I’m a 26-year-old graduate student at Columbia University and intern at the United Nations who lives in a vintage Volkswagen van in Manhattan. I made this choice motivated by a goal of future financial security and a thirst for adventure.
My journey into van life began when I was a child, listening to my grandfather’s stories about road trips across Mexico and the United States. During my freshman year of college, the same pickup truck that my grandfather drove was passed down to me.
Even though it was no longer in the best condition – plagued by rust, brake issues, electrical malfunctions and engine problems – I decided to renovate it.
The van before the renovations. Gérardo Rios Garcia
I entered Columbia University for graduate school and my van was the most affordable and fun way to go.
After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in commerce, I knew I wanted to continue my education. I didn’t know where to go except it had to be North America so I could take my van with me. I also wanted to avoid taking out loans or asking my family for financial support.
I applied and was accepted into Columbia University’s Master of Sustainable Management program. After working full-time in consulting in Mexico for two years, saving as much as I could, and selling or donating anything that didn’t fit in my van, I decided to head to my graduate program.
After crossing the Arizona border, I had 2,500 miles and 10 states to cover. I experienced engine problems in Albuquerque, Kansas City, and Indianapolis, and had to tow the van with a U-Haul at one point. However, I arrived in New York on a Sunday morning and had an orientation session on Monday. My Volkswagen van became my home in September.
The interior of the renovated van. Gérardo Rios Garcia
I wanted a lifestyle that allowed me to focus on my studies and work to achieve a good professional status while living life to the fullest and gaining as many new experiences as possible. The van was a solution that was both economically viable and incredibly liberating.
Living in a van in Manhattan is difficult, scary and stressful
The van on a Manhattan street. Gérardo Rios Garcia
Measuring just over 46 square feet, my van poses some significant challenges. I constantly have to find free street parking, deal with extreme temperatures, and stay aware of my surroundings. I use WiFi in cafes, libraries, restaurants or the gym. I also usually shower at the gym.
I have a mini fridge, an electric stove powered by a solar panel, and basic cooking utensils, so I cook sometimes. I also frequent Columbia’s diners, dining halls, and cafes for meals.
I have friends over from time to time, but since the space is small, it’s not something I do very often. My mother visited me a few months ago when the weather was nice for a week and she stayed with me in the van.
I am more involved in my community
A small living space has encouraged me to become more involved in my community and has significantly increased my productivity. Balancing three part-time jobs – a teaching assistant position, a research assistant role and my internship at UNO – while joining student clubs, volunteering and maintaining a 4, 0 was achievable because I don’t feel the need to always be at home.
I study in the van when time permits, watch movies, and take naps. During the colder months of winter and the warmer periods of summer, I mostly sleep in it.
The interior of the van. Gérardo Rios Garcia
My unconventional lifestyle became a topic of discussion. My colleagues and professors find my story intriguing. In the professional world, I have encountered a range of reactions, from admiration and curiosity to skepticism and judgment. These interactions taught me valuable lessons in communication, resilience, and growth.
I learned to prioritize what is truly important
I now know that I want a minimalist lifestyle, focused on my goals and passions, free from the distractions of excessive materialism.
Financial independence is another important benefit of my van life. I save about $2,000 each month and avoid student loans. This freedom gives me the opportunity to explore the culinary richness of New York, play sports, attend events, and do other activities that I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.
Van life has been an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth
The van parked on a city street. Gérardo Rios Garcia
Van life has shown me that there are endless possibilities when you choose to live authentically and embrace the unknown, but uncertainty is the biggest challenge of this lifestyle. Not having a comfortable place to retreat to and dealing with added stress can be a challenge.
Physically, space is limited and being essentially homeless can be straining on relationships. There is also the constant concern of potential break-ins and mechanical problems. However, I truly believe that living in a van has had a positive impact on my professional and academic life.
I want my story to be a reminder that there are many ways to live and thrive. I like to think of my van, parked in the middle of urban chaos, as a symbol of resilience, creativity and the enduring human spirit.
I finish my classes in December and plan to stay in the van until then. I don’t plan on living in my van for an extended period of time after I finish school, but I haven’t decided on my next steps yet. I am open to exploring different opportunities and locations.
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