Best Apps to Find International Student Housing in New York

Finding safe, comfortable, and affordable student housing in New York can feel overwhelming, especially for international students arriving in a new country. The city moves fast, rent increases quickly, and good rooms get taken in minutes. Platuni makes the search simple, safe, and stress-free. The platform connects international students to verified housing options, trusted roommates, and supportive communities across New York.

International students often face challenges that go beyond just finding a room. Many want to understand the rental process, avoid scams, and discover housing that fits both their lifestyle and budget. Important questions naturally come up, such as:

• Where can I find trustworthy student housing New York offers for internationals?
• How do I avoid fake listings and unsafe roommates?
• Which apps make it easy to find housing before arriving in the U.S.?
• Is there a platform that matches me with compatible roommates and reliable landlords?

This guide answers all these questions and more. You will discover the best apps that help international students find safe and comfortable student housing in New York. Platuni leads the list, offering verified listings, compatibility tools, secure communication, and smart matching designed specifically for students and young professionals. Every detail in this guide helps you make the right housing choice with confidence and ease.

Also See: International Housing in Columbia | Best Options for Students

What are the Best Neighborhoods for Student Housing in New York

Finding the right neighborhood is one of the most important steps when searching for student housing New York offers. International students need areas that are safe, affordable, and close to schools, transportation, and essential services. Below are five of the best neighborhoods that students love:

#1. Harlem

Harlem is popular among students because it offers more affordable rooms compared to many parts of Manhattan. The neighborhood has great access to subway lines, plenty of restaurants, and a lively cultural scene. Many international students choose Harlem when looking for flexible student housing New York options.

#2. Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is known for its peaceful environment and beautiful views. Students enjoy the quick commute to Manhattan and the quiet streets that are perfect for study life. The area has safe housing, making it a top choice for the reliable student housing that New York provides.

Also See: Find Affordable Off Campus Housing In Harvard University

#3. Astoria (Queens)

Astoria offers a perfect balance of affordability and convenience. Students find cheaper rent, many grocery stores, and strong cultural diversity. It is one of the most welcoming neighborhoods for international students searching for friendly and accessible student housing in New York listings.

#4. Washington Heights

Washington Heights is another budget-friendly neighborhood with a large student population. The area has spacious rooms, strong transportation links, and many local shops. It remains one of the most practical areas for students who want affordable student housing New York.

5. Lower East Side

The Lower East Side is ideal for students who love energy and creativity. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, study spots, and entertainment options. Although prices vary, students still find good shared apartments and room options. It continues to be a favorite location for modern student housing New York.

Also See: What are the Best Neighborhoods In Los Angeles

Average Cost of Living in New York As a Student

Here are some typical monthly costs for international students living in New York. These figures are averages gathered from trusted public sources. Your actual spending may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle, neighborhood, and whether you share housing with roommates through Platuni.

#1. Housing / Rent

A single room or shared apartment is the most common option for students in the city.

• From the information we got from Numbeo, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of New York is about USD $4,178 per month.
• For a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center, rent averages around USD $2,934 per month (Numbeo).

International students usually avoid renting alone because of the high cost. Sharing housing through Platuni can significantly reduce these expenses, making student housing New York far more affordable and easier to secure.

#2. Utilities & Internet

• From the information we got from Numbeo, basic utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage cost around USD $170–$250 per month in New York.
• Internet (60 Mbps or higher) typically costs between USD $60–$80 per month, with Numbeo showing an average of USD $75.65.

Also Read: 10 Best Roommate Matching App in the US

#3. Food & Groceries

From the information we got from LivingCost.org, a typical student spends about USD $400–$550 per month on groceries in New York.

Eating out is more expensive compared to many U.S. cities:

• A simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs USD $20–$25 on average.
• A mid-range three-course meal for two costs roughly USD $100–$140.

Cooking at home and sharing groceries with roommates helps significantly reduce food expenses.

#4. Transportation

New York offers one of the best public transport systems in the United States.

• From the information we got from LivingCost.org, a monthly public transport pass (MTA subway/bus) averages around USD $132.
• Daily single-ride fares cost USD $2.90, which helps students move around the city easily and affordably.

#5. Total Monthly Estimated Cost (Single Student)

A single international student living in New York should expect an average monthly cost of USD $2,200–$3,000, including rent (shared), utilities, food, transport, and basic personal expenses. This estimate is based on combined data from Numbeo, LivingCost.org, and UniStats.

Platuni helps students reduce housing costs through verified roommate matching, trusted shared living options, and smart housing tools. Students searching for student housing New York can save more, avoid scams, and enjoy a smoother transition when they begin their journey in the city.

