Navigating New York: The Ultimate Guide
Considering a move to New York? Know someone doing a J1 or coming for a long weekend yourself? Sophie Colgan’s new ebook has absolutely everything you could possibly need to know.
It is the most thorough guide for anyone moving to the city, with information on everything from how to obtain a visa, improve your credit score, network like an American, where to buy groceries, where to buy work clothes, choosing a neighbourhood to live in, the practicalities of finding an apartment and furniture, and a job! There’s a sample American resume and advice on pitching the perfect cover email, with input from experts like immigration attorneys and tax specialists as well as advice from others who have simply made the move before you.
It is charmingly told and beautifully presented - I read the whole thing while thinking: “I’m so excited to move to New York!” before remembering that I already live here. I wish I’d had it before I left!
Even if you’re already established here, it’s an invaluable resource. Personally, I went running to the section on health insurance because even though I have been living here over two years and am lucky enough to have health insurance, simply making a doctor’s appointment can still be a minefield. The Guide contains things I didn’t even know I needed like a section on the best places to work remotely or best day trips out of the city. I also learned that I was meant to be tipping at coat checks all this time. Oops!
Sophie includes a section on her perfect day in New York, which is my all-time favourite content to consume and basically the only thing I read on Substack. I will be trying out her perfect day myself (but pretending I didn’t see that it includes a Barry’s Bootcamp).
Even if you’re just visiting, there is great advice on tipping culture, how to use public transport, best e-sim options so that you have data while you are here and recommendations on sightseeing, shows and where to eat and drink.
In the olden days (2008), I bought the Lonely Planet Guide to Hawaii, for my sister who was heading off on her J1 to Maui. This e-book would be a fantastic gift for anyone you know going on a J1 or making the big move to New York. It is currently only $19.99 and you can buy it here.