Finding the Perfect Student Accommodation in New York City
Finding suitable student Accommodation in New York city’s expensive real estate and rental market is a primary consideration for students.
With over 1.1 million students, New York, USA, City is renowned as a global study destination, hosting several world-class universities and colleges. Columbia University and New York University (NYU) are the world-famous universities in New York. As a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, New York offers an unparalleled student experience.
This detailed guide provides an overview of the student accommodation options in New York, along with tips for arranging affordable student housing.
Introduction to Student Life in New York City
New York City’s universities and colleges attract students from the US and globally. Out of the 1.1 million students, around 20% are international students from China, India, South Korea, Canada, Taiwan and other countries.
The city’s five boroughs – Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx and Staten Island – offer distinct neighbourhoods, cultures and housing options. While Manhattan with NYU and Colombia University remains a top choice, other boroughs like Brooklyn offer relatively affordable housing.
NYC offers unmatched access to museums, events, restaurants, and nightlife alongside extensive transit options. Students get opportunities for internships, part-time work and exploring every facet of urban living.
Types of Student Housing Available
New York offers on-campus and off-campus student accommodation across diverse settings:
Dorms and Residence Halls
First-year undergraduates prefer a traditional on-campus living experience. Shared dorms with common bathrooms and single/double occupancy rooms with meal plans.
University Apartments
Self-contained on-campus apartments with single/double bedrooms shared kitchen and living areas. No meal plans.
Off-campus Apartments
Private student apartments in buildings close to campus are offered directly by universities, generally to sophomores and above.
Private Rentals
Student-geared private apartments scattered across NYC’s boroughs, leased through brokers or management companies. Varying sizes and formats.
Shared/Group Housing Rentals
Private housing with 2-5 bedroom units shared between students. Common in areas like the Upper East Side and East Village.
Homestays with Families
Shared accommodation with vetted local families, including amenities like WiFi, laundry, and meals. Provides community living.
Key Factors Influencing Student Housing Decisions
Consider these aspects when evaluating accommodation options as per your priorities:
- Location convenience to campus, transport links, commuting time.
- Budget constraints and rental costs versus amenities. NYC rents are very high.
- Living preferences for private versus shared units, independent versus community living.
- Facilities like laundry, WiFi, furnishings, parking availability, and recreation options.
- Contract duration and flexibility around semester dates. Also, check security deposit amounts.
Support systems like pastoral care, property maintenance, safety features, and disability access.
Recommended Neighborhoods for Student Living
Here are some favourable NYC neighbourhoods for students based on commute time, lower rents and lively student culture:
East Village and Lower East Side – Vibrant area with NYU and New School University nearby.
Harlem and Morningside Heights – Columbia University proximity. Relatively affordable rents.
Long Island City – Rising in popularity with affordable rents and proximity to Manhattan.
Brooklyn – Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, and Crown Heights offer cheaper shared rentals.
Upper West Side – Columbia, Barnard College locality with vibrant student hangouts.
Best Student Housing Options in New York
Recommended on-campus and off-campus student accommodations in NYC:
1. NYU Housing
NYU provides residence halls and apartments across NYC for first-year students and seniors. Excellent locations near campus and transit with great facilities like lounges and gyms.
2. Student Housing Manhattan
This provider offers affordable short-term shared units in prime spots like East Village near NYU and other universities.
3. EHS Summer Housing
EHS has short-stay dorm and apartment options near NYU, New School, and Parsons for summer accommodation.
4. Columbia Housing
Columbia Housing offers dorms, apartments, and brownstone townhouses on the Morningside campus or nearby that suit all students.
5. 92Y Residence
92Y Residence provides short-term stays with shared rooms and kosher meals close to Columbia University and the 92nd Y cultural centre.
6. The Towers Residence Hall, NYU
NYU’s Towers Residence Hall houses over 2,000 first-year students in double occupancy rooms with amenities like lounges and learning centres.
7. Rubin Hall, NYU
Rubin Hall by NYU offers apartment-style residences for 300 sophomore and junior students with in-unit kitchens and close campus proximity.
8. Brooklyn Student Housing
This provider manages affordable shared student apartments in Brooklyn neighbourhoods like Williamsburg close to transit links into Manhattan.
9. NYU Summer Housing
NYU Summer Housing gives affordable short-term stay options in NYU dorms and residences for visiting summer students and interns.
10. Fordham Rose Hill Residence Halls
Fordham University manages several traditional-style residence halls on its Bronx campus with double occupancy rooms and community bathrooms.
11. The Berkeley, Columbia University
The Berkeley is a 17-floor landmark residence hall on Columbia’s Morningside campus offering housing for first-year students close to classes.
12. University House, Columbia University
University House by Columbia has apartment suites suitable for sophomores and juniors with kitchens and living rooms to enable independent living experiences.
13. Bronx Apartments for Students
This company provides affordable private off-campus student apartments in the Bronx near Fordham University and other institutes.
14. Riverside Apartments, Columbia University
Riverside is a Columbia-owned brownstone apartment building with fully furnished units housing 5-6 students close to the university’s main campus.
15. Lions Crossing Residence, Columbia University
Columbia’s new 500-bed university-owned residence is in Manhattanville, offering two-bedroom apartment suites for upper-level and graduate students.
16. St. George Towers, Clarkson University
Clarkson University’s St. George Towers, located on its Brooklyn campus, provides two-bedroom apartments with kitchens for students in a historic former hotel.
17. NYU University Hall
NYU’s University Hall in Union Square houses over 700 first-year students in double occupancy rooms with study lounges, community spaces and dining.
18. Shared NYC Student Apartments
This service matches students to find shared apartments with individual bedrooms in locations convenient to significant universities in NYC.
19. Lipton Hall, NYU
Lipton Hall, NYU’s largest residence hall, houses over 1,200 first-year students in double rooms and provides amenities like lounges, fitness centres, and campus dining.
20. Ship Clare Housing
This nonprofit offers affordable short-term accommodation with shared bedrooms in Brooklyn near Pratt Institute and other universities for art and design students.
Summary
With abundant higher education options, New York City offers tremendous opportunities for enterprising students. Finding suitable accommodation per your budget and needs can seem challenging, but exploring multiple student living options across NYC boroughs can uncover some gems.
