Life at Cooper Union

<p>I understand that Cooper Union picks up the tab on tuition. But what is the real cost of living in New York if you have no relations there? Are there any very modest/cheap options for students that plan to spend most of their time in studio and at work (it wouldn't make sense to have anything expensive). </p>

<p>How expensive is life in New York for a student? Appreciate any feedback.</p>

<p>i don’t go to cooper union, but i go to another school in nyc.</p>

<p>i find that i spend a lot of money on food. i don’t have a meal plan because the food is crap. i cook and eat out about once a day, either lunch or dinner depending on the day. i spend anywhere between $100 to $200 about every 10 days on food.</p>

<p>not going out into the city seems to help with saving money. for example, i went to see my friend who lives near the lower east side, and i ended up spending $50 in one night, all we did was go out to a bar.</p>

<p>i’m sure there are cheap forms of entertainment in the city, i just haven’t found them yet.</p>

<p>Thank you for your reply broken_symlink.</p>

<p>One more thing, do you know what is the price range for a modest room in a safe but modest part of nyc?</p>

<p>Keep in mind that many parts of Brooklyn are quicker by subway from Cooper Union than many parts of Manhattan. Those neighborhoods also often have more young people, more Indie bands, less exhorbitant rent and less expensive food.</p>

<p>Thank you charlieschm!</p>

<p>I know that in the upper west side rent is anywhere from $1500 - $2500/month for studio and 1 bedroom apartments. It gets a little cheaper when you look at two bedroom apartments. </p>

<p>I don’t know how much they would be around Cooper Union though, but I would assume more expensive since its down south.</p>

<p>Thank you for your reply broken_symlink,</p>

<p>My professor mentioned that one student who went to Cooper Union, literally rented a sleeping space (not an apartment) for cheap since architecture students literally do not have time for sleep or any social life. </p>

<p>Anything of that sort?</p>

<p>Renting a bedroom vs. an apartment could work for a student - as long as it is quiet enough for a good nights sleep. I’d rather not share a bathroom with strangers, particularly if it is not regularly professionally cleaned. Also, remember that you can save a fortune if you can cook at home. That at least requires a microwave, a fridge and sink at a minimum, and preferably a stove and an oven.</p>

<p>You might also try a sublease from a student who is overseas for a semester. Most colleges have housing offices that link together students and suggest various alternatives and can tell you landlords to stay away from.</p>

<p>Thank you charlieschm,
I appreciate your help.</p>