Housing by Columbia & NYU with top marks

A must-read for anyone attending Columbia, NYU, or another one of the top-rated schools in NYC.

Editorial Team

By Editorial Team

blueprint blueground Columbia Off Campus Housing Off Campus Housing NYU apartments near NYU campus with water fountain in middle of courtyard

New York City is a hub for business, arts, and culture. The density of world-class universities and colleges in the area plays a large part in supporting this energy. With institutions like Columbia University, New York University, Fordham University, Pace University, and Cornell University, it is not surprising that so many young adults migrate to the city every year in order to start their academic endeavors.

However, these five institutions are only a sample of the top-notch colleges and universities that New York offers. For students who are coming to NYC for the first time to attend college and live in Columbia’s off-campus housing, it can be a pretty daunting experience.

Above all, it may take a while for you to find your favorite coffee shop, learn the public transit routes, and build a community of friends. That is why the last thing that you should have to worry about is trying to find the best place to live while going to school. 

This is where Blueground comes in handy. As an innovative real estate tech company, Blueground provides you with a thorough list of some of the best-furnished apartments throughout New York City. Even better, their brand-new Studentground program is a unique student housing solution featuring discounted rates for fully furnished apartments, rent-free when you’re away, flexible durations, and a seamless rental experience close to campus.

Simply browse through the many different apartment selections and decide on the one that best suits your lifestyle. With all the apartments being situated in ideal locations and coming fully furnished, the only thing that you have to do is show up and get ready to start living your life as a new student in NYC. 

For those looking for temporary student housing in NYC, there are often apartments available for immediate rent with a minimum of 30 days. Many of them are located near some of the best schools in NYC.

For those debating between college dorms and an apartment, consider the value-add of premium building amenities including rooftop lounges, heated pools, and freedom from obligatory meal plans and other fees.

You can also expect fresh and inviting spaces with contemporary furniture that will certainly make you the envy of your classmates and friends.

Whether it’s an exchange semester, an internship, or full-time studies, you’ll find flexible leases with Blueground beginning at a time convenient to you.

Here are some of the best off-campus housing options near Columbia, New York University, and other great schools.

Off-campus housing near NYU

Students who get accepted to New York University are lucky for so many reasons.

Not only do they get to attend one of the finest schools in all of the countries for the performing arts, business, and journalism, but they also get to live in what is frequently ranked as one of the best neighborhoods in NYC.

Above all, Greenwich Village provides an iconic atmosphere filled with some of the best restaurants, shopping, and underrated entertainment that the city has to offer.

If you are interested in getting NYU off-campus housing, then here is a great option for you.

Fully furnished apartments near NYU on East 11th Street

sunny living room with modern furniture

Located in the incredibly vibrant East Village, this gorgeous apartment building is less than a 15-minute bus ride to the front steps of NYU. This community is one of the main reasons why New York is known as the city that never sleeps.

So enthusiastic college students can always find something to do in the East Village thanks to its 24/7 party mentality

Apartment building specs:

  • 24-hour concierge
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fully equipped fitness center
  • Roof deck
  • Tranquil yoga room

It will be hard to find apartments near NYU that are better situated than these ones. Students will rarely have a reason to venture out of the neighborhood, and when they do a quick subway ride will bring them across to Brooklyn or uptown to the Upper East Side.

Students at Pace University’s NYC campus will also enjoy this downtown location.

Securing a furnished apartment in NYC is all the easier when you can book a Blueground home online.

For international students or those from out of town, this is ideal. You can sign the lease directly on the Blueground guest app and then, simply walk into a live-in ready home with utilities running from the moment you step foot out of the airport.

View one of the apartments 

Student housing near Columbia

Columbia University students get to spend time in one of the most unique neighborhoods in all of New York City. Morningside Heights is unlike any other area within the city, offering a largely academic atmosphere that is perfect for college students.

Fully furnished apartments near Columbia on West 70th Street

blueground Columbia Off Campus Housing Off Campus Housing NYU apartments near NYU neutral color themed living room with cactus print on wall

Living in Morningside Heights can have its advantages.

