Congratulations on landing your exciting summer internship in a vibrant city! As you embark on this journey, filled with anticipation and a touch of nervousness, let us be your trusted guide through the process of relocating for your internship. From finding the perfect place to call home to preparing for your first day on the job, we've got all the tips and insights you need to make this experience unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or it's your first time living away from home, we're here to ensure your internship adventure is nothing short of amazing!
From acceptance letter to first day on the job…
You landed an exciting summer internship in a big city… first, congratulations! This journey is filled with anticipations and, undoubtedly, a few nerves. We recognize this will be a big transition, and we are here to help ease the burden of finding your home away from home. Let us be your guide as you navigate the process of relocating for your summer internship.
You Found Your Dream Internship… Now What?
Maybe this will be your first time living in a big city. While the idea might initially seem daunting, it is also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Internships provide the perfect testing ground to see if city life suits you, all within a temporary timeframe.
This probably is not the first time you have lived away from home. It is similar to that mix of nerves and excitement you felt before heading off to college for the first time. Back then, you had the safety net of dorm life and fellow students feeling just as jittery as you were. But now, gearing up for your internship adventure feels like a bigger deal. You're diving into the unknown, trying to find a place to land, getting the hang of a new city, and figuring out how to adult with juggling the mix of rent, work-life balance, and commuting.
You are probably wondering where to start—well, let’s just say, start early!
Reference our Checklist for Interns Moving to a New City to accompany this article.
1. Start Early 🗓️
Great… you received your internship acceptance letter! Now it is time to start preparing for your move to the big city. Demand for housing, especially for the summer months, can be intense. Giving yourself a head start increases your chances of finding accommodation that aligns with your needs.
2. Set Your Budget 💲
The first step is determining what you can realistically afford for housing based on your internship income, savings, and any assistance like stipends or student loans. Research average rents in neighborhoods you are interested in to set expectations.
Be sure to budget for:
- Rent - Research average rents in neighborhoods you are interested in. Look at listings for studios, shares, and 1-bedrooms.
- Deposit – Most traditional apartments require 1st month's rent plus a security deposit (you will get the security deposit back at the end of your stay if their policy requirements are met).
- Utilities – Electric, gas, water, trash, Wi-Fi. Find out which are included vs. which you will pay for.
- Furniture – Bed, couch, kitchen supplies, décor.
- Food – Grocery shopping and/or dining out or ordering in.
- Transportation – Thinking about how you are going to get to and from your new city, and then budgeting for things like public transportation fare or parking and gas prices if you choose to drive your vehicle.
- Renter's insurance – Recommended for protection, and sometimes a requirement by some property managers.
- Amenities fees – Some buildings charge extra for gyms, lounge spaces, and laundry facilities
- Application fees – These can range from $25-$75 per application.
Having a complete budget will allow you to determine how much you can reasonably afford to pay in rent and associated housing costs during your summer internship.
This long list of expenses can sound overwhelming, keep in mind there are ways you can mitigate the cost:
- Check if your internship provides a housing stipend or corporate housing options to reduce costs. Financesonline.com showed the statistic that 59% of businesses help interns with housing/travel costs, so it is worth exploring.
- Consider staying in university summer dorms or student apartment housing. Living on a college campus can be much cheaper in some cases that other housing options. There are also typical campus perks included like gym, dining option, laundry facility, and fully furnished rooms.
- Explore the resource Intern Housing Hub to find university housing in your new city. You will find detailed listings of available university housing with an easy application process.
- Apply student loans toward your summer housing.
- Split costs by living with roommates.
- Rent furniture rather than purchasing it and bring what you can from home.
- Limit amenities you pay for - share wireless costs with roommates, avoid parking fees by using public transit, cook affordable healthy meals at home.
The key is to be mindful of unnecessary expenses. Applying these tips will help make your summer housing search much more manageable.
3. Location Matters 📍
With your budget in mind, consider the location carefully. Proximity to your workplace can streamline your commute and save time and money, but be sure to balancing this with factoring in a safe neighborhood or ones that include must-haves, like a nearby coffeeshop, gym, or music venue when making your decision. Research different areas and talk to locals, your intern host, or alumni who have interned in the city to hear from a first hand experience of what to expect. Here are some points to consider:
Safety
Safety is paramount, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city. Research the safety ratings of neighborhoods and complexes. Join online forums, social media groups, or even reach out to your internship coordinator for advice on which areas to gravitate to and which ones to avoid.
Neighborhood Amenities
Think about what kind of neighborhood vibe and amenities you want access to, such as restaurants, nightlife, parks, gyms, laundry on-site, grocery store proximity, as well as the type of people you want to live around. For example, if you choose college housing, you will get to live among and network with other interns in a campus environment.
Community Composition
Consider the type of people you want to live around. For example, if you choose college housing for the summer, you will get to live among and network with other interns in a campus environment. This may make you feel more comfortable to make friends since you can likely relate to them through mutual experiences. Whereas if you live in an apartment complex, you will have a mix of neighbors that are working professionals and have families, and that are in a different point in their life than you are.
