myself, go to estate agents although be prepared for the agency fee (usually a months rent).

No harm trying Craigslist though as often you can get some good contacts/apartments from that.

As I said, I have more info on this I just gotta make sure what I'm posting is correct so I'll have more to put up over the weekend.

Anything else you can think of post here or pm and I'll add it to my next response.

HavingCrack

Knex. wrote: »

Actually, I'll just quickly post some general questions so I can get a better dea of what areas to direct you towards.

Firstly I would say, rule out living in Manhattan itself unless its above 100th St, as in Harlem area. For 1800 you won't find anything unfortunately, and if you did, it would be tiny.

I posted earlier in this thread to say definately have a look at Hamilton Heights (137-145th Streets) on the west side of Manhattan (Broadway surrounds) if anyone wants to live on the island itself. While 'midtowners' consider it to be Harlem it's not, it's a neighbourhood in it's own right. However it is heavily Dominican and to a lesser extent Korean which does put some people off. You will stand out as a 'white' person though, think the neighbourhood is only 7% 'white' or something. However, honestly a great area to live in in my opinion. The only problem was the massive lack of supermarkets for some reason which is a bit of a pain for shopping.

Harlem proper is a different proposition though, some parts are fine but other parts are still pretty bad, particularly over towards the east side.


Edit: Just thought I'd add for anyone reading that a lot of 'Irish-American' communities in the US are pretty "conservative" for lack of a better word. If you're into coffee shops, indie music, cool parks, weird and random bars, comedy gigs, record stores (basically everything that makes New York brilliant in my opinion ) the likes of Woodlawn do not provide this at all.

thomasjad

Hey two Irish guys here 20 and 21 are heading over on the 4th of June, we have jobs set up and are looking to share an apartment with people if anyone's looking for the same.