Student Housing In NYC:
Finding Rental Apartments Perfect For Students

Student housing in New York City is a huge market. At any given time there are more than half a million students here, attending one of more than 100 different universities and colleges, in all parts of town. That's more people, by the way, than live in the entire city of Cleveland, for example, and Atlanta, and Kansas City.

Add to that a recent study showing that New York imports more freshman students than any other state in the country—yes, including California—and it all adds up to a whole lot of people needing a place to live, preferably someplace inexpensive, and possibly roommate-friendly, and usually with a short-term lease or sub-lease.

If you’re looking for off-campus student housing in NYC, either for to rent or sublet, Urban Edge can help make your search easier, more effective, and definitely a lot less expensive than going through a broker.

Because all of the NYC rental apartments on Urban Edge are listed by the owner, there is never a broker's fee, hidden or otherwise. And although many co-ops don't allow sub-letting, or require a rigorous screening process of sub-lessee, NYC condo owners are usually under no such restrictions, so a NYC student apartment can be found in one of those great contemporary residential towers or design-y buildings that have popped up all over New York City in the past twenty years. Check the Urban Edge condo listings for leads in this area.

Another good thing about dealing directly with owners when looking for NYC student housing for rent, as we insist upon here on Urban Edge: most full-time students, because they have little or no salary, wouldn't meet the landlord or property manager's income requirements for a NYC rental apartment without co-signing a lease with a guarantor.

If you're working directly with the landlord, property manager, or sub-lettor, there's a personal aspect to the legal transaction that can make it all move a lot faster, and more smoothly.

Also, if you're looking for NYC student apartments and you're moving to the city for the first time, take a look at the Urban Edge neighborhood guide to get acquainted. And remember, New York City has one of the best subway systems in the world (despite what you may heard), so make sure to consider neighborhoods that are near the same subway line as your school.

For example, Columbia students can get to class easily from anywhere on the #1 line (from the West Village through Chelsea, anywhere on the Upper West Side, and up into Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood); and NYU students enjoy ready access to their school from many Brooklyn neighborhoods, via the F, Q, R, 5, 6, and L trains.