<p>Another poster who lives in the area, whose H worked in Stamford for many years, and now commutes to NYC. I would not recommend Danbury at all for a 20 something in town for only a few months. Very little to do, mostly families and some areas that are not that great. Downtown Stamford (perhaps the shared housing) has plenty of restaurants, shopping and theater. In shared housing, she would have some peers to give her a jump start into a social life. It is an easy train ride into NYC for other activities on weekends. My teens have gone into the city independently from age 16 on. It would be necessary to have a car in CT.<br>
The other option is NYC. This is an opportunity that your D needs to decide upon. Many, many young adults commute from NYC to CT regularly especially since so many firms moved some of their operations out of the city. It can be exhausting, but she is young and may find it invigorating and exciting. It is a relatively short period of time in her life and she may never get this opportunity again. The fall in NYC is one of the best times to be there, leading up to the Thanksgiving parade, the store windows before Christmas and surrounded by peers at the Y. I also agree that the walk is a safe, regular commute for many students, families and professionals.</p>
<p>MANY, and I mean MANY folks in the CT/NY area commute for an hour in each direction to work. Personally I would rather do so on a train where I could read, or rest. The OPs daughter will find MANY young commuters on that Metro North train everyday.</p>
<p>Re the price at the YMHA, it’s not that bad for a safe, short term situation. Manhattan is costly…at least they aren’t having to deal with subletting (which can be a lease headache in NYC), first/last months rent/deposit all up front, and setting up things like utilities which are all included in the YMHA costs.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and input. We are DONE! She is living at the 92Y…I gave the deposit! I am sure she will have a great experience. The days will be long for someone that has never commuted, but it is for 12 weeks. She loves to swim, and the lure of the Y pool will be great after a long day. Plus, she has friends in NY, so the weekends will be fun. I am already planning my first trip to visit (and see Book of Mormon). I really do want to express my sincere gratitude for all of these posts and PM’s. I would never have known about the Y, and I probably would have worried about the area, commute, etc. Since we know the subway/train routes thanks to the nice people on CC, I am much more comfortable. I am guessing you can buy month long unlimited passes on both the train and subway? That is my last question. Again, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!</p>
<p>You might want to check on the availability of Book of Mormon tickets. It is very popular and you may find that your trip may need to be based on the availability of those tickets. I hear it is a fabulous show.</p>
<p>So glad it has all worked out, I’m sure she will have an amazing 12 weeks. Yes, you can get a monthly Metro North ticket ($247/month GCT-Rye) and here is a link that lets you see the different Metro pass options for the subway. [MTA/New</a> York City Transit - Unlimited Ride vs. Pay-Per-Ride (Regular) MetroCard](<a href=“http://www.mta.info/metrocard/compare.htm]MTA/New”>http://www.mta.info/metrocard/compare.htm)</p>
<p>Get your Book of Mormon tickets ASAP! It always sold out and never discounted. I laughed till I (almost) wet myself! And left humming!</p>
<p>I just bought our tickets. I had to pay for premium ones, but I heard it was a must see. RunnersMom, thanks for the link. The 30 day unlimited option will work (X3). Also booked all of her plane tickets today and a hotel reservation so I could visit. I’ve been busy! But I am much more relaxed now that she has a good plan. Thanks again!</p>
<p>That is great! Glad it all is coming together. I’m looking forward to your NEXT thread about your daughters wonderful adventures while in NYC…and your trip to visit.</p>
<p>One more question. D is going to need a backpack or briefcase for work. Initially I thought I’d get her a professional looking backpack, as while she walks to subway it is easy and comfortable. But is it safe on public transportation? Could someone open pockets in back? Am I better getting her a crossbody briefcase? Any input would be appreciated. Again, thanks!</p>
<p>Have to say that my D prefers to carry her zipped Longchamp tote bag to work on the Metro in DC. It is big enough for her laptop, heels (when she needs them!) and a small purse for when she goes out for lunch. My S uses a cross body leather messenger bag. I’ve commuted on Metro North and the subway using any combination of backpacks and tote bags without any concern.</p>
<p>I did just remember that, as a note of caution, when my D was studying in Vienna she did have her wallet lifted out of her backpack. She made the mistake of taking her wallet out and purchasing something while in the subway station and someone clearly saw her put it back in, then followed her and lifted it. Here’s a bit of “streetwise” advice - if she think she’s going to want to buy something in the subway station (newsstand, coffee etc.), make sure she has the money in an accessible pocket and doesn’t pull out her full wallet or go searching through a backpack.</p>
<p>My kids NEVER put their wallets (or passports) in the pockets to backpacks. Those go in an inside pocket in a jacket they are WEARING. I would suggest a cross body messenger bag. They come in some very nice color/fabric/leather options and can hold a lot but are easy to carry. I would not use a backpack as an intern for a job.</p>
<p>Ha!
This summer, D travels from CT to Chelsea in NYC everyday and uses her zip-up Longchamps bag as a carry-all…and I mean ‘carry-all’! No outside pockets to tempt anyone when the rides get a little crowded. You don’t want anything too bulky cause it’s a PITA to deal with everyday.</p>
<p>I thought I posted this yesterday but it was lost in cyberspace…</p>
<p>I agree about a zip up tote. No outside pockets.</p>
<p>Once again, thanks for the advice. I will look for a longchamps crossbody bag with no pockets! Thank you!</p>
<p>NYC is the safest large city in the US, but anyone should be alert and aware to avoid crimes of convenience. Is using a backpack, valuables should not be kept in outer pockets and bag should be removed from back and held in front, under arm or on lap on public transportation (both for safety and courtesy). </p>
<p>Another bag my sister swears by us Lock a Bye. Slash proof, locking center compartment and ability to lock entire bag to a stable surface (chair, table etc). She loved hers when overseas (area with large pick pocket problem) and cruising. Lots of patterns.</p>
<p>I think the Longchamps is a zippered tote, not a cross body bag. They make them with longer or shorter handles. Look at TJMAxx and Marshalls where they are sometimes found for about $40.</p>
<p>Just bought a crossbody messenger bag with no outside pockets on ebags.com. Stylish (made for a woman), black, lightweight. Should fit the bill. Thanks all!</p>
<p>Just another hint - if the cross body bag does not have an interior zipper compartment under the exterior flap, I would recommend she get in the habit of keeping the flap towards her body if riding on crowded public transportation.</p>
<p>dumbo11, just wanted to to say how impressed I am at the way you have been able to rapidly and thoroughly research and resolve the issues connected with your daughter’s internship. I hope she has inherited your skills, resourcefulness and energy!</p>