Top 5 student cities in the United States

Discover the favourite cities for university students in the United States and what makes them unique.

The United States is an increasingly popular country among international students, especially those who decide to study outside Europe. If you’re thinking of studying in this North American country but are not sure which destination is best for you, in this article we will gather the top five student cities in the United States. From their pros and cons, to their outstanding universities, to reference prices for student accommodation, you’ll be able to read the most important information about the experience.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal destination, you can find verified accommodation easily and securely through our platform. This'll make your arrival much easier!

Boston

Skyline of Boston, Massachusetts, home to Harvard and MIT, showing the Charles River and the city's modern architecture.

Boston is one of the most important university cities in the United States. Despite being quite small, it's home to some of the most important academic institutions in the country and the world, as is the nearby city of Cambridge. It’s also full of historic and iconic places to visit and has a lively student atmosphere.

Pros and cons of studying in Boston

The academic experience in Boston has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

Pros of studying in Boston

Living in one of the world's most outstanding university cities.
Multicultural and very large student community.
Study at internationally renowned universities.
Good public transport for getting around the city.

Cons of studying in Boston

The winter months are very cold, with wind, sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall.
Rent, food and other expenses are very high.
There’s a shortage of accommodation due to high demand.

Top Universities in Boston

Boston is home to some of the most renowned institutions in the country.

Boston University

Founded in 1839, this institution is one of the most prestigious in the city. It welcomes many international students every year, from over 130 countries! Its campuses are mainly located in the Fenway-Kenmore and South End neighbourhoods.

In this guide, you’ll learn more about their locations and how to find housing close to Boston University.

Northeastern University

Northeastern University is renowned for its programmes that promote experience and cooperation. It’s also chosen by many international students every year. The main campus is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighbourhood, and there are smaller campuses in Boston and other cities in the United States.

Learn all about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near Northeastern University.

Student housing in Boston

Boston is a very expensive city for students, and this includes the cost of rent. Prices are driven up by demand due to the high concentration of universities in the area. The cost of a room in a shared flat or residence hall is usually around $900 on average, while a studio flat starts at $2500 per month.

Are you looking for accommodation in this university city? Read our guide to student accommodation in Boston, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

New York

Iconic New York skyline behind the River Hudson, one of the best cities for students seeking a cosmopolitan and international atmosphere.

Surely everyone knows that New York is one of the university cities par excellence in the United States. Its art, culture and history, combined with its multicultural atmosphere and the prestige of its universities, make living in this city for a season an unforgettable experience. The Big Apple has something for everyone!

Pros and cons of studying in New York

New York stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

Pros of studying in New York

An unrivalled range of cultural, entertainment, leisure and art activities.
Multicultural atmosphere in general.
Prestigious universities with excellent academic standards.
Large student community.

Cons of studying in New York

It’s the most expensive city on the list for students to live in.
The fast pace of life can be overwhelming; it really is the city that never sleeps!
The climate can be very cold in winter and very hot in summer.
The number of tourists can be overwhelming.

Top Universities in New York

The Big Apple is home to universities with excellent reputations.

Columbia University

This prestigious institution is renowned for its focus on research and is often ranked among the best universities in the world. Its main campus, Morningside Heights Campus, is located in the neighbourhood of the same name. It also has other locations in neighbourhoods such as Washington Heights and West Harlem.

See the complete guide to housing close to Columbia University for more information.

New York University

NYU stands out for its academic reputation around the world, attracting foreign students from all over. It has several campuses, but is best known for its Washington Square Campus, located in the heart of Manhattan.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to accommodation near New York University.

Student housing in New York

The cost of student accommodation in the Big Apple is among the highest in the country and depends greatly on location. The most economical option you’ll find is rooms in halls of residence or shared flats, which usually cost an average of US$1,500. If you prefer more privacy and independence, you should know that a studio flat can cost around US$2,000 per month.

Read our guide on student housing in New York to learn more about the types available, convenient locations, and other interesting facts.

San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, a global symbol of engineering and an iconic destination for students on the west coast.

This Californian city stands out as the centre of technology and innovation in the United States. Nearby is Silicon Valley, home to major technology companies such as Google and Microsoft. It also has a lively atmosphere and a wide range of cultural and leisure activities on offer.

Pros and cons of studying in San Francisco

Studying in San Francisco can be very enriching, although you’ll also encounter some more complicated aspects.

Pros of studying in San Francisco

It’s one of the most diverse cities in the world, with an unrivalled multicultural atmosphere.
A variety of leisure and cultural activities, including monuments, sporting events, art, and music.
Career opportunities in the technology sector.
A good starting point for travelling around California and the United States.

Cons of studying in San Francisco

Its cost of living is among the highest in the country.
It receives many tourists throughout the year.
There are some unsafe neighbourhoods that are best avoided.

