5 Best Places To Live In New York For Students

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New York is a great place to call home. New York is listed among the best places to live in. Although living in New York is expensive, 30% higher than the national average but this city is a sea of opportunities. With a population of over 8 million, New York is a cultural melting pot, with people from different cultural backgrounds and countries. Here are the top 5 areas in New York for international students.

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What Are the Best Places to Live in New York for 2025?

New York is one of the most iconic cities in the world—and in 2025, it’s still a top pick for international students, professionals, and creatives alike. While the overall cost of living is about 30% higher than the U.S. average, many neighborhoods offer the perfect mixture of accessibility, culture, and affordability (by NYC standards). Here are five of the best areas to live in New York in 2025, especially for students:

Washington Heights, Manhattan – Known for its lively, student-friendly atmosphere and close proximity to Columbia University, City College of New York, and NYU. It’s affordable for Manhattan and has great local eateries, street markets, and parks.
Astoria, Queens – Diverse, culturally rich, and filled with restaurants and museums. Astoria’s cost of living is lower than most parts of Manhattan, and it’s connected to Midtown by multiple subway lines—making it a favorite for students on a budget.
Long Island City, Queens – Fast-growing and modern, LIC is perfect for students at Rockefeller University, CUNY, or anyone who loves riverside views and creative spaces. It has great coffee shops, green parks, and co-living spaces.
Manhattan Midtown – For those who love the hustle, Midtown is the heart of the city. While rent is on the higher side, it offers access to Times Square, Broadway, Wall Street, and nearly every major train line in NYC.
Downtown Brooklyn – A top pick for students at NYU Tandon, LIU Brooklyn, or nearby colleges. It’s home to some of the best student accommodations like 22 Chapel and Othmer Hall and is just a quick subway ride from Manhattan.

Why do Students Prefer Living in Washington Heights Manhattan?

Washington Heights is one of the most affordable and culturally rich neighborhoods in Manhattan, making it a favorite among students and young professionals. It offers a unique mix of Dominican heritage, classic New York charm, and proximity to major institutions like Columbia University (Medical Center campus), City College of New York, and even parts of New York University via direct subway access. Following are the key details of Washington Heights Manhattan:

The area is filled with life—Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue are lined with cafes, bookstores, grocery stores, and 24/7 diners.
You’ll also find green spaces like Fort Tryon Park and the stunning Cloisters Museum, which offers quiet spots to unwind or study outdoors.
Average student rent ranges from $900–$1,400/month, depending on room type.
With easy access to the A, C, and 1 trains, students can travel downtown in under 30 minutes.

Why do Students Prefer Living in Astoria Queens?

Astoria is a top choice for students looking for diverse food, vibrant nightlife, and budget-friendly living. Located just across the East River from Midtown Manhattan, this neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures. It’s home to some unique cultural attractions like the Museum of the Moving Image, Astoria Park, and the Noguchi Museum. Following are the key details of Astoria Queens:

The streets are safe, walkable, and filled with affordable rental options, perfect for students studying at NYU, Hunter College, or LaGuardia Community College.
Transport is seamless with N, W, R, and M subway lines, making daily commutes fast and affordable.
Student accommodation here typically ranges from $850–$1,300/month.

Why do Students Prefer Living in Long Island City Queens?

Once an industrial district, Long Island City (LIC) transformed into one of the most dynamic, upscale, and student-friendly areas in Queens. It boasts a stunning skyline, riverside parks, and a booming tech and art scene, making it especially appealing to students in creative and STEM fields. Following are the key details of Long Island City Queens:

Popular spots include Hunter’s Point South Park, MoMA PS1, and the SculptureCenter Museum. LIC also features Asian supermarkets, cozy brunch cafes, and new high-rise student apartments with modern amenities.
It’s located close to major universities like CUNY Graduate Center, Rockefeller University, and Cornell Tech, with quick subway access via the 7, E, M, and G trains.
The East River Ferry also makes LIC a fun and flexible base for city exploration. Expect rent between $1,200–$1,600/month for student apartments with premium features like rooftop lounges, study rooms, and gyms.

Why do Students Prefer Living in Manhattan Midtown?

Manhattan Midtown is the beating heart of New York City. It’s the neighborhood you’ve seen in almost every movie—home to Times Square, the Empire State Building, Broadway theaters, Fifth Avenue shopping, and iconic landmarks like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. Following are the key details of Manhattan Midtown:

For students, it offers energy, endless activities, and proximity to top institutions such as New York University (NYU), The New School, and SUNY College of Optometry.
Despite being one of the busiest areas in the world, Midtown is extremely well-connected with more than 15 subway lines, Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and express buses—all of which make commuting across the city quick and convenient.
You can reach Central Park in under 10 minutes and the Statue of Liberty ferry in just 17 minutes. Student rent in Midtown can range between $1,300 and $2,000/month, depending on the housing style.

Why do Students Prefer Living in Downtown Brooklyn?

Downtown Brooklyn is one of NYC’s fastest-growing and most student-centric neighborhoods. Located just across the East River from Manhattan, it blends urban buzz with community charm—offering students the best of both worlds. It’s home to NYU Tandon School of Engineering, LIU Brooklyn, St. Francis College, and is just a short subway ride from NYU’s main campus. Following are the key details of Downtown Brooklyn:

This neighborhood is dotted with student-friendly cafes, bookstores, coworking lounges, and iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park, Barclays Center, and Coney Island.
You’ll also find some of NYC’s best pizza joints and food markets within walking distance. For housing, Downtown Brooklyn features a range of modern student accommodations that include Wi-Fi, gym access, communal lounges, laundry rooms, and proximity to transit options like the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, F, and R subway lines.
Student rent in this area typically starts from $1,100/month, making it one of the more affordable yet well-connected parts of NYC for students.

What are the Top Student Accommodation in New York?

In this section, we will provide you with a list of the top student accommodation in New York. These properties are ideally located to the top universities in New York and other popular destinations. More than that, they are revered for their luxurious facilities to make your living comfortable.

How to Book Top Student Accommodations in New York?

Finding student housing in New York can feel overwhelming, especially with high demand and fluctuating prices. But with a clear strategy, it’s totally manageable. Here’s how to book the right student accommodation in NYC:

Choose the Right Neighborhood: Pick a location based on your university and lifestyle. If you study at NYU or Columbia, areas like Washington Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, or Astoria are ideal for shorter commutes and lower rent.

Start Early—Really Early: NYC student accommodations fill up fast, especially for fall intakes. Start looking at least 3–4 months in advance to get better rates and availability.

Use Verified Platforms Like University Living: Skip the scams and overpriced listings—platforms like University Living offer fully verified, student-only properties across New York, with flexible leases and all-included rent (Wi-Fi, utilities, furniture, etc.).

Secure It with a Deposit: Once you’re satisfied, make the payment through a secure channel and get a confirmation. Keep your rental agreement safe—you may need it for visa applications or university registration.

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Conclusion

Studying in New York is like a dream come true. We’ve seen the bustling streets of Manhattan and Queens in movies, the tall skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty on the internet, but now is the time for you to see them in person. All the neighborhoods listed above are some of the most popular and safe places in New York for international students. These areas serve every facility and service you require to support your life abroad.