Welcome to Brooklyn – one of New York City’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs! With its trendy neighborhoods, lively cultural scene, and enviable location across the East River from Manhattan, Brooklyn is ideal for those seeking a true NYC experience.

As a desirable area, though, the demand for housing can be high. Luckily, we list a range of student apartments across Brooklyn – including popular neighborhoods like Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Park Slope – so you can easily compare options and book today!

Start browsing our student housing at the top of the page, and use our filters to find an apartment that suits your budget – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Brooklyn... 

Colleges in Brooklyn

From major universities to leading art schools and technical colleges, Brooklyn is home to an impressive range of academic institutions. Whatever your field, you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere to study! 

Brooklyn College

Part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, Brooklyn College is a highly ranked public college that balances quality teaching with affordable tuition. It has a stunning, self-contained campus that spans 35 acres in Flatbush.

The college offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across all areas of study. It’s especially well known for liberal arts – particularly film and performing arts – as well as business, education, and psychology.

Around 14,000 students are enrolled at the college, making it one of the biggest providers in Brooklyn. Student life is vibrant with events taking place daily and the enclosed campus creating a strong community feel.

Looking for housing that’s close to campus? Check out our selection of apartments near Brooklyn College! 

New York City College of Technology

Another CUNY institution, New York City College of Technology (City Tech) serves as NYC’s dedicated technology college. It offers a wide range of technical programs in the STEM fields, supplemented by several business, legal, and liberal arts programs.

The college places strong emphasis on practical skills and industry connections – many programs are designed in partnership with local employers and involve workshops and placements that help you gain real-world experience.

The campus is fully integrated into downtown Brooklyn, putting you within easy reach of the borough’s top attractions. City Tech has a similar enrollment to Brooklyn College – around 14,000 – so you can expect a vibrant campus life.

Secured your place at the college and need to book accommodation? Explore our options for City Tech housing!

Long Island University

A private institution with a broad study offering, Long Island University Brooklyn (LIU Brooklyn) is one of two universities in the Long Island University system (alongside LIU Post).

The campus is based in the heart of downtown Brooklyn – a major perk for students – within walking distance of Brooklyn Bridge and surrounded by some of the borough’s best neighborhoods.

LIU Brooklyn has an excellent reputation for health sciences, with its pharmacy, clinical psychology, and physical therapy programs ranked among the best in the country. Other areas of expertise include business and liberal arts.

Studying at the university and need somewhere to live? Browse our range of LIU Brooklyn housing!

Pratt Institute

A perennial fixture among the world’s best art and design schools, the Pratt Institute is a top choice for students pursuing a career in the creative fields. Programs cover a broad range of disciplines, from photography and illustration to architecture and graphic design.

The campus is a real highlight. It’s packed with historic buildings – which give it a traditional university feel – but also features modern design studios and the beautiful surroundings of Clinton Hill.

The school is home to around 5,000 students, fostering a close-knit sense of community and plenty of collaboration. This also means small class sizes, so greater opportunity for one-to-one time with faculty.

Heading to art school but yet to book your housing? Take a look at our apartments near Pratt Institute!

Other colleges in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s colleges and universities don’t stop there – the borough is also home to several smaller institutions with specialized study programs. Another CUNY member, Medgar Evers College is a solid choice for business, education, liberal arts, and health sciences.

Just a few blocks from the Pratt Institute, St. Joseph's College is a private college with an extensive study program and strong liberal arts tradition. Kingsborough Community College is another popular choice with a strong track record of transfers to four-year institutions.

Things for students to do in Brooklyn

Brooklyn's size and diversity mean there's truly something for everyone: cutting-edge art, historical sites, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. Most of the top attractions are found in the downtown area, making it easy to walk from place to place. 

Arts & culture

Brooklyn’s hip artistic scene is well documented. From the street art of the Dumbo Walls and Bushwick Collective to unique studios like Pioneer Works and exhibitions at Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, there’s plenty you can see without paying a fortune.

Brooklyn Museum – one of the oldest and largest art galleries in the US – is an essential visit with a decent student discount. Catching a show at the iconic Brooklyn Academy of Music is also something you have to experience at least once! 

History

Brooklyn has a rich and layered history that dates back over 400 years. Packed full of interesting exhibits that shed light on the borough’s social history, the Center for Brooklyn History is the perfect starting point for exploring the past.

Walking through neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Brooklyn Heights feels like traveling back in time, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century. The waterfront is also worth checking out for its historic piers and the fascinating Waterfront Museum.

Food & drink

Brooklyn’s food scene is a melting pot of flavours, reflecting the borough’s multicultural character. From the taquerias and Chinese restaurants of Sunset Park to the Middle Eastern eats of Bay Ridge, you’ll find cuisines from every corner of the world.

Neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Dumbo are home to upscale establishments with pricier menus and waterfront views. If you can’t decide what you want to eat, head to DeKalb Market Hall for a choice of 40 vendors under one roof! 

Nightlife

With everything from dive bars and indie music venues to warehouse parties and cocktail lounges, Brooklyn’s nightlife caters to all tastes. Williamsburg and Bushwick serve as the main hotspots and are packed with venues for easy barhopping.

For live music, Brooklyn Steel and Elsewhere are touted as two of NYC’s best venues. Bars regularly frequented by students include Union Pool, Do or Dive, and The Three Diamond Door. Brooklyn Brewery is another great hangout for casual beers. 

