U.S. visa, SEVIS, and state documents
SSN/ITIN basics, tax forms (W-2, 1098-T, 1040), federal vs state filing, and deadlines.
USA · Student guide
New York: guide to studying and living in the USA
Student survival guide for New York: documents, housing, daily costs, healthcare, student work rules, and personal finance.
Updated on 20 May 2026
State income tax
≤ 10.9%
State return due if you have income, on top of federal
Cost of living
139.1
Index · 4 of 50 — above average
1BR rent · Manhattan
~$3,800 /mo
Compare with dorm and roommates
Public transit
Strong
Solid metro/bus network in big cities
The 6 guides
Everything about New York, in 6 guides
One guide for each concrete need, from visas to housing: start with the one you need now.
How to find housing and sign a lease
Local rental market, lease clauses, deposits, tenant rights, and where to search.
Cost of living and monthly budget
Bank accounts, student-friendly banks, budgeting apps, and tax basics.
Healthcare and health insurance
Insurance, pharmacies, primary care, urgent care vs ER, and campus options.
First days: State ID, phone, and transport
Transit and student passes, groceries, bills, and a strict student budget.
Student work: federal and local rules
On-campus jobs, CPT/OPT for international students, and hour limits.
Start here
What to do first for New York
Resolve the decisions that can block your move before comparing cities or reading every detail.
Check your U.S. visa and state documents Start with eligibility, deadlines, and official procedures for your situation. Check the lease and upfront housing costs Understand deposits, guarantees, contracts, and student housing before paying. Arrange healthcare before arrival Confirm insurance, enrollment rules, and where to get help once you arrive.
Your checklist
Before departure and after arrival in New York
Use this as an order of work, then open the linked guide before acting on a legal or financial requirement.
Plan your money
New York: cost of living, rent, and monthly budget
Start with housing, food, transport, healthcare, and setup costs. Treat estimates as planning ranges and verify local prices before committing.
Cities and neighborhoods
Where to live in New York: student cities and costs
Neighborhoods, rent, universities, transport and safety: everything you need to choose where to move.
Local context
New York: what really changes
Use the destination-specific notes to understand trade-offs, common mistakes, and local differences.
Overview
What changes in this state
Ideal if…
- Chi vuole NYC senza auto e vita internazionale
- Finance, art, media, NGO, campus urbani
- Studenti con borsa o housing campus garantito
- Who loves walking and metro 24/7
Harder if…
- Budget limitato a Manhattan senza coinquilini
- Ti aspetti clima mite tutto l’anno
- Vuoi auto economica a NYC (parcheggio 300–600 $/mese)
- Looking for silence at night in lively areas (East Village, Bushwick)
Mistakes to avoid
- Broker fee non previsto (spesso 1 mese rent in NYC)
- Affitto “a Brooklyn” senza capire 40 min metro
- Non leggere lease su heat incluso (legge NYC)
- Lavorare off-campus senza autorizzazione CPT/OPT
Verification
Official sources and last update
Legal and administrative details are kept in the relevant guide so they are not copied out of context.
Where to verify the information
Federal sources are separated from state sources inside each guide. Always verify the current rule before submitting an application, signing a lease, or paying a fee.
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