6 Tips for Living in a New City as a US College Student

Getting ready to move to a new city as a college student in US is an exhilarating time filled with anticipation—meeting new friends, forming new habits, and getting to know an entirely new scene. But with all of that anticipation and excitement comes an equally overwhelming amount of uncertainty. Maybe it's deciding where you want to live, figuring out food options, as well as whether you'll need to establish a new routine, or more generally, figuring out how the entire city works as part of your new college life.

No matter if you're heading to busy New York City, sunny Los Angeles, student-heavy Boston, or the heart of the Midwest in Chicago, moving into the new city as quickly and smoothly as you can is important. Therefore, here are six simple and practical tips for a US college student beginning a new journey on how to deal with city living.

1. Find the Right Student Housing Early

You can make finding student housing easy by researching ahead of time and securing your housing before you arrive, which includes ensuring your housing fits your budget, your lifestyle, and distance from your campus. In most cities in the US where college housing is available, the student housing options range from on-campus dorms to private apartments or, in some cases, shared co-living groups.

If you are relocating to a college city such as Boston or Chicago and want to rent a college apartment near Boston schools like Northeastern or around the University of Chicago or DePaul, students can benefit from good public transport options, nearby libraries, and coffee shops or study-friendly places.

Tip: Use housing platforms that specialise in student rentals. Look for amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry, furnished units, and flexible leases.

2. Get to Know the Neighbourhood

When you get there, walk around your new neighbourhood. Familiarise yourself with local grocery stores, pharmacies, campus buildings, coffee shops, and bus or subway stops.

In Los Angeles, for example, students often choose to live in areas like Westwood or Koreatown. If you’re studying in New York City, neighbourhoods like Morningside Heights (near Columbia) or East Village (close to NYU) are popular for their student-friendly vibes.

Tip: Apps like Citymapper, Google Maps, and Transit can help you plan your daily commute and locate essentials.

3. Budget for City Living

Living in a US city can get expensive, especially in places like San Francisco, Washington DC, or Seattle. Create a monthly budget that includes rent, groceries, transport, and entertainment. Don't forget hidden costs like utilities, public transport passes, or laundry.

If you’re in a city like Champaign, student apartments in Champaign tend to be more affordable than in cities like NYC or LA.

Tip: Use apps like Mint or YNAB to track expenses and avoid overspending in your first few months.

4. Find a Support System

Moving from home can feel lonely at first. Make it easier by connecting with people early on. Join student clubs, attend orientation events, or engage with community groups. Many US colleges also have international student services and mentorship programmes.

In university towns like Ann Arbor (Michigan) or Gainesville (Florida), you’ll find tight-knit student communities and events that make it easier to build connections quickly.

Tip: Having a support system improves mental health, helps combat homesickness, and makes your city feel more like home.

5. Embrace Public Transportation

In many US cities, public transportation is a student’s best friend. Cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington DC offer extensive train and bus networks. Learn how to navigate them early—it’ll save you time and money.

In contrast, cities like Los Angeles and Houston are more car-dependent, so plan accordingly if you’ll need to commute longer distances. Some LA student apartments offer shuttle services to campus.

Tip: Don’t forget to check if your university provides a discounted or free transit pass—it’s a huge perk!

6. Prioritise Safety and Wellness

Every city has safer and more active areas. When choosing student accommodation in urban areas, prioritise safety features—secure entrances, well-lit streets, and neighbourhood watch services.

If you're moving to Philadelphia, student housing near Temple University or UPenn often includes gated access or on-site security. The same applies to college apartments in Atlanta, where many buildings cater specifically to students’ safety needs.

Tip: Stay updated with campus alerts, register with emergency apps, and always keep a trusted contact informed of your location when exploring the city alone.

Final Thoughts

Settling into a fresh American city as a university student brings a blend of thrill, tests, and personal development. From finding the right student housing in US to learning the local culture and staying safe, every step brings you closer to building a life you’ll love.

About author

Bhavna S. is a storyteller at heart who loves weaving words into engaging narratives. When not writing, she can be found sipping chai while lost in a book, taking long walks to clear her mind, or planning her next travel adventure - only to end up binge-watching a documentary instead.