Preparing for Life at Stony Brook

Off-Campus Housing

International students are strongly recommended to live-on campus for at least their first semester. Living on-campus can assist students to a new community and lifestyle. Please note, if an issue occurs with an off-campus living situation, Stony Brook University is very limited in what assistance they can offer students.

For those still interested in off-campus options, the Office of Commuter Student Services & Off Campus Living has put together a list of resources to aid your search.

 

What you should know:

• You should not assume that just because a landlord, website, or agent speaks your native language, or is originally from your home country, that they have your best interests in mind.
• Social Host Law: It is illegal for anyone who owns or rents a home to knowingly allow the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by any person under age 21 on the premises. The law also punishes any homeowner or tenant who learns that alcohol is being consumed by minors there and fails to take corrective action.
• Red Flags: “Red flags” are warning signs that a rental property may be unsafe, or that someone may be attempting to scam you. An in-depth explanation of red flags can be found on Commuter Student Services & Off Campus Living's What You Need To Know webpage.

Legal housing: House Rental License/Accessory Apartment License are issued to a landlord when the town deems that the house or apartment has met all applicable housing, sanitary, building, electrical and fire codes, rules, and regulations. Legal housing options can be found on the Commuter Student Services' off-campus housing website.

 

Items to keep with you during off-campus housing searches:

On Commuter Student Services & Off Campus Living's Your Search webpage are many helpful tools as explained below!

• Rental Review Checklist: Use this checklist to compare every credible option, and track the condition of rental rooms, evaluating properties against one another.
• Inspection Checklist: Use this checklist to mark the condition of the unit before you officially move in. This is recommended so that you and the landlord are in agreement on the current condition so you are not charged for wear-and-tear that was present before your arrival.
• Step by Step instructions: Use this section to see how your search should go.
• Leases 101: Use this section to learn about a lease, a legally binding contract between you and the landlord. It explains why written leases are important to protect yourself and what information needs to be in each lease.
• Roommates: Use this section to learn about what conversations you should have when looking for a roommate and what paperwork is important to protect yourself.

 

Additional Resources:

• Budgeting tips can be found on the Commuter Student Services & Off Campus Living's Budgeting webpage.
• Commuter Student Services & Off Campus Living offers a Roommate Search tool to help students looking for SBU connected people to share housing with. Please note that you can only access this search tool after you have a Stony Brook NetID. 

What to Pack

We recommend cash, credit cards, and travelers’ checks are carried in a discreet money belt. Be sure to pack in your carry-on luggage:

1. Airline ticket(s) for your flight(s) to New York.
2.  Any prescription medications that you need to bring, with the written prescriptions from your doctor.
3. Your passport, valid at least six months into the future, with a valid visa stamp. Visa stamps are not applicable for Canadian citizens.
4. Your Form I-20 or DS-2019, depending on your visa type.
5. Your SBU admission letter and proof of financial support.
6. One complete change of clothing and toiletries, in the event that your checked luggage is delayed.
7. Your driver’s license and a translation, or “international driver’s license,” if you intend to drive.

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

You should check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about the items you plan to bring with you to ensure they are not prohibited or restricted.

Prohibited Items are forbidden by U.S. law (e.g., dangerous weapons or illegal substances).

Restricted Items require special licenses or permits from a U.S. federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the U.S. (e.g., firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by-products).

To view a detailed list of such items and other important information, visit CBP's Prohibited and Restricted Items webpage.

 

What to Know about Campus Residences

• Basic furniture, including a bed and mattress, desk, and drawer set, is provided in campus residence halls. However, students should plan to purchase a clock, pillows, bed linens, and warm blankets or a comforter for cold winters.
• It’s advisable to bring a sheet, towel, and some toiletries initially. Some students also suggest bringing basic cooking utensils, especially if they’re cheaper in your home country.
• Bus services from campus to shopping centers and grocery stores is available year-round and is free with your SBU ID card.
• Just remember, if you pack it, you’re going to have to carry it around at least two airports!

 

Campus Residences' Recommended and Prohibited Items

Campus Residences has put together a list of the recommended and prohibited items for students living on campus. Both of these lists as well as more housing information can be found on the Campus Residences' Before You Arrive webpage. 

 

Weather

When packing clothing items for the year, consider the weather and climate you will be living in at Stony Brook University. Below is a table with the average temperature and recommended clothes by season.