Settling into Your Off‑Campus Apartment: A Commuter Student’s Guide to LIC

Back when I started apartment hunting, proximity was everything and I only considered locations walkable around campus (I even considered Union Square inconvenient). After living in Lipton during my freshman year, I knew I didn’t want to spend over an hour commuting each day. I looked at a bunch of neighborhoods, but despite my hope to stay close by school, LIC stood out.

What is great is how convenient the commute is. You’ve got access to almost every train line: the 7, N, W, R, D, G, E, F, and M, all within a 10-minute walk (depending on where you live). And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, there’s also the East River Ferry. It made commuting to class and exploring the rest of the city convenient and even kind of fun.

Compared to Manhattan or even parts of Brooklyn, LIC is also relatively affordable. A good shared apartment with great amenities (like laundry, a lounge, or even a gym!) can range from around $1,500 to $2,500 average per person. But beyond the price and location, what really drew me in was the vibe.

There’s a creative pulse that runs through the neighborhood. As someone who loves art, running and rock climbing, LIC has it all; MoMA PS1, open studios, rock climbing gym, and weekend markets all bring energy to the area. As someone studying finance and data science with a minor in studio art, I love that LIC feels both practical and imaginative.

Hopefully for all the incoming freshmen commuters this is already sorted out. However, if you are still going through it or about to, my biggest advice for apartment hunting is to start early and know what your priorities and what you want. I found a broker, which worked out well since many LIC buildings cover the broker fee themselves. StreetEasy is great for direct listings, and Ohana is super useful for finding subleases.

If you’re subleasing, you can honestly start browsing as early as 6–12 months in advance. But for a direct lease, 3 months ahead is a good target. Most listings open up 2–3 months before move-in, so be ready to check often around that window.

Roommate dynamics are especially important when you’re living off campus. Before signing anything, you should have a talk about cleaning, guests, schedules, and budgeting. These conversations might feel awkward, but they’ll save you from bigger problems down the line.

Don’t forget to factor in things like Wi-Fi, utilities, groceries, and your MetroCard when budgeting. It adds up quickly, but with planning and communication, it’s totally manageable.

Now with all the logistics sorted out, the fun of designing your own space begins!

My advice is to not spend too much on furniture when you are renting. Because LIC is populated with students, I got almost everything secondhand either from neighbors moving out or local buy-nothing groups. Just be careful to sanitize thoroughly and avoid grabbing furniture off the street unless it’s clearly marked “take me.” One of my friends brought home a wooden nightstand and ended up with bedbugs… not ideal for a freshly leased apartment.

I’m not a big decorator given how much time I spend at school, but I made my space feel like mine with books, my own artwork, and a lot of cardboard boxes (for my roommate’s cat). I carved out a little study area and set up a spot where I could sketch or decompress after class. Even in a small apartment, having designated spaces for each activity and making your place cozy goes a long way.

One of my biggest concerns living off campus was: how do I stay connected when I’m not in a dorm? The answer is clear, it is to actually show up to class and around campus.

I tried to hang around more in between classes. Some great go to spots are Bobst or in the commuter lounges at Lipton and Kimmel—great to eat lunch, charge your phone, or chat with other students. NYU’s Commuter Student Council (CSC) also hosts tons of fun events. Activities range from game nights, resource fairs, giveaways (free MetroCards and disposable cameras), and more.

It might take extra effort to stick around after class, but it’s worth it. Going to club meetings, study groups, or even grabbing food nearby has helped me stay close to friends on campus.

Now talking to my freshman self, I would say, “there is nothing to be scared about.” My experience living in LIC has taught me how to manage my time, advocate for myself, and navigate the city beyond the walk way from my dorm to class.

If you’re considering off-campus life or about to move into your off-campus housing, plan ahead, ask questions, and put yourself out there. LIC has everything you need to thrive—it can be your home base and your creative springboard.

And in case you’re still wondering: yes, you can live off campus your first year and still feel 100% part of NYU.