Secured your place at Stony Brook University (SBU) and need somewhere to stay? Many students – around half in fact – opt for the privacy and independence of living off campus. However, navigating the rental market can be tricky.

That’s where Student.com comes in – we have a huge range of student housing in New York, including many apartments near Stony Brook University. All you need to do is use our filter options to start browsing suitable properties that meet your criteria.

Jump straight in and start searching for your dream apartment – or continue reading to learn more about life at Stony Brook and the best neighborhoods to live off campus. 

Where is Stony Brook University located?

Stony Brook University is situated on the north shore of Long Island in New York State, approximately 60 miles east of Manhattan in the peaceful suburban township of Brookhaven.

Surrounded by beautiful parkland, the main campus spans 1,454 acres and is ideal for those looking for that classic campus experience. The university also has a secondary campus in Southampton and affiliated facilities in Manhattan.

The Long Island Rail Road offers the quickest route from the main campus to NYC, with a trip taking just under two hours. That means you’re still within a reasonable distance of the big city while also benefiting from Long Island’s rural charm and long, sandy beaches.

How is Stony Brook University ranked?

Stony Brook University ranks among the top 30 public universities in the US and is one of two flagship institutions in the State University of New York system. Globally, it generally places within the top 500 universities.

The university is known for its strong research focus, particularly in fields like biomedical science and physics. Much of this research activity takes place at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility co-managed by SBU.

At a subject level, the university performs especially well in physics, mathematics, computer science, geology, and biology, placing within the top 300 universities globally across each of these fields.

Study programs at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University is best known for its science and technology programs; however, the curriculum also encompasses arts, humanities, and social science. In fact, there are more than 200 majors, minors, and combined-degree programs to pick from.

Some of the most popular majors are psychology, biomedical science, business administration, health sciences, applied mathematics, economics, computer science, and nursing.

Many programs include optional work experience, with SBU’s Career Center offering over 2,000 internship opportunities every year. Study abroad is also common and available at more than 80 partner institutions worldwide.

Student life at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University has a vibrant campus life with over 300 student clubs catering to different interests. There’s also lots of fun campus events that everyone can get involved in, like the annual Strawberry Festival and Roth Pond Regatta.

Sports are a big deal at SBU with 20 varsity teams competing at the highest level of the NCAA in the America East Conference. If the arts are more your thing, the Staller Center is a real standout and hosts all kinds of performances throughout the year.

SBU’s proximity to NYC is obviously a major draw for students and many make weekend trips to the city, but there are also lots of other places to explore on Long Island like the Hamptons and Montauk.

How much does it cost to study at Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University charges different tuition fees to domestic students who are New York state residents ($7,000 per year), those based outside the state ($29,000), and international students ($77,000).

SBU estimates that students will also need around $25,000 to cover other expenses, so factoring this into tuition fees, domestic students from outside New York can expect to pay $54,000 per year, while international students may need more than $100,000.

Many students receive financial aid, however, which can drastically reduce these costs. Generally, though, grants and scholarships are not available to international students, with SBU being a publicly-funded institution.

Best neighborhoods to live off campus at Stony Brook University

Living off campus is pretty common at Stony Brook University and can also be cheaper than staying at the university’s campus residences. There are some excellent places in the surrounding villages where you can find great value while still being close to campus.

The village of Stony Brook itself is an obvious choice and has lots of nice cafes, restaurants, and boutiques – though it can be pricy if you have a smaller budget. On the other side of campus, Setauket is just as convenient and has a few more options when it comes to housing.

The harbor town of Port Jefferson is another popular area and has a few more things for students to do, while Smithtown and Centereach are slightly further afield but both offer good value for money.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start looking for housing at Stony Brook University?

If you’re looking to live off-campus, you’ll generally want to start your search at least three months before your first day at Stony Brook University. Whether you have your own car is an important factor here, as being able to drive will give you more options.  

How much does it cost to rent an apartment near Stony Brook University?

Rental prices for apartments near Stony Brook University vary widely based on location – Stony Brook itself and the surrounding villages can be quite expensive, however towns further from campus can offer good value. The apartments we list near the university typically range from $1,000–$3,500 per month.

Where are the best places to live near Stony Brook University?

The villages of Stony Brook and Setauket, which sit on either side of Stony Brook University’s main campus, are the most convenient but can be costly. Port Jefferson is another nearby area with some great amenities, while Smithtown and Centereach are worth looking into as more affordable options if you own a car.

Do I need a visa to study at Stony Brook University?

If you want to study at Stony Brook University as a non-US citizen, you’ll need to obtain an F-1 student visa from a US embassy or consulate in your home country. Read more on the requirements and your eligibility 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!