Housing at Parsons is one of the most practically significant decisions for Korean international students — because finding and affording housing in New York City is genuinely complex. This guide explains the on-campus housing system, the cost reality, and what off-campus options look like for students who navigate New York’s rental market.
On-Campus Housing: Four Residence Halls
The New School (which administers Parsons’ housing) offers four undergraduate residence halls. All are co-ed, fully furnished, and located in Manhattan:
University Center (110 Fifth Avenue): The main building of The New School, including upper floors with residential units. Central location in Greenwich Village, steps from Parsons’ academic buildings.
Loeb Hall (65 West 11th Street): Greenwich Village location; one of The New School’s primary undergraduate residences.
Stuyvesant Park (336 Second Avenue): Located in the Gramercy neighborhood, a short subway ride from Parsons’ academic buildings; slightly more residential atmosphere than the Village.
Kerrey Hall (63 Fifth Avenue): Greenwich Village residence; named after former New School president Bob Kerrey.
Summer housing: Rooms in the Chelsea and Union Square areas are available during summer for students completing internships or summer programs.
Each residence hall includes: lounge, art studio, music practice room, kitchen, and laundry facilities. On-campus housing is fully furnished — students do not need to bring furniture.
Estimated on-campus housing cost: ~$20,000–$28,000 per academic year — among the highest of any US art school, reflecting New York City real estate prices.
On-Campus Housing: Availability and Priority
On-campus housing at The New School is not guaranteed for all students in all years. The school strongly encourages first-year international students to use on-campus housing, and priority for housing assignment typically goes to first-time students. However, housing fills quickly and may not be available in all years.
Application process: Housing applications are separate from the admissions application and open after admission is confirmed. Applying to housing promptly after committing to enrollment is essential for first-year students.
Off-Campus Housing in New York City
Many Parsons students — particularly upperclassmen — live off campus in New York City’s private rental market. The neighborhoods where Parsons students most commonly live off campus:
Greenwich Village / West Village: Most walking-distance housing for Parsons’ academic buildings. Most expensive of the student-popular neighborhoods.
Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Bushwick, Bed-Stuy): Many Parsons students live in Brooklyn — a subway ride from Manhattan, significantly more affordable, and home to a vibrant creative community. Many designers and artists live here.
Queens (Astoria, Long Island City): Close to Manhattan by subway; more affordable than Manhattan; growing creative community.
Estimated off-campus rent in New York:
- Room in a shared apartment: $1,200–$2,200/month
- Studio apartment: $2,500–$4,000/month
- Varies enormously by neighborhood and unit quality
For Korean Students: Housing Advice
First-year students should strongly consider on-campus housing. The logistical challenge of finding off-campus housing in New York City before arrival — while in Korea, without existing New York connections — is significant. On-campus housing simplifies the first year substantially and provides a social community that off-campus arrangements do not.
The Korean community in New York helps with housing. Korean students with connections to Korean RISD and Parsons upperclassmen often find housing through informal networks — sublets from Korean students who are studying abroad, shared apartments with other Korean students, or connections through Korean community social media groups.
Housing costs are the biggest budget surprise. Many Korean families budget for Parsons’ tuition accurately but underestimate housing costs. $25,000+/year for on-campus housing in Manhattan is a real figure — budget for this explicitly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waiting list for on-campus housing at Parsons? Housing availability varies year to year. First-year students receive priority but are not guaranteed housing if the application is submitted late. Apply immediately after committing to enrollment.
Can Korean students find Korean roommates at Parsons? Yes, through several mechanisms: housing preference forms sometimes allow roommate requests; the Korean student community at Parsons connects incoming students informally; and off-campus housing is frequently arranged through Korean student networks.
How does Parsons housing cost compare to RISD? RISD’s on-campus housing is approximately $7,500–$10,500/year — significantly less than Parsons’ $20,000–$28,000/year. Providence’s dramatically lower cost of living makes RISD’s total housing cost substantially more manageable than Parsons’.
Royal Blue Art & Design는 압구정에 위치한 유학미술학원으로, 19년간 한국 학생들의 RISD, Parsons, CalArts 등 미국 최상위 미술대학 입시를 도와왔습니다. [상담 문의하기 →]