Tips for International Students to Find Apartment in NYC

As a student, there is nothing as exciting as getting an acceptance letter from your dream university. Congratulations on your admission to higher-ranked academia abroad, but wait a minute, have you thought about where would you live thousands of kilometers away from your homeland? Don’t panic if you haven’t done so yet. This guide will give you plenty of options to stay abroad, so take the back seat and give this read a few minutes.

Here You Can Find the Best Apartments in NYC

1) Accumulate Information

Before you pack bags, gather as much information about your destination country and its real estate market as possible. Having prior info will give you a level of confidence and an overview of the rental market.

All top-ranked schools have a website so visit yours and gather data like exact school location, its adjacent neighborhoods, and how close they are to your school. Google Maps can help you a great deal in this regard, pin your school’s location and look for the best possible routes from the neighboring residential areas.

2) Go with Social Media

Join Facebook and Whatsapp groups of university students and post your queries there. Contact with the students who are attending classes there and gather information regarding housing. Also, don’t forget to like the official university page on Facebook to get the latest updates and the contact us portion on the page may solve your query.

3) Keep Your Documents Ready

US Landlords are demanding and they may require upfront documents from their future tenant. So, it is recommended to prepare these documents before you make an appointment with property owners:

• Official identity document – Passport
• Acceptance letter
• Documentary proof that your annual income is 30 times the monthly rent – Credit Report.

Keep the copies of these prepared if you are looking for an in-person renting in NYC. You can read more about ‘How to start a rental application in NYC’ here.

4) Explore Housing Option

Being an international student, below are your potential housing options in NYC:

Buying an Apartment

This is the least likely option and you may need to spend thousands of dollars even for a small condo. Moreover, you must full amount in cash beforehand and without US credit history you will not be eligible for home equity as well. So wipe out this option from your mind and ponder over the below-mentioned options. Still, have an interest in buying, make sure you read NYC Buyers Guide.

Renting an Apartment

This is the second viable option but again you need plenty of cash. US Landlords often require 12-months’ rent upfront – which is hard to pay in dollars – and in case you hire an agent, you still need to pay the broker’s fee. But if you want to go with this option, we recommend taking a look at all the ins and outs of the NYC rental market – read more here.

Subletting an Apartment

This is the same as renting but you only need to pay one month’s rent in advance and a security deposit. Sublet means to take over someone else’s lease and continue till the lease ends. The only downside of subletting is when the lease ends you need to hunt for another apartment and being an international student you probably can’t afford that.

Before you reduce numbers to subletting, we suggest you know all about NYC Sublet law, read more here.

Share with Roommate

Roommate sharing is the best possible and least expensive option for international students. As the name suggests, roommate sharing means you will be sharing living space with a roommate or number of roommates depending on the size of your apartment. Rent is relatively low and it is best to adopt this option for off-campus housing.

But there is a flip side to the coin – an unethical roommate can make your life worse abroad, here are some tips to find a perfect match.

5) Start Timely

The best thing you can do to make your life easy is to start your hunt as early as possible as it will save you a lot of time which you can utilize in managing other things. Use online tools to give yourself a head start over other students.

6) Arrive Early

Student visas often allow you to arrive at the place 30-days before, avail of this opportunity if you have a short-term living place or if you can afford 2-3 weeks hotel stay. An in-person hunt will give you more freedom and choices and help you make a better and in-time decision. So arrive as early as 2-weeks before your school starts and make a detailed plan of action for the apartments you short-listed during an online search.

7) Beware of Scammers

Hunting a living place from a long distance is what invites real estate scammers to your doorstep. Rental fraud is when a landlord or agent pretends to sell a property that does not exist. These fake owners collect processing fees, security deposits, and application fees before you identify them as scammers.

Being an international student, you would never want to see your school fee and scholarship funds going to the pockets of scammers. So, to keep your life saving harmless, here are some tips to avoid property scammers:

• Double-check the property address – use Google Maps.
• Verify the authenticity of the person offering the apartments.
• Never make online payment
• Meet the agent in person before you make any decision.
• Consult your family and friends before you sign the dotted line.

8) Go with NY Rent Own Sell

Don’t have enough courage and time to swallow everything mentioned above? Don’t worry, NY Rent Own Sell is there to help you. Being an international student will never give you the level of confidence that a native will have. So, if you have got the acceptance letter from your dream NYC school and looking for a place to live, feel free to contact us and we will take care of the rest.

FAQs

Can International Students Rent Apartments in NYC?

Yes, international students can rent apartments in NYC. However, they may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income, a co-signer, or a higher security deposit.

What Should International Students Consider when Looking for Apartments in NYC?

International students should consider factors such as location, transportation options, safety, cost, and lease terms when looking for apartments in NYC.

What Documentation do International Students Need to Rent an Apartment in NYC?

International students may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income, a co-signer, or a higher security deposit. They may also need to provide a copy of their passport and visa.

Can International Students Share Apartments with Roommates in NYC?

Yes, international students can share apartments with roommates in NYC. This can be a more affordable option, but it is important to find roommates who are compatible and trustworthy.

How Can International Students Avoid Scams when Looking for Apartments in NYC?

International students can avoid scams by researching the landlord or property management company, avoiding wire transfers or cash payments, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Can International Students Get Help Finding Apartments in NYC?

Yes, international students can get help finding apartments in NYC through resources such as student housing services, international student organizations, and online apartment search websites.