New York Student Housing Guide 2025

Students come with a lot of hope in New York, as it is one of the most desirable places to study abroad. Students get to explore the vibrant city and establish professional connections in NYC. The academic environment allows students to excel and make their careers. You've received your college acceptance letter, packed your belongings, and are now officially prepared to move. The problematic phase now begins: locating student housing NYC.

The city is built on diverse languages, cultures, and social groups, so you don't have to worry about feeling isolated. The city is home to some widely recognised universities like the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York University (NYU), The City College of New York, Columbia University and many more. Along with all the other important aspects, student housing is also essential for students coming to NYC. This student housing guide will help the students understand student housing in New York and the best options available. 

When to start looking for student accommodation?

After you receive your long-awaited offer letter, it is the perfect time to start looking for your new home. Where you live is a very important factor in your student experience, so to find a home that is right for you, here are some tips to follow:

• One of the most important things to remember is not to wait till it's too late. Get student housing in New York as soon as possible to find the perfect fit. This might also help you get special discounts on amber.
• If you wait too long, some of the best prices and places will sell out, and finding your new home might get a little difficult. 

If you need a little more advice on the benefits of booking your student accommodation early, this blog will help you.

Things to keep in mind when choosing student housing

Finding a student accommodation that you love might seem stressful and like a lot of work, but if you already have an idea of what you prefer and like, the search will get easier. To get the best university life experience, here are some things in the student housing guide to keep in mind while choosing student housing NYC:

1. Distance from university: This is one of the biggest things to keep in mind because getting to classes on time without too much hassle is the perfect situation. If the student housing NYC is too far away or without proper transport nearby, it will become a problem very fast.

2. Transport Nearby: As mentioned before, this is also very important. As a student, travel will be a part of everyday life, and so getting to university or even places like bars, restaurants and cafes will need some kind of transportation. In New York, the subway, buses and taxis are the most common forms of transport, so having stops near the New York student housing is necessary. 

3. Value for Money: Finding student accommodation in New York that fits your needs and is also affordable is very helpful. Find out if the rent justifies the amenities and features it offers and go from there. After a long day of school, come back to a home that actually feels like one is nice but doesn't burn a hole in your pocket just to have a fancy apartment. For more details, this blog on things to look for when choosing student accommodation will help. 

Types of student housing in New York

Many options are available for New York student housing in this bustling city. You will have enough options for you to choose from. Depending on your budget, you can get a suitable New York student housing option for yourself. The following are the types of housing in NYC.

1. Studio Apartment 

The studio apartment is a one-room apartment. They are also known as one-room apartments or studio flats. A studio apartment typically has one large room serving the living, dining, and sleeping areas. A variation, known as an "alcove studio," may include a very small separate area; this wing or nook is separate from the main area and can be used for dining or sleeping. The kitchen facilities in the apartment may be located in the main room or in a small separate area. The bathroom is typically located in its smaller room, while the toilet can be elsewhere. 

2. Ensuite

An ensuite room is a student accommodation in New York where the bathroom is directly attached to it; to use the bathroom, a person in that bedroom does not need to leave the room or enter a hallway. Instead, it is a part of the bedroom. The bathroom in an ensuite bedroom will differ in size and features. This design is common in hotel rooms and is becoming more common in private residences. Some ensuite bedroom bathrooms only have a toilet and a sink, while others have a toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub. Other bathrooms will be more elaborate and will include additional amenities.

3. Shared Apartment

Shared flats are New York student housing where the flat is rented by a group of student housing where every flatmate is bound to pay their rent after splitting it from the total rent amount. The sharers are under a joint tenancy agreement. It means you'll share an apartment/house with one or more people. You will share common areas with other apartment residents, such as the kitchen and living room. If you have a shared room, you are sharing your room with one or more other people. Unless specifically stated, the bathroom is usually shared unless you have your own private bathroom.

Hosted accommodation, or homestay, offers a cost-effective and culturally immersive alternative to traditional housing. Staying with a local family allows guests to experience local customs, language, and cuisine. Homestays are often more affordable and flexible, providing additional support and a safer living environment compared to living alone.

Best Localities in New York for student housing

Even though it is recognised as an expensive city, it can provide affordable student housing NYC. Living in a comparatively affordable, popular college location like the ones listed below can help you achieve financial success.

1. Murray Hill

Murray Hill is defined by the intersection of 29th and 42nd Streets. Murray Hill is notorious for being clogged with college students looking for a nearby restaurant. 

