New York

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OK, so I'm finishing college in about April/May next year and my plan is to move over to New York for the Summer. (So between May and August/September)Getting a Visa won't be a problem as we are regularly offered J1 Visas in our college. So any other help you guys can offer would be great. Some issues I'd love some help with are: Finding a place to live. Any good websites that you know of for renting apartments in the New York area? I'm not expecting to be able to afford a place in Manhattan, so anything will do.Minimum wage. Is there one?No-go areas. Where should I NOT go?I'll think of more later. And if you have any other comments please let me know.

Hi! Greetings from California; it really isen't up to your college if you get a J1 Visa or not, it is up to the US Embassy that you will apply in your home country. You would have to file out required forms and submit documents at the time of application. Go to the US State Department Web Site and find the Embassy you would apply at, then find out the forms. They have a new procedure now, that you can fill out the forms on line and make an appointment. Good Luck.... as form New York, I have only visited there and not lived. Maybe someone from NY can help you.

What I meant is that my college offer the forms and assistance with filling out and applying for a J1.

But thats useful information, thanks for that.

Hey bob, just some quick info, since my time is limited at the moment... I think our national minimum wage is at $7.50 now. Someone back me up, maybe? In terms of an apartment, or living accommodations in any case, try this . Pulled from lifehacker.com, a weblog I regularly read, and I was waiting for this to be useful to someone. Hopefully that can help you a bit for now, as for the safe-o-meter, I can't help much there! Live in ze Big Apple I do not...but I'm sure others can help you with that. I'll try and find some more stuff for you, though. You haven't heard the last of me!

OK! I didn't see what country you were from, until now; and you being from Ireland - I think is one of the countries that you do not need a visa to come to the US to visit.... or you should be able to get a long term visa to visit... but again, check with the US Embassy in your country. There are parts of Manhattan that are cheap living... just have to look, check http://www.craigslist.com for rents in New York City.

In regards to finding a place, you should check out Brooklyn (look up the Artist's warehouse or something along the lines of artist's and revolution) they have some pretty decent pricing. Also, check out the Bronx and Harlem not "pretty Harlem" either I mean straight up... Harlem lol. Umm... that's all I got right now in regards to where to live.Minimum wage? Umm... you're white... you're male... and you're from Ireland... you're off to a pretty good start, my dear. You'll probably get a fairly decent part time job. Some great places where you could get hired would be at electronics store (like Apple, Sony, Radioshack), or Starbucks is AWESOME... Barnes and Noble, they have a huge one in the city it's heaven. Or simply at a Library, TONS of Museums (I highly recommend a museum), or movie theater.No go areas? LOL everywhere? no I'm just kidding, pretty much all the places I recommended you to live. LOL. I'm not kidding. Just blend into your surroundings and you'll be fine. Don't walk around Harlem or certain parts of Brooklyn and the Bronx in a fancy suit with alligator shoes, a diamond watch and a briefcase. You will get jacked. Just be kind to people (NOT TOO KIND) and you'll be fine. It's not that bad living in New York. The only thing you'll have to worry about is the rats... and the pigeons. They're more of a threat to you than anything else.Some advice:Don't jay-walk in the city. You will get hit. Don't take a cab ever. Learn to work the subways. Really cheap and much faster.Don't f*ck with the cops. Only ask for help in regards to directions... oh wait you're white... nevermind.Don't rent a car unless you end up in a suburban town because cars can be pretty useless. Like I said, a metrocard or train pass can become your best friend. Once you figure out the subways you can go ANYWHERE. Don't carry your ipod or phone or any other thing of value on your person. Keep it well hidden and close to you. There are experienced pick-pocketers all over NY.If you really want a really cheap place then look online for people looking for roommates in the areas I just mentioned. Make sure they're not sketchy looking people either. You'll be fine and you'll enjoy New York You're bob... come on lol

Thank you everyone for the great advice. And thank you Abi for making me appreciate how white I am.

HAHA love it!

Haven't you been to New York once already? If so, why not think about taking in some place different? If you want to be a city rat, San Fransisco is great. Plus your damn close to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.