Commuting to Your Internship
If your office is not providing a housing stipend or corporate housing, look for places that are close to public transportation so you can easily commute to work. Being walking distance to your office would be ideal, but may also come with a higher price tag.
4. Housing Options 🏘️
Now that you have a budget and location preferences in mind, it is time to explore housing options. Your three main options are: College or university housing, a traditional apartment complex, or a vacation rental. Each has its pros and cons, so weigh them against your preferences and budget.
Let’s explore what each of these entails a bit deeper:
Many schools offer affordable, convenient housing options in the form of dorms or apartments for interns and students. This comes with the benefits of flexible lease terms, furnished rooms, and an easy move-in process. You will also get to live among and network with other interns in a campus environment.
Pros:
- No lease required, usually cheaper than apartments
- Comes furnished, flexible move-in/out dates
- Built-in community of other students
- Convenient access to public transit
- Plentiful parking
- Typical campus amenities like on-site laundry, dining hall, gym
- Usually choice of apartment style, dorm-style, or shared rooms depending on your budget
- Campus police and resident hall staffing
Cons:
- May be farther from internship location
- Available space may fill quickly, so it’s best to book early
Traditional Apartment
Typically, apartment complexes require a longer commitment (~1yr), and a higher price up front with an application fee and first month’s rent + security deposit. You are probably starting to realize this, but this is most involved option of the three. A traditional apartment is best if you are interested in staying in the city past your internship, so keep that in mind.
Pros:
- More privacy with a studio or 1-bedroom apartment
- Can choose your own furnishings & décor
- Amenities typically include a gym, lounges, on-site laundry
Cons:
- Leases usually 12 months, so this is a more permanent option
- Furnishings and utilities are not included
- Applications requiring a credit check
- Expensive upfront cost due to the application fee and first month’s rent + security deposit
- Security deposit is returned to you at the end of your contract as long as there is no damage to your apartment
Short-Term Vacation Rental
This option is great for short stints of living, although the chances of booking one living space for the length of your internship is low. Expect to have to move a few times with this option, but the space is fully furnished with everything you need. Vacation rentals can get pricy though, as you are paying for convenience and this category of housing is lumped in with the vacation/trip housing prices travelers are used to paying.
Pros:
- Housing for 1–3-month periods
- Fully furnished with flexible move-in/out
- Great locations in the city
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Limited availability and highly competitive
- Quality and listings vary widely
- May need to move frequently if your housing is not available for the full duration of your internship
Considering these different pros and cons will help identify the best summer housing fit based on your priorities, budget, and internship timeline.
5. Time to Search and Apply 🔎
Once you have narrowed down your housing options, it is time to begin your search. For the searching process, adhere to your criteria and thoroughly read the descriptions of the listings on the website. When you feel ready to apply, ensure you read any agreements thoroughly before submitting your application form. Follow the route below for the path you are exploring:
College Housing – Intern Housing Hub (internhousinghub.com)
Searching – Intern Housing Hub is a platform specifically created to assist summer interns in finding affordable college housing. Sound like a perfect match? We think it is! Explore colleges and universities in the city you are moving to and easily apply to the one you want to live at; the college will respond to you promptly! Learn how to use Intern Housing Hub.
Applying – Make sure you meet the campus requirements and have all documents at the ready to share with the campus housing teams. Intern Housing Hub has a simple ‘Contact’ form on most profiles for you to fill out, which gets sent directly to the campus. You will hear back for proceeding forward with your request. Additionally, some campuses link directly to their application form from their profile, where you can formally begin the booking process.
Traditional Apartment – Apartments.com or local apartment complex websites
Searching – These sites have detailed descriptions of the apartments listed. You can see what amenities are included and inquire/apply directly on the site. Pay attention to rent or lease contracts, minimum time requirements to occupy the space, rules regarding guests, and security deposit terms.
Applying – Either apply online or contact the apartment manager and request an application. Also feel free to ask any questions you have before completing the application as these tend to require a fee of $20-$75.
Vacation Rental – Airbnb or VRBO
Searching – These website and app interfaces are known for their user-friendly experience. You can easily search for living spaces in the city you are planning to move to and read the details about each space. The key will be to find a place that is available for the length of time you need it. A solution to this could be to stay in multiple different living spaces throughout your internship, since it may be challenging to find accommodations that are available for the length of the summer, in your price range.
Booking – Platforms like Airbnb or VRBO make booking easy, you select where you want to stay, enter your dates, and click Reserve. When booking for months at a time, you can pay the rate monthly that the host sets.
You will probably find a few different spaces you like. It will be about narrowing down your choice and deciding on one to apply to.
6. Receive confirmation 🔑
Woohoo! This is a big step closer to moving to the big city for your internship! Now that you know where you will be living, it is time to pack what you will be bringing with you or plan on what you will need to buy once you are there.