Also Read: Affordable Coliving in San Francisco | Best Places to Live

Best Apps to Find International Student Housing in New York

#1. Platuni

Platuni helps international students find safe, verified rooms and trusted roommates while also offering tools to manage bills, chores, and documents, everything a student needs for smooth shared living in New York. The app shows matches ranked by compatibility, supports virtual tours, and stores leases and maintenance tasks so students can focus on school instead of household headaches. Platuni is a top pick for student housing New York because it combines roommate matching with practical home tools that keep life organized after move-in.

Try Downloading the Platuni App Today

• Download the App on the App Store
• Download the App on the Play Store

#2. Zillow Rentals

Zillow lists thousands of New York rentals and gives a big map view that helps students spot rooms near their school or subway line. The site filters search results for price, number of bedrooms, and other amenities, which makes it fast to compare options across neighborhoods. International students using Zillow for student housing New York get a wide view of the market and can quickly find apartments or rooms that match their commute and budget.

#3. AmberStudent

AmberStudent works only for students and lists rooms near major campus areas, including New York universities. The platform offers student-friendly contracts, virtual tours, and 24/7 support so internationals can book housing before arrival with confidence. Students looking for reliable student housing New York options often use AmberStudent because its listings and customer service focus on student needs.

Also Read: Affordable Coliving in Chicago | Best Places to Live

#4. UniAcco

UniAcco gathers student housing listings across New York and highlights price-inclusive options like studios, en-suites, and shared flats. The platform helps students compare properties, check bill-included offers, and secure bookings without extra fees. International students looking for managed student rooms and clear pricing find UniAcco useful for locating comfortable student housing in New York quickly.

#5. Roomi

Roomi focuses on matching roommates and includes identity verification to reduce risk. The app lists spare rooms, sublets, and shared apartments across New York and lets students message matches inside the app before meeting. Students who want a reliable way to meet compatible roommates use Roomi as part of their student housing New York search, then often move the conversation into a full management app like Platuni for chores and bills.

Also Read: How Much Rent Can I Afford in NYC | NYC Rent Calculator

#6. Facebook Marketplace & Housing Groups

Facebook Marketplace and local student housing groups are full of room listings and short-term sublets across New York. Students often find posts from landlords, current tenants, and university clubs that list rooms with photos and contact details. Quick replies and local recommendations make Facebook useful when you need housing fast. International students hunting for student housing New York sometimes spot last-minute openings or lower-cost rooms there. Use Platuni to verify matches you find on Facebook, move conversations into a safer chat, and manage the household once you move in.

#7. RentHop

RentHop ranks New York listings with a “HopScore” that helps students spot well-managed apartments and avoid poor listings. The site shows clear building info, rental history, and neighborhood details, which makes choosing the right area easier. Students shopping for student housing in New York like RentHop for its straightforward search and reliable listing quality. After finding a promising listing, Platuni helps you match with compatible roommates and set up shared living tools like bill splitting and chore schedules.

Also Read: How To Find Roommates In New York City | Top 10 Apps

#8. StreetEasy

StreetEasy focuses on New York and offers detailed building pages, neighborhood guides, and past rental trends that help students make smart decisions. The platform lists rooms and shared apartments near major campuses and tells you about nearby transit, safety, and amenities. Students searching for student housing New York use StreetEasy to understand market value and which neighborhoods suit student life. Pairing StreetEasy’s data with Platuni’s roommate matching and home management features gives students both the right location and a smoother move-in process.

#9. SpareRoom

SpareRoom connects people who want to share apartments and often hosts events where renters meet potential roommates in person. The site works well for students who want long-term arrangements and clear expectations about house rules. Many users post detailed profiles that show lifestyle and habits, making it easier to find someone compatible. Students looking for steady student housing in New York options find SpareRoom helpful for meeting roommates, while Platuni adds value by keeping household life organized after move-in with tools for chores, expenses, and documents.

#10. Nestpick

Nestpick gathers furnished listings from many trusted sources, which is ideal for international students who need housing before arriving. The platform shows flexible stays, furnished rooms, and short-term options in student-friendly neighborhoods. Students searching for quick, ready-to-move-in student housing New York often use Nestpick to secure a place that feels like home on arrival. After securing a room with Nestpick, students use Platuni to find long-term roommates, set up shared budgets, and manage household tasks so the temporary stay can turn into a stable student home.

Also Read: How You Can Break The Ice With Your Roommate

How to Find Student Housing in New York Using the Platuni App

Finding safe and comfortable student housing in New York becomes much easier when you use the Platuni app. The platform is designed to guide international and local students through every step, from matching with verified roommates to discovering affordable rooms in the right neighborhoods. Every feature on Platuni reduces stress, saves time, and helps you avoid common housing problems faced in New York.

