Great point re: atomization of media. But the parties were cool and semi-exclusive, in the sense they were ticketed events that sold out.

BYT had organizing power. The Hemerlein shows were cool, and it gave a chance for alternative acts to shine. I remember going to a lot of cool, unique showings: minor art exhibits, Indian music dance parties, food events, and more. You also saw familiar faces and it did feel like a tangible scene or moment in time.

Each and every time this comes up, the formula is always the same but the variables are different.

• do group activities: join a league, a club, whatever that aligns with your interests
• be vulnerable and talk to people
• ask people out on friend dates
• put yourself in social contexts
• colleagues aren’t always your enemy

It all comes down to joining a community and being friendly with people. Is this that New Yorker discussion group? Attending ANC meetings? Joining a yoga class? Attending a workshop? Taking a course?

I graduated high school in the DC area. Been in and around the region most of my life. I've also spent a significant amount of time abroad as a child and an adult.

I know a lot of people in the DMV. And an okay amount of the region's history.

If you're in DC already, you already have a leg up. Rather than apply to less competitive internships, I'd critically examine your application materials and find ways to stand out.

For example:

• Are you writing unique cover letters and tailoring your CV to each job post?
• Are you applying to internships within your area of specialization?
• Have you networked with alumni?
• Have you spoken to people who work at your target organizations?
• Have you attended internship sessions at school and been to internship presentations if they're offered?
• Have you stalked candidates on LinkedIn to see what professional backgrounds/skills they have?
• Are you building hard skills in things like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, STATA, R, ArcGIS, etc.?

In my opinion, if you're not doing all of the above, then you're not playing the internship game properly. I say this as someone who just completed their Master's at SAIS and has 10+ years of professional work experience. I also secured several competitive internships while at school.

So take a step back, breathe, and think about what you want to accomplish. See what skills they need and go out and spend the semester obtaining them. Go to your career center and get feedback on your resume and cover letters. Learn how to massage your prior work experience into meeting the requirements of each internship application.

I sincerely believe you can do this. 90% of it is just thinking three or four steps ahead, networking, and presenting yourself professionally.

DC ranks as one of the healthiest/most active cities in the U.S. Tons of options from volunteering, cycling, sports leagues, museums, board games clubs, and more.

I drink, but I don't go out anymore. There are a ton of things to do outside of the bar scene.

really blows my mind that people can just smoke a blunt while driving a car and not face consequences. it's definitely not cool.

EDIT: downvoted for being against driving under the influence? that's a hot take in and of itself.

I think you have to factor in the travel to Baltimore to derive the proper value of the cost savings. Gas + time, is it worth it? Frankly, I'm suspecting that OP is not the sharpest tool in the shed anyways lol

It sounds like you need to figure out what you want. The cost of living in DC can be higher in some cases, less so than in others. It sounds like you're worried about ... really bizarre and incongruent variables.

You need to just figure out what it is that you want ... or even what it is you're really trying to ask. The Pros/Cons are fairly standard for any metro/suburb comparison and can be subjective. Some people like quiet comfort, and other people like getting smashed at mediocre bars on the weekend.

IMO, DMV is a roll of the dice. As of late, it's been rolling surprisingly in my favor.

I personally don't think it is as bad as people make it out to be, but shit can always go wrong, but we know that, because it's a DMV.

I would be a bit wary. Some restaurants maintain a stock of sauce which can have onions or garlic in it.

I am of Indian origin, but not Jain, and have never tried this - but I did work at an Indian restaurant in college.

I’d call ahead to just confirm to be safe.

Judging from your comment history, it seems like you are prone to negative thinking and bias. I suggest you take some time to be both considerate and informed about the types of posts you make.