Study abroad in New York
Housing, transport, universities, language expectations and daily life for exchange students in New York.
Country
United StatesStudent Budget
USD 2,500 – 5,000/month
Transport Card
OMNY / MetroCard (MTA)
Population
8,336,817 (City, 2022) / 19,768,458 (Metro)
Study abroad in New York: student life
Study abroad in New York works best when you choose by university fit, neighbourhood and daily routine, not just the city photo. The city that never sleeps. Check campus commute, night safety and housing before committing.
Who loves this city?
Extroverts, ambitious networkers, and those who want endless nightlife and cultural events.
What makes it special
It truly feels like the center of the world. Every neighborhood is a different country.
Newcomer shocks
- The sheer cost of basic groceries and rent.
- The smell of garbage on the streets during summer.
- The intensity and speed at which people walk and live.
Weather in New York & what to pack
New York's weather affects clothing, transport and social life more than brochures suggest. Use the month table to plan heat, rain, cold, humidity or daylight before arrival.
| Month | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 4° / -3° | ❄️ Snow/RainSnow/Rain, cold | Shortest days, brutal winds. |
| February 6° / -2° | ❄️ Occasional heavy snowOccasional heavy snow, cool | Peak winter conditions. |
| March 11° / 2° | 🌧️ Rainy and windyRainy and windy, cool | Unpredictable transitions. |
| April 17° / 7° | 🌤️ Spring showersSpring showers, mild | Central Park blooms. |
| May 22° / 12° | 🌤️ Mild, occasional stormsMild, occasional storms, warm | Perfect outdoor weather. |
| June 27° / 18° | 💧 Warm, humidWarm, humid, warm | Summer energy begins. |
| July 30° / 21° | 💧 Hot and very humidHot and very humid, hot | Concrete heat can be oppressive. |
| August 29° / 20° | ☀️ Hot and stickyHot and sticky, hot | Often thunderstorms in afternoons. |
| September 25° / 16° | 🌤️ Warm and crispWarm and crisp, warm | Great month for new students. |
| October 18° / 10° | ☀️ Cool, clearCool, clear, mild | Autumn foliage peaks. |
| November 12° / 5° | 🌤️ Chilly, dampChilly, damp, mild | Layering required. |
| December 6° / 0° | ❄️ Cold, early snow possibleCold, early snow possible, cool | Festive season starts. |
Winters can be brutal. Subway stations get extremely hot, while the outside is freezing.
Packing checklist
- Comfortable walking shoes are the most important item you will pack. You will walk miles every day.
- A very warm, windproof winter coat.
- A sturdy umbrella (it gets windy).
Cost of living for students in New York
Cost of Living Index
100.0 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
The budget to study abroad in New York is mostly rent-led: use USD 1800-3500/month for rooms and USD 2500-5000/month as the wider monthly planning range. Keep a buffer for deposit, transport and first-week setup.
| Category | Range / mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room - private market | USD 1,500 – 2,500 | Highly dependent on whether you are in Manhattan or deep in the outer boroughs. |
Private-market baseline
Use the standard student budget as a private-market planning range. Shared housing can cost less than a private apartment, especially outside the centre.
University and public housing
Campus halls, CROUS or an equivalent public option may cost substantially less. Prices, shared-room conditions and eligibility depend on the institution, and availability is never assumed in the standard range.
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Student housing in New York
Housing in New York should be solved before arrival: compare neighbourhood, campus route and contract terms, not just price. Start with the university, verified platforms and student groups with scam checks.
Morningside Heights
Varies by street, room type, and season.Columbia University students. Commute: Walk to Columbia
Bushwick / East Williamsburg
Varies by street, room type, and season.Art students, nightlife lovers. Commute: 30-45 mins via L train to Manhattan
Where to search
Official contacts
Host university accommodation or international office
Start with your host university in New York; it usually has residence routes, partner platforms or scam warnings.
Student residences
University residences or recommended housing
Useful first landing if you apply early and accept less flexibility.
Private platforms
Student groups
International student groups
Useful for flatmates and scam alerts; always verify the contract, landlord identity and payment route.
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Deposit & contract notes
Do not pay a deposit without a written contract, landlord identity and proof the room exists.
Ask whether utilities, internet and agency fees are included.
