7 Things To Consider About Interning In A City That's New To You

Nothing compares to venturing out to a new place or surrounding yourself with new people, all for the opportunity of a long-term payoff.

As hesitant or apprehensive as you may feel, if you follow your gut that the job will reward you in the end, it’s best to just do it, no matter how near of far the destination may be.

Here's what to consider when you accept an internship in a city that is new to you:

Housing

When living in a new city for a summer internship, housing becomes a priority.

Most highly-populated cities offer university dorm housing.

Sublets for apartments or home housing options can be found through online or print advertisements, or just from simple communication through word of mouth.

It can be extremely helpful if you reach out to other individuals who have lived in that particular city before, and how they managed their housing situations.

The challenge just comes down to finding the right place at the right price.

Making Friends

Student interns from out of town primarily populate city dorms.

Usually, resident assistants will try to introduce everyone to one another so they become familiar with the individuals living in their building.

If you found housing independently, it’s best to become acquainted with your fellow intern coworkers.

Most of them will either be living in a dorm or are from the city and can introduce you to friends they may have.

At first, you may feel awkward, intrusive or annoying, but most interns who have lived in new city for a summer internship will be more than understanding of your situation.

Exploring

When living in a new location, why refrain from exploring?

Some places have great outskirt locations, like parks, activities and festivals that may be too big to take place in the city itself.

The best thing to do is gather some new friends and take a trip together.

New York City has plenty of places to experience in the summer, like Smorgasburg in Brooklyn on the weekends, numerous parks, shopping, tours and, obviously, the food.

Other cities, like Miami, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Houston and Boulder have a culture all their own.

It is always best to ask for advice from peers who may have been to these places for the best spots to hit up.

Google will also come in handy quite often if you’re looking for a broader review base.

Working

Internships in highly-populated areas can be intense. You may find yourself working long hours with no pay, but there is no need to feel overwhelmed.

Internships tend to require a minimum hour working week, which could result in three to four days.

If you are able to negotiate and communicate well with your boss, you could find an additional paid job to help fund your summer expenditures.

Cities are filled with job openings. You could get a job hostessing at a restaurant or working at your favorite clothing store. Many places are always looking for extra help.

Budgeting

Money is tight, and as a college student, you may be balling on a budget.

It's important to keep track of all your assessable money, whether it is cash or credit.

Your unfamiliarity with a city may make you easily susceptible to fraud or theft.

Eventually, you will begin realizing how much money you can spend, especially if you are not getting paid from your job.

Cities are expensive and the taxes can be detrimental, too. Taking advantage of public transportation and walking can save you plenty of dollars in the long run.

Making a finance chart can be useful. A finance chart can be anything from an Excel document to a simple notebook where you record the money you have and the money you are willing to divide and spend.

It is best to familiarize yourself with the prices of things in your city prior to your arrival, so you are not surprised once you arrive.

Having Independence

The rewarding sensation you'll feel at the end of the summer will be significant.

Although college prepared you well, returning back from a place you were completely submersed will leave you feeling much more confident about any future endeavors that might come your way.

Growing Knowledge

Depending on what city you end up calling home for the hot summer months, you are bound to leave knowing that concrete jungle like the back of your hand.

Your fear of subways, trains, buses and streets will seem so distant, and soon, you’ll find yourself being the savviest city resident there ever was.

You will know all the cool places to see, fun things to do and areas that you’ll always remember.

You’ll serve as a mentor for those who may live there in the future, and when it comes time for you to return, you’ll be more comfortable returning to a place you once called home.

There's no doubt interning in a city you’ve never been in before is scary, nerve-racking and may fill you will much worry.

In the long run, the payoff will be well worth the anticipation.