Updated – July 18th, 2025
Live just steps away from your University in New York City! (Photo credit: Joshua Tsu via Unspash)
Updated – July 18th, 2025
Studying in New York City, one of the most exciting cities on earth, is definitely an enriching experience! However, unlike in a small college town, university students – who are generally tired and pressed for time – don’t want to spend hours commuting to and from campus every day on public transit. Especially if you’re not a native New Yorker, navigating the city’s transit network on your first day can be very stressful!
That’s why finding a well-located furnished rental can help you avoid common apartment rental mistakes, while saving valuable time in your student schedule, and enjoying a more personal setting than a university dorm.
1. Columbia University – Morningside Heights, Manhattan
Columbia University is one of the oldest and most prestigious Ivy League schools in the United States. It’s nestled in the academic enclave of Morningside Heights in Upper Manhattan. The campus blends Gothic architecture with a strong intellectual atmosphere, and its location offers students easy access to both tranquil parks and bustling Harlem culture.
This furnished 1-Bedroom apartment in Harlem is close to the beautiful Morningside Park, which borders the Columbia University campus. Set on the third floor of a classic brownstone, it features exposed brick, hardwood floors, and an open-plan living area with a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen. The bedroom has a queen-size bed, backyard views, and plenty of storage—perfect for student living.
With the 125th Street shopping corridor, and Magic Johnson Theaters nearby, plus A/B/C/D subway lines just 2 blocks away, getting around the city is easy.
For a night out, head a few blocks uptown to the culturally-rich 125th Street, Harlem’s main thoroughfare, for some soul food, or hop on the subway at 125th Street station to explore any other part of the city!
This 4-Bedroom apartment in Harlem is a great choice if you’re looking for a private room in a co-living environment. You can even choose which of the four rooms you want! This rental includes laundry inside the apartment, a TV, air conditioning, an internet connection and a desk in each room, which will allow you to focus on your studies. And if you want to take a relaxing walk after a long school day, Central Park! is just a few blocks away! Though located in Harlem, this rental is close to the Upper West Side, allowing you to enjoy both neighborhoods’ attractions, from Harlem’s jazz clubs to the shopping areas of the Upper West Side. You’re also within walking distance of one of New York City’s “micro-neighborhoods,” Le Petit Sénégal (Little Senegal), where you can explore authentic international shops and cuisine.
2. New York University – Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, New York University (NYU) is known for its strong programs in the arts, business, and social sciences. Its urban campus is integrated into the vibrant streets of Greenwich Village, offering students a unique opportunity to live and learn in one of the city’s most artistic and energetic neighborhoods.
Located just blocks from NYU, this one-bedroom furnished apartment in the East Village, offers students convenience and comfort. This furnished rental includes a washer-dryer, a fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, and a walk-in shower, with a cozy bedroom offering a queen-size bed. On the way to the NYU campus, you’ll see cafés, bistros, landmarks and subway stations, in areas that come to life at night.
While you’re in the area, you can visit The Bitter End, where legends and current icons like Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, and Lady Gaga have performed, or see a show at the off-Broadway Orpheum Theater. Art lovers won’t want to miss the contemporary art at the New Museum, which has discounted admission for students and pay-what-you-wish admission on Thursday evenings.
Another rental option is this fully furnished alcove-studio apartment (Greenwhich Village) that comes with all the amenities a student might need: internet, cable, air conditioning and a full-sized bed. This alcove studio offers a cozy nook for sleeping, a fully equipped kitchen, plenty of storage, and a bathroom with a bathtub-shower. Located in Greenwich Village, the apartment is within walking distance of NYU. Just steps from Washington Square Park, you’ll be surrounded by popular cafes, restaurants, and vibrant NYC neighborhoods. With multiple subway lines nearby (1/A/B/C/D/E/F/M), exploring the city couldn’t be easier.
3. Pratt Institute (Brooklyn Campus) – Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Pratt Institute, located in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, is a top-ranked art, design, and architecture school known for its creative energy and peaceful, tree-lined campus. Students benefit from a supportive, community-oriented environment just a short distance from some of Brooklyn’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for your own apartment, then you might want to look at this studio apartment in Clinton Hill. It’s fully furnished with a cozy sleeping area, a kitchen for home-cooked meals, and a private bathroom. This area is ideal for students, with a laid-back vibe, tree-lined streets, and easy access to Pratt Institute, St. Joseph’s University, and other Brooklyn campuses. Plus, the Clinton Hill neighborhood is full of coffee shops, restaurants, and green spaces to relax between classes.
This four-bedroom furnished apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant is the perfect rental for friends who plan on living together during their studies! With spacious common areas, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a laundry room, it’s designed for comfort and easy shared living. Located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, this apartment is the perfect location for Pratt Institute students as it is just a few blocks away from the campus. There are nearby shops, restaurants, and the Marcy Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library within walking distance. Head north to the hip neighborhood of Williamsburg to study in a cozy coffee shop or spend an exciting night out!
4. Hunter College, City University of New York – Upper East Side, Manhattan
Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), is situated on the Upper East Side and is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs. Its campus is woven directly into the urban landscape, giving students direct access to world-class cultural institutions, shopping, and green spaces like Central Park.
This spacious furnished Upper East Side studio apartment, located just steps away from the campus, might be the dream home you’re looking for. With an open layout, hardwood floors, and all the essentials—including a double bed, desk, kitchen, and private bathroom – it’s ready for a comfortable stay. Set in the Upper East Side near Bloomingdale’s, you’ll have easy access to shopping, dining, and multiple subway lines for commuting around Manhattan. On a nice day, take a walk over to Central Park to study or relax. Take a longer stroll or hop on one of the nearby subways to head uptown to the Museum Mile and enrich your education with art and history in museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This Upper East Side furnished studio with modern furnishings accepts two renters and has a double bed, perfect for couples. An eat-in-kitchen allows you to save money by making home-cooked meals. Amazing views are just a few blocks away at the East River Waterfront Esplanade or on the tram to Roosevelt Island. Check out some of the stellar reviews this rental has received!
5. City College, City University of New York – Hamilton Heights, Manhattan
City College of New York (CCNY), part of the CUNY system, is a historically significant institution in Hamilton Heights, known for academic excellence, affordability, and diversity. The Gothic-style campus overlooks the Hudson River and provides students with a campus feel while being deeply connected to the surrounding neighborhoods of Harlem and Washington Heights.
A pleasant two-bedroom rental in culturally-rich Central Harlem is just a short walk away from the CCNY campus. This apartment sleeps up to four people, making it another great rental for sharing. The apartment has a separate kitchen and living room where you can eat meals or spend free time with roommates and guests. Subway stations are conveniently located at 125th and 135th Streets. And with Harlem and Morningside Heights just down the street, you’ll always find something to do in the area!
Take a look at this charming Hamilton Heights furnished studio apartment located near the Hudson River. This rental offers a cozy living space with hardwood floors, an open eat-in kitchen, and a private bathroom. It’s fully furnished with essentials like a sofa, dining area, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay. The neighborhood puts you within walking distance of Riverbank State Park’s sports facilities and Jackie Robinson Recreation Center’s public gym. You’ll also find plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and stores nearby. For easy commuting, the subway line 1 is just two blocks away, with access to the A, B, C, and D lines a bit farther at the intersection of 145th Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue.
Explore even more New York furnished rental options to find an apartment that is just right for you! Once you have found your perfect fit, you can start looking forward to all the fantastic things New York City offers college students, such as free activities and cozy coffee shops.
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