The Webster Apartments

Originally when I decided to move to NYC, I saw myself in a studio in mid-town... Similar to Rachel and Kurt's lovely Bushwick apartment (Glee Reference).  I was very wrong.  Lets be realistic here.. I'm an intern and graduate student, with no job or source of income.  No landlord, in their right mind, would let me sign a lease.  My parents wouldn't cosign, so it was pretty much up to me.  I heard about The Webster, but I never really considered it as a housing option.  It was something about going back to the dorm life at 24-years old that I couldn't wrap my mind around.  In undergrad, I lived in the dorm for two years... The other three years I lived in an apartment.  I had a really large space with a lot of privacy... The Webster seemed to be the opposite of what I had grown accustomed to.

Initially, when I viewed their website I immediately felt like I had taken a trip back in time.  It's obvious that their photos haven't been updated since the 70's. I also looked at online reviews on Yelp!.com, and they scared me even more! The more research I did, the more I knew that this wasn't the place for me. BUT my mom put in an application for me and scheduled a tour.  I wasn't thrilled, but I decided to go in with an open mind.

I was pleasantly surprised! The website does The Webster NO justice at all! Their facility is not as ancient as it seems in the pictures.  There's tons of space to chill out if you start to feel cramped up in your tiny room.  There's also a large garden area in the back.  Best of all, there's an amazing rooftop view!

Here's a little more about The Webster Apartments:


About The Webster:
The Webster is a temporary housing facility located in midtown Manhattan for female students and unmarried working women.  Their doors opened in 1923 and they have been successfully housing women ever since.

Location:

The Webster is located at 419 W. 34th Street, between 9th & 10th Ave.  It's down the street from Hell's Kitchen and a few blocks away from the Empire State Building.  It's in the middle of everything and very close to the touristy areas of the city, which is great if you're not a New Yorker.  If you work in the city, this is an ideal place to live.  My office is in the Fashion District, which is about a 10 minute walk from The Webster.  Penn Station is about two blocks away from here as well.

Rooms:

My Room

Rooms come with a twin bed, dresser, desk, desk-chair, bookshelf, sink and medicine cabinet.  Each room has two lamps and a fan.  For an extra $200, you can purchase an air conditioning unit.  I did not purchase one and it can get rather hot during the day.  There is a mirror in the room, but I purchased a full-length one as well.  They allow you to mount items on the walls as long as it doesn't leave any permanent damage.  The closet space is pretty small, but between that and the dresser, I was able to put away about half of my summer wardrobe.  If you bring too much stuff, no worries, they provide storage for suitcases and other extra items that just won’t fit in your room.  A maid tidies up your room everyday.  Even if you leave the “Do not disturb” sign on the outside of your door, they still come in anyway! -__-  .  The beds can be kind of uncomfortable. Invest in a good mattress pad, pillow, and comforter. 

TV & Internet:

Guests can bring their own TV’s, but there is no cable connection in the rooms (well that’s pointless).  There are two television rooms at The Webster.  There is a small lounge on the 1^st floor and a bigger one of the 2^nd.  The 2^nd floor lounge television is accessible 24 hours of the day.  The tv on the 1^st floor is only allowed to be watched after 8:00 PM on weekdays and after 5:00 PM on weekends.  If there’s a show you want to see, I suggest getting there early.  The TV is first come, first serve.  Some girls hang out in the room all evening, so you can expect to miss a show or two.  Netflix and Hulu will become your bestfriend!  Sometimes it’s the only way you’re able to catch up on your favorite show.  There are also great websites that allow you to watch certain shows for free.  And if push comes to shove, just ask whoever has the remote if you can watch a show at a certain time.  Chances are she’ll be fine with it.  

2nd Floor Tv Room

This is a great time to start building up your DVD collection.  Anytime I find DVD’s on sale, I buy them.  That way I can always have something to watch when I get bored, but don't want to leave my room. 

There is a pay-by-minute internet kiosk on the second floor.  Wireless internet can be purchased on a weekly or monthly basis.  I believe it is $30/month. The internet is EXTREMELY slow between 5PM-12AM.  The second floor gets the best connection. If you can, add a hotspot connection to your cell phone plan.  

Laundry:

There are laundry rooms on the 4^th, 7^th, and 11^th floors.  $1.50 to wash and $1.25 to dry.  There is a change machine on the 2^nd floor and small amounts of change can be obtained at the front desk.  There are a decent amount of washers and dryers in each laundry room.  I usually wash once a week so I only have to deal with about two or three small loads at a time. 

Bathrooms:
Bathrooms are kept pretty clean.  The showers are private with a door that locks.  There are four showers and two tubs on my floor.  I'm guessing each floor is the same.  Always wear shower shoes.  Sometimes there are male employees walking the halls, so grab a robe or change of clothes to wear when walking back to your room.

Meals:

Guests receive two meals each day (usually breakfast and dinner).  The menu is posted at the beginning of each week on the 1^st floor.  I have yet to wake up in time to eat breakfast.  Dinner isn’t terrible, but it’s not great either.  I’ve eaten lunch here a couple of times and those meals were…….interesting.  Like any other cafeteria, there are good and bad days.  There is always a fully stocked salad bar, just in case you don’t like what’s on the menu for that day. If you like soda, you better grab something out of the vending machine.  They only serve juice, tea, and water in the dining room.  BRING YOUR OWN CUPS! They provide very tiny disposable cups, but i’m a big drinker and I like a BIG cup! 

If the cafeteria doesn’t suit you, there are tons of great restaurants nearby.  We’re right down the street from Hell’s Kitchen!  There are some great Indian and Thai restaurants about a block up.  Chipotle is right down the street next to Five Guys.  In other words, I doubt you’ll starve. 

There is no kitchen area for guests to cook their own meals and cooking appliances are not allowed in the rooms. Mini-fridges are not permitted either. There is a microwave and ice bin on the 2^nd floor. Many of the girls have small coolers that they fill up with ice and use it to store food that needs to stay cold.  There are also vending machines on the 2^nd floor that have an assortment of goodies for your late night cravings.  Vending machines are located on the roof as well. 

Rent:

When guests first move in, one month’s rent must be paid in full.  After that, rent can be paid weekly or monthly.  They accept cash, checks, or credit cards.  Rent is due each Tuesday. 

Safety:

The facility is very safe.  There is 24 hour security at the front desk and a watchman at night.  They lock the front doors at mid-night, but will open them for guests returning home at a late hour. 

Guests:

Need something? Check the bulletin board on the first floor.  Girls are always selling things for a low price.  Most of the women here are very nice.  I have yet to meet someone who was rude.  If you greet someone with a smile, it is normally returned. 

Staff:

I’ve never had an issue with any of the staff. Some are nicer than others, but for the most part, everyone is great!  They are willing to help and are very accommodating if you need something.  Be friends with them. Learn their names. They can make your stay so much easier. 

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Visitors:

You may have an overnight female guest for $65/night.  This includes breakfast.  If there is room, visitors can have their own unit to stay in.  If not, your visitor must stay in your room and a cot will be provided for them.  This causes the room to be extremely cramped.  If you know a friend or family member is coming, reserve the room in advance.  

The biggest downfall for me was there are no males allowed past the lobby (The includes your dad!!!!).   I'm in a long distance relationship so not being able to have him stay over definitely sucks!

If you're a woman looking for a safe place to stay in The City, The Webster is perfect.  I moved in on the 12th of August and don't have too many complaints. I'm sure as I stay long, I will have my own share of woes.  As for now, The Webster has been a lifesaver.