But, most people find that being in the Upper West Side is preferable. The best thing is that this quiet neighborhood is still able to put you close enough to Columbia while offering a quintessential Manhattan neighborhood vibe. You can easily get there in under 15 minutes if you take the subway. 

Apartment building specs:

  • Pet-friendly
  • In-building laundry
  • Children’s playroom
  • Resident lounge
  • Gym
  • Roof deck
  • Fitness center

Living in this neighborhood does not have to be just about work.

There is also a fair amount of play available. When the studying is all done, you can easily go to the nearby Natural History Museum and check out an exhibit or catch a performance at the Lincoln Center

This property on the Upper West Side is home to a number of furnished two-bedroom units. This is perfect for a roommate’s living situation while sharing a kitchen and living room for socializing.

View one of the apartments 

Student apartments near Cornell

The main campus for Cornell University is 200 miles away from New York City.

But, it has several campuses located throughout NYC as well. Its Medical Campus, known as Weill Cornell Medical College, is located in the Southeast corner of the Upper East Side, putting it in one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. Halfway across the East River are Cornell Tech’s shiny new buildings on Roosevelt Island

Fully furnished apartments near Cornell on East 80th Street

blueground Columbia Off Campus Housing Off Campus Housing NYU apartments near NYU upperlevel apartment living room with orange cushion on grey couch

If you are looking for a neighborhood filled with the most upscale and cosmopolitan atmosphere possible, then look no further than this Upper East Side neighborhood. The building puts you only a few minutes away from Cornell University’s medical campus, making it ideal for medical students. 

Apartment building specs

  • Doorman and 24-hour concierge
  • In-building laundry
  • Pet-friendly
  • Resident parking
  • Secure area for package deliveries

Studying can be hard, which means that you will need a break eventually.

Luckily, living on the Upper East Side makes this incredibly easy by putting Central Park within walking distance and allowing you to spend some time in nature to reset your brain. 

View one of the apartments » 

Furnished housing near Fordham University – Lincoln Center

Fordham University may be most strongly associated with its Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, but some graduate students may find themselves spending more time around Lincoln Square. The School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the School of Law, the Graduate Schools of Education and Social Service, and the Gabelli School of Business all call the Lincoln Center campus home.

This academically focused left flank of Central Park also includes the Julliard School, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and the New York Institute of Technology.

Fully furnished apartments near Fordham on West 56th Street

fordham lincoln center apartment westport blueground spacious bedroom with accent wall

Students and faculty will love calling The Westport home while keeping them a few steps away from their academic endeavors. This premium apartment building offers a range of furnished apartments from studios to two bedrooms all with spectacular city views.

Apartment building specs

  • Basketball court
  • Rooftop entertaining space
  • Pet-friendly
  • 24-hour doorman
  • Fitness center

Residents can make use of a reservable indoor lounge for large events, or the BBQs and patio furniture on the rooftop terrace.

A technology lounge is also made available to Westport residents who can use the computers and photocopier on-site to finish up those assignments in peace.

View one of the apartments » 

Student housing near Pace University

Studying at Pace means also being absorbed into the life of Lower Manhattan. When attending school at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, you are nearly spitting distance to Wall Street, One World Trade Center, Chinatown, among other NYC landmarks.

Whether you’re studying business administration, TESOL, or computer sciences, you’ll find the full “urban college” experience here.

Fully furnished apartments near Pace University on Duane St.

pace university apartment tribeca tower blueground living room sunny solarium

Tribeca Tower is a favorite of both Pace students and faculty but of those commuting to the Financial District for work.

With floor-to-ceiling windows and select apartments with solariums, you’ll have a sweeping view of the Hudson and East Rivers and the skyscrapers of Downtown Manhattan.

Apartment building specs

  • Heated indoor swimming pool
  • Residents’ sun terrace
  • Pet-friendly
  • 24-hour doorman
  • Valet parking and bike storage

Recent renovations extend from the David Rockwell-designed lobby to new kitchen countertops and appliances. For students looking to rent solo, studios are smartly arranged with all the furniture provided. For couples in academia or roommates looking to rent together, one- and two-bedroom units are inviting and spacious.

View one of the apartments » 

Editorial Team

Editorial Team

The Blueground editorial team covers the best things to see, do, and experience in our cities around the world.