Here's the skinny on finding housing:
First off, start early. The earlier you start looking the more options you'll have. The last week iin August will come up on you pretty fast and you don't want to be stuck looking for housing during orientstion.
Second, some good places to start looking for housing are:
1. Visit NYCOM. There is a housing list with up to date listings located in the Library at the circulation desk (just go in and ask for it). There is also one in the Student affairs office on the second floor of NYCOM III (the new building). You could also check the bulletin boards in and around the cafeteria in NYCOM I for housing listings.
2. The NYCOM webboard. There are always listings in the housing section. You should receive info on how to access it in your orientation packet. If you are really anxious for access to the web board, you can always call up the school to find out how.
3. Check newspapers like Newsday and teh pennisaver.
4. Realtors- although beware you'll have to pay them a broker fee which is usually a month's rent. Its cheaper and better to do it on your own if you can. Some realtors in the area are: Cove Realty (516) 676-8899, Cedar Cove Realty (516) 671-1800, Home Hunters (516) 661-9300, AA-1 Apartment Hunter (516) 546-6684, AAA Room Finders (516) 783-5000, D&S Realty (516) 565-4928
5. On the internet. Check out:
www.rentnet.com or
www.huntingtonpennysaver.com.
Third, find a roommate. Its cheaper to rent a house or an apartment if you have a roommate or two. Studios in Long Island start around $600 and one bedrooms start at $700. If you share a house rent ranges anywhere from $350 to $550 per person. Utilities are usually separate. The best way to find a roommate is to get in touch with other incoming students, either on this webboard or the nycom webboard or call up the ppl you met during your interview. You can also check the housing book at NYCOM. It contains poatings for roommates as well as apartments.
And lastly, where to live...
The best place to live by far is Glen Cove. Thats where most students live. Its cheaper than some of the other surrounding areas and is a close enough commute not to be a hassle. As far as finding cheaper neighborhoods in exchange for a longer commute, it probably won't happen. This is metropolitan New York. Its expensive no matter where you live.
Other areas near by to consider are: Oyster Bay, Sea Cliff, Roslyn, Bayville, Westbury, Glen Head, and Greenvale. There all within a 20 minute commute from NYCOM are are relatively safe neighborhoods.
Well, I hope this helps. Good Luck and enjoy the summer. The hard stuff is coming!
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