Moving to New York is the big glamorous dream, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. The information here is relatively stable and should provide a good starting point. 

Housing:

Finding housing depends on whether you're looking for something long-term or short-term. Short-term options include looking for a sublet or renting a room in one of the various residence houses. Long-term housing generally means signing a 12 month lease usually through a broker. Here's some advice from MHC-NYC:

  • Short-Term

    • Subletting: Often a good option if you're spending a summer in NYC since many students need someone to cover their lease or people unexpectedly need to move and still have several months left on their lease. In other cases, people may be looking for roommates. Here are some tips:

      • Tell everyone you know in and out of NYC. You never know who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone else who has a place.

      • Craigslist is one of the most popular sites for finding apartments and sublets. Be aware that like all things on Craigslist, finding the right living situation could take some time.

    • Residences: There are a variety of residences in New York that offer housing and meals for longer-term stays. These include the more well-known women's residences and a few others, some of which are faith-based.

      • Women's Residences: Some of these include the Webster Apartments in downtown Brooklyn, St. Mary’s Residence in the UES & the Sacred Heart Residence in Chelsea. Others can be found online though these are the most reputable. These residences are reminiscent of MHC in the 1950s, complete with rules of "no men above the ground floor" and no overnight guests in some cases. They’re great for short term or transitional housing. Many let you rent a room by the week or month and charge rent on a sliding scale based on your salary.

      • International House is a vibrant residence and program center of more than 700 graduate students and trainees representing more than 100 countries.  An independent, non-profit organization located near Columbia University and led by a  distinguished Board of Trustees, I-House fosters daily interaction among its residents through and array of programs, attractive facilities and residential life designed to foster diversity of thought and experience.  It offers private dormitory-style bedrooms, suites and apartments. Additional amenities include lounges, a gymnasium and fitness center, a pub, music practice rooms, 24-hour security and internet in every room.

  • Long-Term

    • Budgeting: NYC is expensive. To rent an apartment in NYC, in most cases, your income, or combined income with roommates, must exceed 40x the monthly rental price each month. Note that in other cities, this is often a 30x rule not a 40x rule.

    • Dealing with a Broker: As of June 2025, Broker fees are paid for by the apartment owner, not the lessee.

    • Approaching Properties Directly: In some cases, it is possible to identify buildings you would be interested in living in and approaching their property managers, landlords, or brokers directly about whether they have any vacancies. For example, if you have a friend that lives in the building, they might be able to ask for you. Many larger buildings have names or are owned by property groups and can be found by searching online. Some properties even have their leasing office in their building or websites for apartments in their networks. 

      • Apartment applications, whether through a broker or directly with the landlord, will have an application fee that covers a background and credit check. This is now capped at $20.

      • For younger alums who may not have the credit established to sign a lease on their own, most landlords will accept a guarantor who signs the lease as well. This person agrees to also be financially responsible in case the person living in the apartment cannot pay.

      • Location can play a big role in the price of rent so make sure to do some exploring and find the area that really feels like home.

    • Coliving: There are numerous more newly established coliving options in the City, including, Outpost Club, Aya Coliving, Cohabs, Coliving.com, Roomrs, Nodeliving, Shared Easy, The Reserve, MarkleNYC, Fllat, etc. 

Short Term Housing Resources:

Long Term Housing Resources: