Find Affordable Student Housing in NYC (Indian Student Guide)
Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Student Accommodation in NYC (Indian Student Edition)
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Introduction
New York City – the city that never sleeps, the cultural melting pot, the academic powerhouse. 🍎 If you’re an Indian student planning to study in NYC, congratulations on your exciting adventure! But let’s address the elephant in the room: finding suitable and affordable housing can be a challenge. Competition is fierce, prices can be steep, and navigating a new city can be daunting. But don’t worry, this guide is here to help you find your perfect home away from home.
What are the different types of student housing options for Indian students in New York City?
1. On-Campus Housing (Dormitories): Many universities offer dorms, a convenient option for first-year students. You’ll be close to campus facilities, but space might be limited.
- Pros: Easy access to campus, built-in social network
- Cons: Often more expensive, less privacy, strict rules
2. Off-Campus Apartments: Renting an apartment gives you more freedom and space, but it also comes with responsibilities like paying utilities.
- Pros: More independence, choice of location, potentially cheaper
- Cons: Commuting to campus, finding roommates, managing bills
3. Shared Apartments (Co-living): Living with roommates can be a great way to save money and make new friends.
- Pros: Affordable, social, shared responsibilities
- Cons: Less privacy, potential roommate conflicts
4. Homestays: Living with a local family can provide a unique cultural experience.
- Pros: Immersive experience, home-cooked meals, support system
- Cons: Less independence, potential cultural adjustments
How to Find Student Housing in New York City
1. Start Early: The housing search in NYC is competitive, so begin your research at least 3-6 months before your arrival.
2. Utilize Online Resources:
University Housing Portals: Most universities have dedicated housing websites or portals for students.
Websites/Apps:
- Student.com: Offers a variety of student housing options in NYC.
- Niyo: Find the best student housing options in New York on Niyo. Niyo’s app is a one-stop solution for all your study abroad needs, including finding accommodation.
- Roomi: A platform for finding roommates and shared apartments.
- Student.com: Offers a variety of student housing options in NYC.
3. Networking: Talk to other Indian students, alumni, or online communities for recommendations.
4. Visit in Person (if possible): If you’re already in NYC, try visiting potential apartments in person to get a feel for the neighborhood and living conditions.
What is the average cost of housing for Indian students in New York City?
The cost of living in NYC varies significantly depending on the location, type of housing, and amenities. On average, expect to pay:
- Dorms: $1,000 - $2,500 per month
- Shared Apartments: $800 - $1,500 per person per month
- Private Apartments: $2,000 - $4,000+ per month
How can you save on forex charges while paying for your housing booking in NYC?
Use a Niyo Global Card to avoid hefty forex charges and save on international money transfers. They offer a zero forex markup card specifically designed for students studying abroad.
| Feature | On-Campus Housing | Off-Campus Housing |
| Convenience | fff;">✅ Close to campus | <td style=“background-color:|
| Community | <td style=“background-color:||
| Cost | <td style=“background-color:||
| Privacy | <td style=“background-color:||
| Flexibility | <td style=“background-color:
Documents Required for Renting an Apartment in New York City
- Valid passport and visa
- Proof of enrollment at a university
- Bank statements
- Letter of recommendation (sometimes)
- Proof of income (if not a student)
How to Find Indian Roommates in New York City:
- Join Indian student groups on social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.).
- Look for roommates on platforms like Roomi or even university housing portals.
Best Areas for Indian Students in Terms of Housing and Affordability
- Queens (Jackson Heights, Astoria): Large Indian communities, more affordable options
- Brooklyn (Sunset Park, Kensington): Diverse neighborhoods, relatively affordable
- The Bronx: Some affordable options, but further from Manhattan
Safety Tips to Avoid Scams
- Never wire money or pay upfront before seeing the apartment.
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Verify the landlord’s identity and ownership of the property.
- Read the lease agreement carefully before signing.
Is it better to book housing before or after arriving in New York City?
Booking in advance gives you peace of mind and ensures you have a place to stay upon arrival. However, if you’re flexible, you can explore options in person after arriving.
What is Niyo-
Niyo is an Indian fintech that provides banking innovative products to make Indian’s travel easier basThe Niyo card is a revolutionary alternative to traditional forex cards and cash currency exchange. Enjoy zero forex markups, no transaction fees, and no annual charges. Use it seamlessly as a debit card in India and for international transactions in over 180+ countries.
Why Choose Niyo for Your Study Abroad Journey?
- Save Up to ₹1 Lakh per Year: With zero forex markups, you keep more of your money for tuition, living expenses, and adventures.
- Fastest Way to Get Money from India: No extra charges for international transactions, making it a breeze to manage your finances abroad.
- Free Cash Withdrawals: Access your funds easily for daily expenses, wherever you are.
- Earn Up to 8% Interest: Grow your savings while you study with Niyo’s high-yield savings account.
- 24/7 In-app Chat Support: Get assistance whenever you need it, right from your phone.
What is the Niyo Card?
Niyo Debit Card is a debit card that comes with the Niyo savings account opened at one of Niyo’s partner Banks ( DCB, SBM, and Equitas). This account and card functions similar to any other Indian savings account and debit card with standard features. The unique aspect of Niyo card is that it can be used in 190+ countries without incurring any forex markups or other charges.
Problem with other cards
Generally, if you get the money transferred abroad with a forex card or bank transfers you will have to pay heavy forex markups, taxes and other hidden charges every time. All these are waived off in this card for lifetime.
Example: Suppose you are studying in USA and let’s say the current Dollar to INR rate is ₹80 per dollar. You swipe your Niyo card at coffee shop for $10. Only ₹800 (80 x 10) will be deducted from your Niyo account – that’s it! No hidden fees or markups.
This will help you save at least up to 5% on your entire education budget.
Key Features of Niyo
💁Zero Forex charges on all International spends in foreign
🙅No Joining Fee or Minimum Balance required
📖Free ATM Withdrawals Abroad ( withdrawal fee reversed in form of Niyo Coins )
💮Free Airport Lounge Access across the globe ( on spending more than 50k with Niyo Card)
💸Load and unload money with Gpay/PhonePay/UPI 24x7” without any charges
⌚24 x 7 In-app chat support
How to get the Niyo Card- Its 100% digital
Download the Niyo app.
Fill in your Adhar, Pan and Passport Details
Complete VKYC
Your free Niyo card will be delivered to your mentioned address within 3-5 working days
How to add money to your Niyo Card?
Just like you add money to your savings account via UPI, Bank transfer, in the same way you will get Niyo account details in the niyo app and you can withdraw or deposit money to the Niyo account 24x7 without any charges.
You’ll also earn upto 8% interest on the account balance
Exclusive offers with the Niyo Card for Indian students
- ISIC card worth 999 that gets you student discounts across the globe for free
- Free airport lounge access at international terminals in India on referring 5 friends.
- In app offers on multiple brands
