
INTRODUCTION | RATES | HOW TO APPLY | FAQS | DIRECTIONS | HOUSING FORMS | ALTERNATIVE HOUSING

Secure, affordable housing-right here in New York City
The French Culinary Institute offers you a number of housing options that are in comfortable proximity to the school, including apartments on Roosevelt Island or in Brooklyn Heights at the EHS Clark Residence. They are secure and geared to short-term leasing between 6 weeks and 9 months. Such shared-living experiences will enable you to extend your learning experiences into daily life as you train to become a culinary professional.
Please Note: Rooms are limited and availability is on a first-come, first served basis, so you should discuss your needs with an Admission or Student Affairs Representative as soon as possible. We can also help you secure housing in other areas of the city as well. Just ask for assistance and we'll do everything possible to help.
The FCI's Housing Options
Roosevelt Island
This charming community on New York's East River is an official part of Manhattan with the advantage that it is removed just enough to enjoy spectacular views of the City. It offers promenades and fitness facilities all in a relaxed atmosphere that is a welcome contrast to Manhattan's energy and bustle. There is subway access as well as an elevated tramway.
Brooklyn Heights
The exclusive, historic neighborhood of tree-lined streets, beautiful brownstones, cafes, retail shops, and lovely parks is minutes away from the famous waterfront promenade and breathtaking views of New York harbor. There is also easy subway access.
Our residential complexes offer furnished single (Roosevelt Island only) and double rooms within 1 to 4-bedroom apartments. They are modern and secure, with a wide range of amenities, including:
- Single (Roosevelt Island only) or double rooms in 1- to 4- bedroom apartments
- 24-hour security & state-of-the-art surveillance
- Kitchen facilities
- Contemporary kitchens (some fully equipped, others with microwaves and mini refrigerators) at Roosevelt Island
- Floor kitchen access at EHS Clark Street Residence (Brooklyn Heights)
- Room-by-room temperature controls
- Fully furnished
- Laundry facilities
- Convenient access to Manhattan and The FCI
- Opportunity to get to know The FCI students outside school
- Cable/High speed internet access-ready buildings
- In-house fitness center (Roosevelt Island only)

Student Housing Rates - Roosevelt Island complex
Double: $1,250 per month (in shared apartment)
Single: $1,500 per month (in shared apartment)
Student Housing Rates - EHS Clark Residence
Double: $1,325
Large Double: $1,450
Triple: $1,300
Note: Prices from Sept. 1, 2007- Sept. 1, 2008
Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first served basis. Once your application is approved, please email Rhonda Lynn or call her at 646-254-7511 if you are going to need housing.

Who Can Apply
The FCI student housing throughout New York City is open to students enrolled in the 6-week Bread Baking course, and the 6- or 9-month Culinary Arts or Pastry Arts programs. Individuals residing outside of New York City (all five boroughs) are eligible to apply.
Please note that enrollment at The FCI does not assure you of accommodations in The FCI student housing; however, we will make every effort to assist you. Just remember, housing is limited so please email Rhonda Lynn or call her at 646-254-8549, as soon as possible.
The Application Process
If you are interested in housing you will need to complete the following forms [PDF format - please right-click and choose SAVE AS]:
Once completed, please fax the forms to (646)254-1221 or mail them to
Rhonda Lynn
Assistant Dean of Student Services
The French Culinary Institute
462 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
You will also be required to complete a housing contract prior to move-in date.
Housing Application Deadlines
There are no formal deadlines for Housing Applications; however, applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. You should return the required forms and non-refundable housing application fee of $100 as soon as possible in order to have the best chance of obtaining housing.
Housing and Damage Deposit
Once your housing paperwork and non-refundable housing application fee have been received, a space in housing will be reserved for you (if available). Approximately 30-45 days before your class starts your final room assignment will be sent to you with your housing contract and move in letter. At this time, you must return the signed contract with a $250 damage deposit and housing payment. The $250 damage deposit will be returned once you check out of your room unless there are damages to your room or apartment.
Insurance
Medical insurance is required for the entire time you stay in student housing. We also suggest apartment insurance. Student Services can provide additional information about obtaining it.
Please note: Our housing accommodations are not owned or managed by The FCI. The FCI has no control over the operation, maintenance, or security of the buildings in which these accommodations are located and therefore has no liability for any loss, damage or injury, which might be sustained by students utilizing this housing.
The FCI reserves the right to assign housing to students in such manner as The FCI in its sole discretion deems to be in the best interests of the school and its students.
What to bring
Below is a list of suggested items you may need while at The FCI. We suggest you pack light.
- Clothing - You'll be dressed in your chef's uniform for school, so just bring any clothes you'll need for when you're not in class.
- Hangers
- Alarm Clock
- Desk Supplies - They're often less expensive and faster to find in your hometown than here. The usual pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, tape, scissors, paper clips, stapler, staples, personal stationary, typing, and notebook paper are suggested.
- Desk Lamp and Room Lamp - You'll want a small desk lamp, as well as a separate room lamp, since some bedrooms may not have overhead lighting.
- Extra Long Twin sized sheets
- Identification and other Important Papers - Bring your driver's license, a copy of your birth certificate, and other forms of identification, financial aid forms, Social Security card, a copy of your permanent medical record, and any other important papers. If you are starting a job, a birth certificate is likely to be required. International students will also of course bring a passport and visas.
- Small Mending Kit
- Toiletries - Everything you use, plus a plastic pail for it all. A hair dryer too, of course.
- Over the Counter and Prescription Medications - We also suggest you bring prescriptions and information from your family doctor regarding any chronic condition(s) that must be treated.
- Laundry Supplies - A laundry bag or basket and an iron. Ironing boards and washing machines are available in student housing.
- Cooking Utensils - Basic pots, pans, flatware, and dishes if you plan to cook your own meals. Some units have full kitchens while others have microwaves and mini refrigerators. Be sure to check with us first so you know what to bring.
- Stereo and/or Television - Remember that you will either be sharing a room or living quite close to other members of your community, so these should be small and used considerately. Some of our housing options do include a color TV, so be sure to check with us first.

