• “I was fortunate to enjoy a four-year stopover in DC during which gave me a chance to get the adulting sorted out, and also to earn a decent enough salary to survive (given that I didn't learn how to cook until much later).”
• “I relied heavily on my college friends who were older than me, I relied on getting groups of friends together.”
• “I was coming home and from grad school so was at a bit of an advantage. I remember the financial stress of rent- especially when I quit my first job on the spot and needed to find a new one to make rents (that was post-undergrad not post Duke grad school).”
• “I joined DUMAA board which preceded DukeNY.”
• “Joining the DukeNY community and specifically the DukeNY Women’s Forum Executive Committee was one of the best decisions I could have made. It allowed me to have a supportive community right away and not depend on my colleagues for my social life. DukeNY truly is a home away from home for me.”
• “I roomed with 3 other Dukies so we were all in it together.”
• “It was important to me to find my own little part of New York, with restaurants, bars, activities, and parks I’m familiar with. It makes it so much less overwhelming to navigate the city and makes it feel more like a home.”
• “First 6-8 months were a major adjustment - especially with schedule and full days and commuting. I focused on trying to make new friends or spend time during the week on nights with college crew or family - but as soon as you get into your New York routine and groove, it’s really positive and exciting”
• “Lean on friends and family”
• “It was tough so I threw myself into work. Family visited a lot too & then my husband moved the second year. I feel as though it takes two years to be acclimated into NY.”
• “I moved to NYC at age 28; so I was more comfortable and confident living independently.”
• “The adjustment was hard and it only hit 6-9 months after moving to the city. It was a delayed feeling of wait -- what the heck just happened. I went from having total control over my time to having no control.”
• “Research”
• “Get involved with organizations in the city where you can meet people, have activities to do and start integrating into your new life. DukeNY is a great resource, but other friends have loved Junior League or being a member at one of the museums' young members organizations. Try to expand your friend circle, because people move in and out of New York, and you may find that people you knew from undergrad don't necessarily stay in the city forever, so adding to your friend group is always valuable.”