#1. Create Your Free Platuni Account

Start your housing journey by creating a free account on the Platuni app or website. The setup is simple and quick, and it gives the system the information needed to show you reliable student housing New York options. The platform uses your details to personalize your dashboard and present options that fit your lifestyle and study needs.

Try Downloading the Platuni App Today

Download the App on the App Store

Download the App on the Play Store

#2. Build Your Student Profile

A complete profile makes it easier for you to find suitable housing and compatible roommates. Platuni allows you to add your preferred rent range, lifestyle habits, study schedule, and move-in dates. These details help the system match you with safe and friendly roommates who share your values. This personalized approach makes Platuni one of the most trusted apps for student housing New York.

#3. Take the Compatibility Quiz

The student compatibility quiz helps Platuni understand your living style. It includes questions about cleanliness, noise tolerance, guests, study time, and shared household tasks. Your answers help the system connect you with roommates you can live with comfortably. The quiz protects students from mismatched living situations, which is common in a fast-paced city like New York.

Also Read: Roommate Compatibility Quiz | Find Your Ideal Housemate

#4. Explore Verified Matches and Housing Options

Platuni uses smart filters and advanced matching tools to show you verified students and trusted housing listings in New York. You can browse rooms near major schools like NYU, Columbia, CUNY, Pace, and more. Every match you see is screened for safety and compatibility, which gives students confidence when choosing a place to live.

#5. Chat Safely With Potential Roommates

Start a private chat with your matches inside the Platuni app. The secure messaging system protects your personal information and lets you ask important questions about lifestyle, bills, routines, and expectations. Students who are new to the city get a safe place to communicate without the fear of scams or unsafe interactions.

#6. Join an Existing Room Listing or Create Your Own

Platuni allows you to join rooms posted by other students or list your own available space. You can include rent, apartment details, photos, and house rules. This helps you attract the right kind of roommate and avoid random or unsafe requests. International students rely on this feature when planning their trip before arriving in New York.

Also Read: The 10 Best Affordable Hair Salons in Vancouver

#7. Finalize Your Roommate Choice

Once you find the right roommate and a suitable room, you can finalize your housing decision through Platuni. The platform encourages open and honest communication so both of you can agree on move-in dates, rent sharing, and house rules without confusion.

#8. Keep Your Student Home Organized After Moving In

Platuni remains helpful even after you secure your student housing in New York. You can use built-in tools for bill splitting, chore planning, document storage, and maintenance tracking. These features help students stay organized and avoid unnecessary fights, stress, or financial misunderstandings.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Student Housing Management Software

Frequently Asked Questions About Student Housing New York

What is the best way to find student housing in New York?

The best way to find student housing in New York is to use trusted platforms like Platuni. The app helps you find verified roommates, safe neighborhoods, and affordable rooms near major schools. Students also like using apps such as StreetEasy, Zillow, and Facebook groups, but Platuni gives an extra level of safety and compatibility matching.

How much does student housing cost in New York?

Student housing in New York can range from $1,200 to $2,000 per month for shared rooms and $1,800 to $3,500 for private rooms in popular areas. Costs depend on the neighborhood, apartment size, and whether you live alone or with roommates. Platuni helps students reduce costs with roommate matching and shared living tools.

How can international students find housing before arriving in New York?

International students can start their search online through the Platuni app, which offers verified room listings and safe roommate matching. Students can also take the compatibility quiz, view housing photos, and chat with potential roommates before arriving. This process removes guesswork and makes relocation easier.

Can I find affordable student housing in New York?

Yes, affordable options exist when you share an apartment with roommates. Students often save hundreds of dollars monthly through shared living. Platuni helps students find reliable roommates so they can split rent, utilities, groceries, and other expenses safely.

Do I need a U.S. guarantor to rent student housing?

Some landlords require a guarantor, especially for international students. Many students solve this by using co-signing companies or choosing student-friendly landlords. Platuni helps you find listings that accept international students without a guarantor or those with flexible terms.

How do I avoid scams when searching for housing in New York?

Students avoid scams by using verified platforms like Platuni, avoiding cash payments, checking lease details, and speaking directly with real property managers. Platuni’s profiles, photos, and secure chat make it easier to confirm real listings and avoid fake offers.

Can I find short-term or flexible student housing in New York?

Yes, many students find flexible stays through Platuni, Nestpick, or furnished rentals. Short-term options help international students settle in before choosing long-term housing. Platuni supports both temporary stays and long-term roommate matching, making it easier to transition smoothly.