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)
City Vibe
The city that never sleeps. Fast-paced, incredibly expensive, but offers unparalleled cultural and professional exposure.
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.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / -3°C | Snow/Rain | Shortest days, brutal winds. |
| February | 6°C / -2°C | Occasional heavy snow | Peak winter conditions. |
| March | 11°C / 2°C | Rainy and windy | Unpredictable transitions. |
| April | 17°C / 7°C | Spring showers | Central Park blooms. |
| May | 22°C / 12°C | Mild, occasional storms | Perfect outdoor weather. |
| June | 27°C / 18°C | Warm, humid | Summer energy begins. |
| July | 30°C / 21°C | Hot and very humid | Concrete heat can be oppressive. |
| August | 29°C / 20°C | Hot and sticky | Often thunderstorms in afternoons. |
| September | 25°C / 16°C | Warm and crisp | Great month for new students. |
| October | 18°C / 10°C | Cool, clear | Autumn foliage peaks. |
| November | 12°C / 5°C | Chilly, damp | Layering required. |
| December | 6°C / 0°C | Cold, early snow possible | 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
Cost of Living Index
100.0 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | USD 1,500 – 2,500/month | Highly dependent on whether you are in Manhattan or deep in the outer boroughs. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
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
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.
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.
Safety
Safety Index
49.1 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
50.9 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
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.
Transport
🚇 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
Events & Activities
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.
medium
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 Perks
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
New York University (NYU)
A prestigious private university in the heart of Manhattan. No traditional campus — the city IS your campus.
Social Life
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.