Top universities in San Francisco

One institution in particular stands out in this Californian city:

University of California, San Francisco

This university is a global leader in health sciences disciplines and is consistently ranked among the world's best universities in this field. It has twenty different locations in San Francisco, with the main campus in the Parnassus Heights neighbourhood.

Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near the University of California, San Francisco.

Student housing in San Francisco

As mentioned above, the cost of living in San Francisco is among the highest in the country, which also includes the price of accommodation. As a reference, the price of a room is usually between US$1,500-1,600 on average, while an affordable studio flat starts at US$1,700 and up.

Are you planning to study in the United States? Don't miss our guide to student housing in San Francisco, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Los Angeles

Urban panorama of Los Angeles, California, a major global centre for film studies, arts and technology.

Los Angeles, located on the southern coast of California, is the most populous city on the west coast. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking prestigious universities, spectacular weather, and a great student atmosphere. In addition, the city of Los Angeles is known worldwide as the epicentre of entertainment.

Pros and cons of studying in Los Angeles

Student life in Los Angeles has many positive aspects, but there are also some disadvantages that may affect your daily life.

Pros of studying in Los Angeles

A city with a multinational atmosphere in every respect.
Its climate allows you to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and its beaches.
Student life is very lively, with lots of things to do.
It boasts excellent educational quality in its universities.

Cons of studying in Los Angeles

Public transport is often insufficient to get around the city, and sometimes a car is necessary.
The traffic is very heavy and there are often traffic jams.
It’s an expensive city to live in.

Top universities in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is notable for two main institutions:

University of Southern California

This institution also frequently appears among the best universities in the world, attracting students from all over the globe. Its main campus is in University Park, and the Health Science Campus is in Boston Heights.

Want to learn more about USC locations and the best neighbourhoods to live in? In our guide to accommodation near the University of Southern California, we explain everything.

University of California, Los Ángeles

The renowned UCLA is one of the leading public universities in the USA. It has a large campus in Westwood, which is divided into two parts: North and South Campus.

Explore locations, neighbourhoods, and tips in the guide to housing close to the University of California, Los Angeles.

Student housing in Los Angeles

Rent in Los Angeles for students is usually high, although you can find cheaper options depending on the area you’re searching in. For example, a single room in a shared flat starts at US$700 and up. Studio flats start at US$1,250, but many of them have two beds to share and the price is per person.

If you’re going to study in this city on the west coast, check out our guide to student accommodation in Los Angeles in Los Angeles with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Chicago

View of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan with two people cycling along the promenade in the foreground.

Chicago is the capital of the state of Illinois and one of the largest cities in the United States. It stands out for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its buildings and its history. It also has a very large student community thanks to its renowned universities, and offers a wide range of museums, theatres and cultural events throughout the year.

Pros and cons of studying in Chicago

Chicago offers many academic opportunities, although it’s not without certain drawbacks for students.

Pros of studying in Chicago

It has a very diverse and lively student atmosphere.
Wide range of cultural events and leisure activities.
Public transport is good and there are also many cycle lanes.
More affordable cost of living than the other cities mentioned.

Cons of studying in Chicago

Winter is very cold (with frequent sub-zero temperatures) with lots of snow and wind.
Outside of winter, the weather is very changeable in the other seasons.
Student accommodation is scarce and can be overcrowded.

Top universities in Chicago

Chicago stands out above all for two universities.

University of Chicago

UChicago stands out as one of the best universities in the United States. Its main campus is located in Hyde Park, a neighbourhood south of the city centre.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near the University of Chicago.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Tech is one of the leading STEM universities and research centres in the United States. It has four campuses in different parts of the city.

Find more practical information about the university and its faculties in the guide to housing close to Illinois Institute of Technology.

Student housing in Chicago

Chicago is the most affordable city we mention in this article in terms of student accommodation. However, the cost always depends on the type you choose. Rooms in shared flats or halls of residence usually cost a minimum of US$520 per month, while studio or one-bedroom flats start at US$1,200 and up.

For more information on student accommodation in Chicago, areas to consider, and other relevant details, check out our article.

Find accommodation in the United States with Erasmus Play

Studying in the United States is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, regardless of which destination you choose from among the top 5 student cities in the United States. Each one offers a different lifestyle, but they all have something in common: they welcome many international students and students from other parts of the country every year. For this reason, it’s advisable to begin searching for accommodation as soon as possible.

With Erasmus Play, you can compare verified rooms, flats, and residences in different cities across the United States, including the five mentioned in the article. You’ll be able to find your ideal place easily by filtering according to your preferences in terms of features, prices, and location. Find your ideal accommodation on Erasmus Play and book as soon as possible for your peace of mind!

Other guides on studying and living in the United States

If you’d like more information about these cities, you can access our guides: