Getting Settled: Apartment Life | Student Blog

My Special Place—“Rome wasn’t built in a day”

There are so many perks to living in the Residence Hall. There’s the gym, a café downstairs, an array of events to go to, the New York Public Library (two of them in fact) is right next door, and there are always new people to meet—abd don’t forget the views from your room and it’s right next to Lincoln Center! I even became an RA during my second year because of my time there … However, after two years of living on campus, last year I decided that I needed a change. Due to the rather full training schedule, I found that I hardly left the Upper West Side, and quite honesty I hadn’t traveled so far to stay within my comfort zone! So I committed to moving into a New York apartment (I'm now in my second year), and I couldn’t be happier. Moving away from school has been a tremendous part of my growth and equilibrium. For me, the benefits of being able to compartmentalize away from the Juilliard building has been immense. My apartment is my special place—it’s my tranquil safe heaven where I can reflect on my day and drink as much tea as I like. It’s my creative hub and it’s filled with things that inspire me, and that space away from school is always so helpful in gaining perspective on my goals. My roommate (Drama alum Jasminn Johnson) is also the best, which helps.  Getting settled, whether it’s in the dorms or in an apartment building, can be exciting and also very scary. Especially if you’ve never done it before. And I think that part of it is making sure you have a net of friends and family to help with the deep-clean and move in beforehand to help set you up! Once that’s done here are my three top tips that helped me get settled. And remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Three Top Tips for Creating Your Special Place

• Details create ambience!

Getting settled means creating a sense of equilibrium. Of course you need actual furniture but when creating a space that is going to juxtapose the structure and familiar routine at Juilliard, I suggest investing in some candles, soft blankets, lamps, and pillows. Trust me they are going to save your life—especially after a stressful day! HomeGoods can have some great sales, and there are also thrift stores if you want to add some character to your place, and dollar stores are great for finding jars and cool boxes.

• It's still your home away from home—but it's not a spaceship either!

Although my apartment is my nest for now, there really is nothing like my family home in London. As an international student, I have had to bring parts of my London home to my New York apartment. Photos of family and friends have helped me get settled, and keeping up traditions like Friday movie nights have made my transition, well, flow! So when you're coming here, bring anything that reminds you of home, and keep it close to you.

• Treats!

Getting settled also means being kind to yourself as you transition. I have found that there are some comforts that are affordable and meaningful to me that helped me with my move-in anxiety and stress! In my apartment I have a basket of teas of every kind you could imagine! I’m also a little obsessed with chocolate.

Walking is also a big delight for me, and I’ve found that walking around my neighborhood within a good three-mile radius can be very encouraging! You’ll see parts of life that you normally miss being cooped up at Juilliard all day. Plus you’ll see beautiful parts of different cultures and be able to explore and support local businesses.

Also I love podcasts and listening to music when decorating and in general!

Overall, I think your apartment/dorm room should be a place to unwind and also help you achieve your goals for the year. Hope you’re all getting everything you can out of your new spaces and that those tips will help you get settled!

Best wishes,

Hannah Rose