Coming from California to New York: Elara

Relocating to NYC

When I first moved to New York to start at LIM, I was coming in blind. Having only ever visited once—and as a child, no less—I had no reference for what my life was going to be like in NYC. But, I had a gut feeling this was where I was meant to be.

I’ve always been independent, so I found moving here liberating. But in a city that stops for no one, I quickly realized it was up to me to seek out meaningful connections and find people who would make New York City feel like my home. To combat loneliness, I joined clubs and deliberately reached out to people in my classes who I admired and wanted to get to know. Now, I look back on those once lonely times and feel grateful that I had the guts to walk up to people and say “Hey! I’m Elara.”

Here's My Go-to Taco Spot

In SoCal … we know how to do Mexican food. Anyone who grew up in the southern part of the state more than likely grew up on hole-in-the-wall taco spots and elotes sold by the lady with the cart. It’s a huge part of where I’m from and something I found myself really missing when I first came to NYC. It took me time to find authentic Mexican food that felt like home, but now one of my go-to spots not far from campus is Taqueria Gramercy! They rep L.A. pride with food to match.

Trading My Car for the Subway

While I miss the late-night drives and carpool karaoke, moving to a public transit city is one transition I didn’t mind at all.

I had to gain some confidence maneuvering the different train lines that make up New York’s subway system, which I confess took about a year—but the more you do it, the better you’ll be at it! Nowadays, I know how to get practically everywhere in the city at any time.

The best thing you can do is practice and if you’re ever feeling intimidated or nervous, having a friend with you will always make the journey better. And if all else fails, Google Maps is your best friend!

My Coast-to-Coast Flight Hack

TAKE THE LATE NIGHT AND EARLY MORNING FLIGHTS!

With the three-hour time difference, I found those 5am flights home allowed me to nap on the plane and get back to Cali while it was still morning. It allowed for a travel day to be an actual day at home and helped me acclimate to the time difference. It's for a similar reason that when coming to NYC, I always like late-night flights.

Life As a NYC Transplant

In New York, I have been able to meet so many people from completely different backgrounds and with unique stories. From born-and-bred New Yorkers to international travelers making their way in the city, I’ve met so many fun characters in NYC that I wouldn’t have if I was living back home.

If you’re coming to LIM and New York City from SoCal like me, you’ll definitely miss the sunsets and the dry heat and the steadiness that comes from familiarity—but if you let it, New York will become a second home to you and allow you to grow far beyond where you’d ever thought. Say yes to every opportunity that presents itself and who knows, maybe that opportunity will turn into a gateway to your future!