Identity and enrollment
Passport or identification, university acceptance or enrollment letter, visa documentation when applicable and expected graduation date.
International student housing guide
Renting an apartment in NYC as an international student.
Moving to New York for university should feel exciting, not confusing. We help you understand the market, prepare your application and find a home that fits your campus, budget and daily life.
Support from your first questions through lease signing and key handover.
Start before you arrive
Your apartment search can begin from abroad.
New York rentals move quickly, and many students arrive without U.S. credit, local income or experience with the city's application process. Planning early gives you time to understand your options and prepare the right documents.
Your assigned agent can discuss your university, commute, move-in date, roommates and budget before recommending suitable apartments and neighborhoods.
Application preparation
Documents students may be asked to provide
Every owner and building can use different criteria. Your agent confirms the requirements before you apply.
Financial information
Recent bank statements, scholarship or financial aid documents, proof of funds and any income information available.
Guarantor documents
A personal guarantor may need to provide identification, income, employment, tax and credit information.
Roommate information
Each applicant may need a complete package and the group must meet the building's criteria.
Finding the right area
Think about the commute and life outside class.
The closest neighborhood is not always the best fit. A direct subway route can give you more space, a different atmosphere or better value without making your commute difficult.
- Compare commute time, monthly budget and lifestyle.
- Consider both Manhattan and well-connected outer-borough neighborhoods.
- Look at the full daily route rather than distance alone.
Without U.S. income or credit
There may be more than one way to strengthen your application.
Approval is always decided by the owner or management company. We help you focus on options that make sense for your profile.
Personal guarantor
A parent, relative or another qualified person may guarantee the lease if accepted.
Institutional guarantor
Some applicants use a third-party service. Eligibility, acceptance and fees vary.
Qualified roommate
A combined application can sometimes meet a building's criteria.
Suitable buildings
Some buildings are more familiar with international applicants and alternative documents.
From abroad to your new home
How we help international students rent in NYC
Initial conversation
Tell us about your university, budget, dates, roommates and priorities.
Application review
We explain likely requirements and identify missing documents.
Curated options
Your agent creates a portfolio based on availability, commute, budget and profile.
Video or in-person tours
Tour remotely or in person and ask questions about the apartment and area.
Application coordination
We communicate with listing agents or management and keep you updated.
Lease and keys
Review the terms, complete signing and arrange move-in and key collection.
Budget planning
Plan for more than the monthly rent.
Total move-in costs can include first month's rent, security deposit, application or screening charges, a broker fee when applicable, guarantor-service fees and moving expenses.
Before applying, your agent explains the known costs for that apartment.
Common questions
International student rental FAQ
Can I rent before arriving in New York?
Some apartments can be toured by live video and the application and lease may be completed remotely. The exact process depends on the property.
Can international students rent without U.S. credit?
It may be possible. Buildings may consider guarantors, third-party services, proof of funds or other documentation.
Can I rent with friends from different countries?
Yes. Each roommate should prepare the documents requested for the joint application.
How early should I start searching?
Planning can begin earlier, but availability is most relevant closer to the lease start. Your agent will recommend a timeline.
Do you only help students in Manhattan?
No. We can connect students with agents covering Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey and Long Island for rentals of 12 months or longer.
Moving to New York to study?
Tell us what you need. We will help you build a clear plan.
Share your university, arrival date, budget and preferred apartment. An assigned New York real estate agent will contact you directly.
Start your searchMoveToNYC connects prospective clients with real estate professionals. Availability, application criteria, costs and approval decisions vary by property and are controlled by third parties. This information is general and does not guarantee approval or availability.