Living in New York

Housing

The housing market in NYC moves very quickly; most apartment vacancies are only listed about 30 days before the move-in date. So, you should be prepared to act fast.

Renting an apartment in NYC can be stressful, but it can be easier when you are prepared with the required information. Be sure to do research on neighborhoods and understand the application process before you start looking for an apartment.

Housing Resources:

NYU Off-Campus Housing Office

The NYU Off-Campus Housing Office is a great resource for information and finding housing in NYC.

The office’s guideline provides tips and terms that can help you get acquainted with NYC housing. They also offer a list of agencies and services that can make your move easier.

The office also maintains a housing registry with a list of available apartments or rooms. To gain access to the housing registry, you will need an NYU NetID and NYUHome login password (contact your academic department).

NYU International Scholar Network

The NYU International Scholar Network (ISN) is a Google Group for the international scholar community at NYU. Often, available rooms/apartments are posted for subletting, and you can use the group to post questions or get advice from fellow international scholars.

Please contact Scholar Services at ogs.scholars@nyu.edu to request membership.

Gyms and Fitness Centers

NYU Athletics offers membership to its sports centers, and can pro-rate the membership cost according to the length of your appointment. There are extra fees for family members. You will need to bring your NYU ID and appointment letter to join. Call or visit the membership office 212-998-2045 to ask about fees or more information.

There are many private gyms and fitness centers around NYC. Most require monthly or yearly memberships; make sure you ask about all costs and read any contract closely before you sign!

Libraries

As an NYU scholar, you have access to NYU’s Bobst Library with your NYU ID Card. Contact your academic department to inquire about library privileges such as borrowing or database access.

Family members must pay a fee for reading and/or borrowing privileges. Contact the library for more information. We suggest using the network of public libraries in NYC.

Public Libraries

The New York Public Library has many locations throughout the city. Anyone living or working in New York State is eligible to receive a free New York Public Library card. The Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Library are also free and available to anyone living or working in New York State. Public libraries often offer family-friendly events and programs.

Transportation

There are many options for getting around NYC. Depending on where you live and where you plan to go, you may want to explore different options.

Public Transportation

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is a widely-used public transit system that includes subways and buses. If you plan on using the MTA often, you can save money by purchasing a 7-day or 30-day Unlimited MetroCard.
If you plan on traveling to/from New Jersey, you may want to look into New Jersey Transit and the PATH Train.
Other transportation: Long Island Railroad, Metro-North Railroad, Staten Island Ferry

New York is a very large city, and it can be tricky to navigate the subway system. Google Maps, City Mapper, Transit App or similar apps can help you find your way through the city on a smartphone or tablet.

Bicycle

CitiBike stations are located throughout the city, and you can often new or used bicycles on Craigslist or in secondhand bike shops. Riding a bike in NYC can be dangerous; be sure you are confident before riding on busier streets. Check out the Bike Smart tips and laws for biking in the city.

Taxi and Car Service

Taxis are everywhere in NYC; they are easy, convenient, and readily available. Be sure to note the medallion number (the light on top of every cab) in case you need to file a complaint or report a lost item. All cabs in NYC accept cards or cash, and tipping 15-20% is customary but not required.

If you do not want to hail a cab and prefer the car service to come to you, you can try apps such as Uber, Lyft, or MyTaxi. There are also private car services located throughout the city.

Cell Phones

Cell phone plans in the US can be complicated, and there are many options available. So, you’ll need to do some research in order to find the plan that best suits your needs. Be sure to read over any plan carefully before signing and/or purchasing. Below are some tips and resources to get you started.

Full-service contracts may be a good option if you intend to use a lot of data, texts, and/or minutes. Often a 2-year contract is required, and a Social Security Number or initial deposit may be required.
Prepaid or pay-as-you-go options are more flexible and allow you to pay only for the service you need, as you need it. These plans may require an activation fee, and the service may expire after a certain amount of time - so be sure to ask at the store!

List of popular cell phone companies

Verizon (contract or prepaid)
AT&T (contract or prepaid)
Sprint (contract or prepaid)
T-Mobile (contract or prepaid)
Tracphone (prepaid/pay-as-you-go)
Boost Mobile (prepaid/pay-as-you-go)

Parks and Recreation

NYC has an extensive network of parks located in many different neighborhoods. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation runs programs throughout the year and maintains facilities in the parks. They offer opportunities to volunteer as well.

There are countless events happening in NYC on any given day; many websites compile upcoming events, such as plays, art shows, concerts, comedy shows, festivals, and much more. Check out Time Out NYC, or NYCGo.

Driver License

You must have a valid driver license to drive a car anywhere in the US. Laws vary by state; be sure to research the laws in any area where you plan to drive.

New York State honors all valid foreign licenses. If you need a driver license or State Photo ID, please consult the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. You may also want to apply for a New York City ID card.
If you are living in New Jersey, you should carry an International Driving Permit along with the valid foreign driver license. To learn more about applying for New Jersey driver license, please visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or for applying New Jersey non-driver identification card, visit the non-driver ID page.