Salvation Taco is famed for its free ping pong, while 2nd Avenue Deli's pastrami sandwiches are unrivalled. The Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the United Nations offices are all within walking distance of Murray Hill, part of the Midtown East neighbourhood. Stop into St. Vartan Park to shoot hoops on the basketball courts or explore the flora to get a break from the city. With amber, you do not need to hunt for New York student housing. With amber student accommodation, you can choose from affordable New York student housing options such as Midtown East, located close to Murray Hill. 

2. Yorkville 

Yorkville is known as the "hidden gem" of the Upper East Side, which is one of the city's most family-friendly neighbourhoods. Even for Manhattan's notoriously hectic reputation, it emanates a slower-paced, laid-back attitude. It stretches from East 79th to East 96th Streets, providing a unique blend of urban and country living. There is plenty of nature escapes like the Carl Shurz and John Jay parks, the usual NYC cuisines, intriguing stores, and beautiful, high-rise skyscrapers. Yorkville attracts students and recent graduates because of its welcoming attitude in student accommodation in Manhattan, New York.

3. Washington Heights 

The Times Square and the Empire State Building are located in the Midtown area; Manhattan's highest neighbourhood, Washington Heights, is sparsely populated and provides great student housing NYC. This district is noted for its ethnically diverse character, with many Ecuadorian, Dominican, and Mexican restaurants, festivals, art museums, and street cart vendors. It's around 35 minutes from Union Square, above 179th Street.

Manhattan, New York, is often more expensive for student housing. Although Washington Heights is officially part of Manhattan, you can find huge affordable apartments by New York standards. Fort Tryon Park, Manolo Tapas, and Cafe Buunni are excellent places to visit.

4. Williamsburg 

Williamsburg, New York City, is one of the city's most popular, emerging, and intriguing neighbourhoods, with cheap student housing NYC combining modern, edgy architecture with historic structures. Because the gorgeous Brooklyn College Campus snuggles right up against the neighbourhood, it's the hub for young creatives for students and college grads. 

You can quickly locate a sleek laptop cafe to study in and art exhibits, music events, and tasty eateries in this location. Walk across the Williamsburg Bridge, explore Domino Park, a thrift shop at L Train Vintage, and bowl at Brooklyn Bowl to make the most of your vacation.

5. Greenpoint 

It is a trendy neighbourhood adjacent to Williamsburg featuring live-work artist buildings, Polish delis, and doughnut shops. It's an affordable neighbourhood with all necessities like grocery stores and laundromats. The Sunshine Laundromat offers washing services, over 20 pinball machines, and refreshments. 

Students can go on an Indie shopping spree, pick up some vinyl, and eat at Christina's Polish Restaurant while not studying at a local coffee shop. See a band at the Brooklyn Bazaar to round out the evening.

Top 10 Accommodations in New York

Now that you know the best areas to live in New York, check out these top 10- student accommodations in New York:

1. Harrington Housing Midtown Manhattan, New York

Amenities: Private TV, A Gym, Co-working Space, Fully furnished with a bed and a wardrobe.

This student housing, Harrington Housing Midtown Manhattan, is located in the city centre of Manhattan and is located very close to some of the esteemed universities in New York. Getting to the City University of New York and Juilliard School will be fast and easy. 

2. Midtown East, New York

Amenities: A mini-fridge, Free high-speed WiFi, Laundry facilities onsite, Study-desk, Co-working Space

Midtown East student housing, Midtown East is located in a popular area of New York and has a number of room options for the students to choose from. Students attending City University of New York or CUNY Hunter College will not have to worry about getting there fast. 

3. 152 West 15th Street, New York

Amenities: 24-hour CCTV, laundry facilities, monthly housekeeping, kitchenette, microwave-oven 

152 West 15th Street student housing NYC is stunning and is a 14-minute walk from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a 7-minute drive from New York University. It comes equipped with a lot of amenities. The public transport stops are also all located within a 4 min walk. 

4. 35 East 7th Street, New York

Amenities: Air-conditioning, A comfortable bed, Electronic keycard access, A fully-equipped kitchenette, Complimentary WiFi, Monthly housekeeping

1, 2 bedroom apartments, studios and private rooms are offered at 35 East 7th Street student housing in New York. Hult Business International School and New York University are both located just a short walk away from 35 East 7th Street. 