Red flags
Never transfer money or deposits before signing a written rental contract and verifying the landlord's identity.
Always request a live video tour or physical viewing of the property to confirm it exists and matches the description.
Be extremely suspicious of listings priced significantly lower than the local market average for that neighborhood.
Is New York safe for students?
Safety Index
49.1 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
50.9 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
New York is usually manageable for students, but the real risks are practical: petty theft, late-night routes, traffic, housing scams or weak arrival planning. Save emergency numbers and test your commute.
Safe in major areas, but extreme vigilance required on the subway at night. Situational awareness is mandatory.
Top risks
- Subway incidents (always stay alert, do not stand near the edge of the platform)
- Pickpocketing in high-traffic tourist zones like Times Square
- Fast-moving bicycle, delivery e-bike, and scooter traffic on sidewalks and crosswalks
Do not look at your phone while walking up or down subway stairs, and wait for trains behind the yellow line.
Getting around New York
Transport in New York works best once you activate the right pass or card in week one. A direct campus route often matters more than the most famous neighbourhood.
🚇 Subway & Bus (MTA)
Runs 24/7. Use OMNY to tap-to-pay with your phone/contactless card. Weekends often bring route changes and maintenance delays.
No system-wide university discounts. However, fares are automatically capped at $34 per 7-day period if using the same device/card via OMNY.
🚲 Citi Bike (Bike Share)
Huge network of classic and electric bikes across the city. Very convenient for short trips, but watch out for heavy traffic.
NYU, Columbia, and other local universities offer discounted annual Citi Bike memberships for students.
🚶 Walking
New York is a walking city. You will easily walk 10,000+ steps daily. Invest in highly comfortable walking shoes.
N/A
Things to do in New York as a student
Events in New York help students build groups and understand the city without spending only on expensive plans. Mix local culture, campus events, festivals and repeatable low-cost routines.
Shakespeare in the Park
Summer
Free (if you wait in line for hours)
Iconic NYC summer tradition at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
Broadway Student Rush & Lottery
Todo el año
Low (USD 30-49)
Students can get premium tickets to top Broadway shows for a fraction of the price using digital lotteries or in-person rush lines.
Picnics and Outdoor Movies in Bryant Park & Central Park
Summer
Free
A favorite budget-friendly summer activity where students gather to watch movies on giant screens or picnic on the lawn.
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NYC Summer Streets
August (3 consecutive Saturdays)
Free
Park Avenue from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge closes to cars — cycling, running, free activities on NYC's most iconic road
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Free Fridays
Every Friday 5:30–9pm year-round
Free
Warhol, Pollock, Picasso, Monet — all free on Friday evenings; NYC's best student budget hack
Governor's Ball Music Festival
June (Flushing Meadows)
3-day pass USD 325; single day USD 115
NYC's flagship music festival — massive lineups on Queens waterfront with stunning Manhattan skyline views
Student discounts & perks in New York
Student perks in New York can reduce transport, food and culture if you carry proof of enrolment. Activate them early because small savings matter by the end of the month.
Museums & Culture
Food Savings
Too Good To Go
Huge presence in NYC. Allows you to purchase surplus food bags from bakeries, cafes, and restaurants for 1/3 of the retail price.
Get appOMNY automatic fare capping ensures you never pay more than $34 in any 7-day period if you tap using the same device/card. Fares & passes
Universities in New York for exchange students
Columbia University, New York University (NYU) are the main reference points. Compare faculty fit, language, campus route and housing before choosing.
New York University (NYU)
A prestigious private university in the heart of Manhattan. No traditional campus — the city IS your campus.
Student social life in New York
Social life in New York starts faster when you join faculty groups, sport, exchange networks or weekly routines. Do not rely only on nightlife; repeated groups usually build better friendships.
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Local Section
Coordinates orientation events, social trips, and integration parties for incoming international students.
Central Student Union / Student Representation
The official university student representation providing support, sports clubs, and cultural activities.
Meeting Places 2
Public Groups 2
ESN & International Students Facebook Group
Search for the local group to find flatmates, events, and buy second-hand furniture.
Local ESN Instagram / Linktree
Follow the local section page to access current WhatsApp group chats and event sign-up forms.
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: Moving to NYC for grad school
A great thread on the realities of housing in NY.