“She pays $650 a month—for 8 square meters and no windows.” Alina’s NYC apartment has no bathroom, no sunlight… and still went viral 🏙️🐶 Watch her tiny home tour and survival tips in the article 👇🎥
Alina, a student, made a bold choice to leave her parents and move to New York City to start living on her own. While the city is known for its energy and opportunity, finding affordable housing was far from easy.
Eventually, she managed to rent a tiny unit in Manhattan for just $650 a month — a rare bargain in a place where even the most basic apartments usually cost at least $2,000. But this low price came with major sacrifices.
Her apartment was no more than 8 square meters in size. It had no windows, no private bathroom, and definitely no space to spare. Still, Alina got creative and turned it into a functional, livable space.
She installed a small kitchenette with a sink and two-burner stove, used a fold-out sofa as a desk during the day, placed a compact TV nearby, and even built a sleeping loft under the ceiling to save room. Every inch was carefully planned out.
While there was no shower or bathroom inside the apartment, Alina managed by using shared facilities at her gym or staying over with friends when needed. The lack of sunlight affected her mood at times, especially during dark or rainy days. But she kept her spirits up with soft lighting, cozy decorations, and spending time with neighbors.
“The people in the building were amazing,” she said. “We’d hang out on the roof, drink coffee, and talk. That sense of community really helped.”
One unexpected challenge was her dog. Before moving, Alina had adopted a puppy, but as he grew, the small space became too cramped for him. To make sure he was comfortable, she started dropping him off at a dog daycare every day — a service that cost her $70 daily, more than her rent. Still, it was worth it to make sure her pet stayed healthy and happy.
Later on, Alina filmed a video tour of her apartment and shared her best tips for surviving in such a tight space. She offered clever ideas for organizing storage, dividing areas, and creating a warm atmosphere.
“For one person, it’s doable,” she said. “But definitely not for two.”