Outdoors

Brooklyn may sometimes feel like a concrete jungle, but open space is never far away – especially around the waterfront. Prospect Park serves as the borough’s crown jewel, with jogging paths, sports facilities, and manicured lawns spanning 585 acres.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is another highlight – built on top of six former shipping piers, it offers spectacular views of Manhattan and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Coney Island, just a short subway ride away, is a must-visit for its nostalgic seaside experience.

Want to learn about the best things to do in NYC’s other boroughs? Check out our complete student’s guide to NYC! 

Best student neighborhoods in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods each have a distinct character, with lots of options to suit different budgets and living arrangements. Many students choose to live in Northern and Northwestern Brooklyn, which offers the best access to the rest of the city.

Williamsburg

One of Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhoods, Williamsburg has a lot to offer students. This upscale area is packed with art galleries, indie boutiques, and live music venues, making it one of NYC's main creative hubs.

It’s also got a huge range of cafes, bars, and restaurants – plus excellent transport links to Manhattan. That said, it's generally one of the more expensive neighborhoods for student housing in Brooklyn. 

Bushwick

Bordering Williamsburg to the east, Bushwick offers many of the same benefits as its neighbor – a good location, plenty of amenities, and a thriving artistic scene – though typically at more affordable rental prices.

A recent influx of new developments means there’s more choice than ever for student housing, with options ranging from single rooms in shared apartments to private studios in purpose-built residences.  

Park Slope

Based in northwestern Brooklyn, Park Slope is a popular choice for students seeking a more relaxed, residential experience. The neighborhood is characterized by tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and a warm community feel.

It’s bounded by Prospect Park (so unbeatable for green space!) and has lots of cool independent bookstores, record shops, and intimate cafes. Rental prices are generally quite expensive, but you can still find good value – particularly further south. 

Brooklyn cost of living

As a desirable borough in one of the world’s most expensive cities, Brooklyn’s cost of living can be high. Compared to NYC’s other boroughs, it’s cheaper than Manhattan, but generally more expensive than Queens and the Bronx.

Housing represents the main expense, and this varies widely depending on the neighborhood. Factoring in other costs like food and transportation, a typical student’s budget could be anything from $2,000–$3,500 per month.

Free things to do in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s cost of living may be high, but luckily there are plenty of free things for students to do when you’re tight on money. Brooklyn Museum opens its doors on the first Saturday of most months for an evening of free exhibitions, readings, and live music.

Many of the borough’s famous art galleries are open to the public for viewings of the latest installations, including Pierogi Gallery, Higher Pictures, and The Living Gallery. The likes of Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park are of course free to enjoy too. 

Student discounts in Brooklyn

Savvy students can also score discounts on numerous activities throughout the borough. Movie theaters like AMC and Regal offer discounted student rates, while platforms such as StudentBeans and UNiDAYS unlock additional savings across Brooklyn.

Some students may be eligible for a 50% discount on subway and bus fares through the Fair Fares NYC program. Another option for getting around is Citi Bike – one of our favorite NYC hacks is to buy an annual pass, which works out much cheaper if you use it regularly! 

Public transit in Brooklyn

Brooklyn has an excellent public transit system with extensive coverage across the borough and regular services operated by the MTA. Between the subway, bus, and ferry, there are plenty of options for exploring the borough and wider NYC. 

Subway

The subway is the backbone of Brooklyn’s public transit system. The borough is served by several lines, including the 4, 5, and 6 trains along eastern portions, the N, Q, R, and W trains serving western areas, and the L train connecting Williamsburg and Bushwick to Manhattan.

All of Brooklyn’s major colleges and schools are within easy reach of a subway station. Trains operate on a 24-hour basis – though some services follow different routes during overnight hours. It’s also very affordable, with a single trip costing around $3.

Bus

The subway is supplemented by a vast bus network that extends to local neighborhoods not directly served by subway lines. Routes typically run along major avenues providing north-south and east-west connections, with many operating 24 hours a day.

The same MetroCard used on the subway works for buses, making it easy to transfer from one mode of transport to the other. Standard fares are also the same, and you even get free transfers between buses and subways within two hours. 

Ferry

The NYC Ferry is the scenic way to get around the city! There are several stops in Brooklyn, running from Bay Ridge in the south to Greenpoint in the north, offering direct connections to Manhattan and Queens.

The ferry operates on seasonal schedules with more frequent service during warmer months. Fares are higher than the bus and subway, but it's a nice option to have for when you want to avoid the crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brooklyn a safe place for students to live?

Brooklyn is generally considered safe for students, particularly in areas near the major college campuses. Popular student neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Park Slope have strong safety records and regular police presence, while colleges provide additional security services like campus patrols.

Is there a high demand for student housing in Brooklyn?

The demand for student housing in Brooklyn is high – especially in desirable neighborhoods like Bushwick and Williamsburg. Apartments for the following academic year are filled as early as January, with competition peaking during summer, so it’s wise to start your search as early as possible.

How much does student housing in Brooklyn cost?

Student housing costs in Brooklyn vary considerably depending on the neighborhood. Premium areas like Park Slope and Williamsburg command rents of up to $2,000 per month, with more affordable options around $1,000 per month available in the likes of Bushwick. The student apartments we list in Brooklyn typically range from $1,000–$1,700 per month.

Where are the best neighborhoods for students in Brooklyn?

The many neighborhoods of Brooklyn each offer something different for students. Williamsburg and Bushwick are two neighborhoods with a thriving cultural scene and exciting nightlife, while Park Slope is ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life in a predominantly residential area.

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Brooklyn?

If you plan on studying at one of Brooklyn’s colleges as an international student, you’ll firstly need to obtain a student visa from the US embassy or consulate in your home country. You can read more about the requirements here.

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!