Plan your move-in day a few days before your first day of the internship. Let’s say if your start date is a Monday; plan to arrive the week before to get situated. This gives you some buffer to get situated in your housing arrangement, and you can do a test run to your workplace so you can familiarize yourself with the route and time for the commute. This is important so you can feel confident going in to your first day on the job! 👩💻
Furnished
You will mainly just need your personal items. But there is a chance you might need to buy small appliances like a toaster or microwave. Wait to buy these larger items until you are relocated in your summer housing oasis. As for your personal items, remember you are only away from home for three months, so only pack essentials. Besides, you can always shop in your new city if you realize you forgot something… so pack light!
Unfurnished
When shopping for furniture on a budget look at after-market sites like Facebook Marketplace, private online selling forums, or apps like Let It Go. It is probably best in most instances to purchase the furniture once you are in your new apartment, or else that will take more planning, expenses, and coordination to travel with your furniture on your way to moving to your living space.
7. Traveling to Your New City 🌆
First, consider the distance to your new city. If it is within an 8-hour drive, driving could be your best option. You can pack a lot into a car for such a journey. If driving, decide whether you will drive yourself and bring your car to the city or opt for a family drop-off to avoid the hassle of managing a car and rely on public transit or walking during your summer excursion.
Trips under 8 hours are typically manageable in a single day, but anything beyond this can be challenging to coordinate effectively.
If your destination is more than an 8-hour drive away, flying might be more practical, especially if you do not need your car in the city.
There are advantages to not bringing a car to the city, such as avoiding parking fees, maintenance, and the risk of accidents. Additionally, if you are unfamiliar with driving in a big city, it eliminates that learning curve. Public transportation options in cities are often excellent; in fact, over 54% of people living in New York City do not own a car, according to the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
8. Move-In Day 🚙
The big day has arrived! Luckily through your planning this should be a piece of cake!
College Housing
You should have received instructions in your acceptance email from the campus for where and how to gain access to your student dorm/apartment. Typically, this involves visiting the Office of Housing or Summer Camps and Conferences (or a similar department) during business hours to complete onsite paperwork and collect your keys.
Traditional Apartment
Prior to your move in date, you should have coordinated with the apartment manager or point of contact you have been communicating with about when and where you can pick up your apartment keys.
Vacation Rental
If you booked this housing through Airbnb or VRBO, gaining entry to your living space is simple. You can arrive at any time and use contactless entry via a digital keypad, with the passcode securely sent to you for the duration of your stay.
9. Prepping for Your First Day 🗒️
We want your first day to be as stress-free as possible. That means taking proactive steps in the days leading up to it. Here is a schedule to prepare:
Days Prior:
- Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Start going to bed early and consistently to ensure you are well-rested for your first week.
- Test Your Commute: Do a test run of commuting to the office. This will let you figure out what form of transportation you will start taking daily and how long it takes you to get to the office.
- Prepare Essential Items: Lay out items you will need for your first day, such as a notebook, pens, folder, water bottle, phone charger or portable charger, earbuds (if needed for an open workspace), and consider using a tote bag or backpack to carry these things in.
- Plan Lunch Options: Decide whether you will bring lunch from home or order out each day.
Night Prior:
- Select Your Outfit: Lay out your first day outfit to save time in the morning.
- Set an Early Morning Alarm: Set your alarm early enough to allow flexibility for unexpected delays. You can do this by planning backwards: If you need to be in the office by 9am, plan to be there by 8:45am. If your commute takes 30 minutes, plan at least 45 minutes into that time slot so you have some buffer. Estimate the time to get ready when you wake up.
Morning Of:
- Establish a Morning Routine: Start your day with a routine that energizes you. Have a nutritious breakfast, focusing on protein for sustained energy.
- Stimulate Your Mind: On your commute try to listen to something educational that will get you in the mindset of being ready to focus and communicate effectively. Educational based podcasts are great for this; audiobooks are good too.
- Center Yourself: Take a few deep breaths before entering the office to calm nerves and remind yourself that you are ready for this opportunity and the day ahead. You've got this!
10. Happy First Day of Your Internship! 💼
Today marks the beginning of your exciting journey. As you step into the office for your introduction and orientation, anticipate a tour of the building and to meet key team members who will guide your internship experience. Listen attentively and take notes as you are introduced to tasks and responsibilities awaiting you at the company.
Here are some guiding principles to keep in mind:
- Approach each day with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and confidence in your abilities.
- Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth.
- Understand that nobody expects you to know everything from day one.
- Keep record of your work and accomplishments, save documents you create, and turn tasks into impactful bullet points on your resume.
Make the most of this invaluable experience, acknowledging the effort you have invested to reach this milestone. Take a moment to celebrate your achievements! This internship is a significant step toward your future career. know you will do great things!
Finding summer housing in a big city may seem overwhelming, but with careful planning, diligent research, and a hint of flexibility, you will find a place that suits your needs and allows you to make the most of your internship journey. Remember, it is not just about the place you live in; it is about the memories and adventures you will create in this new, vibrant environment. Embrace the journey and make the most of every moment!