Queens Rentals for Students: Best Spots Near Queens College & St. John’s University

🏡 Kew Gardens Hills – Walkable & Quiet Best for: Queens College students Just steps from Queens College, Kew Gardens Hills is a quiet, residential neighborhood with tons of mid-century apartment buildings and small family-owned rentals. Most units are walk-ups or garden-style apartments, and rents here are generally reasonable compared to trendier parts of NYC. • Average rent: $1,800–$2,300 for a 1-bedroom • Perks: Walkable to campus, tons of kosher delis and grocery stores, safe • Transit: Q25, Q64, Q44 buses connect to subway lines 🌳 Fresh Meadows – Suburban Vibe with NYC Access Best for: St. John’s students looking for peace and space Located east of St. John’s University, Fresh Meadows feels more suburban than urban — think tree-lined blocks, two-family homes, and less noise. It’s ideal if you want a calmer living environment, especially if you’re splitting rent with roommates. • Average rent: $2,400–$3,000 for a 2-bedroom • Perks: Quiet streets, local shopping plazas, near campus • Transit: Multiple bus lines to the F train and LIRR 🏙️ Jamaica – Budget-Friendly and Well-Connected Best for: Students on a tighter budget or who commute often Jamaica offers lower rents and some of the best transit connections in Queens. The neighborhood is lively and diverse, and while parts can be busy or congested, it’s a go-to for students who need access to both schools or even Manhattan for internships or jobs. • Average rent: $1,600–$2,000 for a 1-bedroom • Perks: Access to E, J, Z subway lines and LIRR; cheaper rents • Transit: One of NYC’s biggest transit hubs 🧑‍🎓 Student Tips for Renting in Queens 1. Start early – Listings near colleges go fast in July–August. 2. Roommates are gold – Splitting a 2BR can be cheaper than a 1BR solo. 3. Look for private rentals – Many listings never make it to big sites. Walk the neighborhood or use local Facebook groups. 4. Check commute time – Even within Queens, travel can take longer than expected. Use Google Maps to estimate trips. 5. Know your rights – Always sign a lease, and avoid landlords who want only cash. 🏁 Final Thoughts Queens is one of the best boroughs for students in NYC—especially if you want space, cultural diversity, and affordable rent. Whether you want to be a five-minute walk from campus or prefer a short bus ride with more peace and quiet, neighborhoods like Kew Gardens Hills, Fresh Meadows, and Jamaica offer solid options that won’t break your student budget. Need help finding the right apartment? Use lowrent.nyc to discover listings near your school, filtered by budget, distance, and amenities. Our AI does the searching—so you don’t have to.