5. 230 Sullivan Street, New York

Amenities: 24-hour CCTV, Complimentary Laundry facilities, Monthly housekeeping, Personal property managers, Fully furnished

A 4-minute stroll from New York University and a 14-minute walk from Hult International Business School, 230 Sullivan Street Student Housing NYC is ideal. It is also very well connected to the public transport system. 

6. 81 Sullivan Street, New York

Amenities: A private kitchen, Living space, Property managers, Air Conditioner, Laundry, Monthly House-keeping

81 Sullivan Street is a modern and comfortable student housing in New York located close to anything the residents might need. New York University is a 7 min drive away, and Hult International Business School is a 10 min drive away. 

7. 85 2nd Avenue, New York

Amenities: Microwave ovens and refrigerators, large rooms, luxurious bathrooms, Fully equipped kitchenette, Monthly Housekeeping

85 2nd Avenue, New York, is easily connected to public transit, so students never have to worry about transportation. Hult International Business School is a 4 min walk away, and New York University is a 10 min walk away. 

8. 308 West 18th Street, New York

Amenities: In-room electronic safe, Monthly housekeeping and 24 Hour CCTV

308 West 18th Street is a modern and chic student housing in New York that offers 1, 2 bedroom apartments, studios and private rooms. This student Housing in New York is located within a 12-minute walk from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a 13-minute drive from New York University.

9. New York Friends Home, New York

Amenities: A kitchenette, Dining room, Ensuite bathroom, Oven, Microwave and stocked kitchen

Brooklyn Law School and Hult International Business School are both located very close to New York Friends Home. This New York Student Housing is comfortable and is the ideal home. New York Friends Home student housing is surrounded by plenty of restaurants and bars. 

10. Marcy, New York

Amenities: Onsite laundry, Regular cleaning, Free onsite laundry, Interior courtyard

Marcy Student Housing offers three and four-bedroom apartments with all the facilities needed away from home. Brooklyn Law School and Hult International Business School are both located a short drive away from the student housing. 

Questions to Ask Before Finalising the Accommodation

Now that you finally have a New York student housing in mind that you are considering finalising, here are some questions to ask yourself to make sure that it is the perfect fit.

• What is the nearest subway/ bus/ train station?
• Is the Student housing near my university?
• Is the area of student housing in New York safe?
• Is the New York Student housing furnished? 
• Are there any supermarkets nearby?  

Moving In Checklist

When moving anywhere, especially for school, have a checklist to keep tabs on everything you need to carry with you so you don't forget anything. 

1. All important documents
2. All necessary Electrical Gadgets 
3. Weather appropriate clothes
4. Favourite stationery
5. Necessary Kitchen Items
6. Comfy bedroom Items
7. Favourite Bathroom Items
8. Medical Supplies 
9. Miscellaneous Items

Avoiding Rental Scams/Frauds

As there are students from all over the world trying to book rentals in a different new city, there are always scammers trying to get their hands on them. Amber makes sure that your safety is a top priority. Some of the rental scams include the following:

1. Non-existential rentals: Also called phantom properties, these don't actually exist in real life and are fake listings. 

2. Hijacked Advertisement: Here, the scammer impersonated the property owner after hijacking the existing advertisement.

3. Clickbait Apartments: Scammers try to pressure first-time renters for early deposits or signing contracts that are not even listed yet. 

Tips to avoid being scammed

Preventing yourself from being a victim of rental fraud is always better than cure. Sometimes, the rental property scammers are outsmarted and ask for unwanted details or sometimes even take money by showing you too-good-to-be-apartments when in reality, they are completely different from the pictures shown. Here are a few ways in which you can avoid being scammed by rental scammers. 

1. Avoid non-traceable payment methods

2. Don't book an apartment without a visit

3. Meet the owner or the landlord before signing any agreement

4. Go for a written lease or an agreement

5. Don't provide any confidential information 

6. You can read more about rental scams and tips on how to avoid them by reading this blog!

Documents required for renting student housing in NYC

There are a number of things needed to rent student housing, as there needs to be identity proof and other guarantees. So, Here is a list of all the Documents required for renting student housing in NYC: 

1. I-20 Visa

2. Your university's offer letter

3. Photo Id or Passport

4. Proof of financial assistance

5. Recommendation letters

6. Last two months of bank statements

We hope you find this guide helpful. Now that you have a clear idea of the best localities for New York student housing and all the important factors, you need to consider booking student accommodation in New York. You can check out our blog on renting an apartment using a student loan. Pack your bags and get set; go! Before you book your accommodation don't forget to check out things to do in New York in December.