Question: How long is the commute from Roosevelt Island or Brooklyn Heights to The FCI?
Answer: Your commute is similar to that of most New Yorkers, approximately 35 minutes by subway. From Roosevelt Island, you should add another 4-5 minutes if the tramway is used instead of the subway.
Question: May I view the apartments before moving into student housing?
Answer: At this time only tours of our EHS Clark Street Residence can be scheduled.
Question: How do I get my phone connected in my apartment?
Answer: You are encouraged to bring your own cellular phones. However, if you would prefer to have a regular phone on Roosevelt Island, please contact a local phone company to schedule a hook-up. In Brooklyn Heights, your phone will already be activated to receive and make local calls at no charge. Should you need long distance service, go to www.campuslink.com prior to your move in date to register and activate your long distance service. You will be billed directly for all long distance calls.
Question: May I move into The FCI housing prior to my orientation?
Answer: Yes, provided that there is availability.
Question: When do I need to pay for housing?
Answer: Payment for the first three months of housing is required on or before your move-in date. You are encouraged to complete your contract and payment requirements at least 10 days prior to your move-in date to avoid confusion. In general, payments are made in three-month installments.
Question: Where can I pick up my keys?
Answer: You may pick up your keys at the Concierge/Security desk at your assigned building. Please make arrangements with Student Services prior to move-in.
Question: Anything else I need to know about move-in day?
Answer: After you've moved in, the On-Site Coordinator will have you sign an Apartment Condition Report, verifying the physical condition of your room and the apartment overall. If at check-out, the room/apartment has sustained damage to be greater than normal wear and tear, individual residents, roommates, or the entire apartment will be billed for repairs, cleaning, or replacement. We suggest obtaining apartment insurance by speaking with Student Services.
Question: Can I ship my belongings to my apartment prior to move-in?
Answer: Your belongings should arrive after you have moved in. Please bring essentials in your luggage.
Question: How are roommates paired together?
Answer: There is no formal placement process. Students are paired together in an apartment based upon availability.
Question: Is parking available on Roosevelt Island?
Answer: Parking is available for a charge. Please contact Motorgate Parking Garage, (212) 832-4585, for further information.
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Directions to Roosevelt Island
BY SUBWAY:
Take the F train to the Roosevelt Island stop. It is the first stop after 63rd St./Lexington Avenue. Exit and take the red mini-bus (25 cent fare, exact change) at the bus stop in front of the train station or make a right along the walk-way up Main Street which leads into River Road (approximately 10 minutes).
BY TRAM:
The Manhattan Tram Station is between 59th St. & 60th St. on Second Avenue; the tram runs every 7 1/2 minutes during rush hours (weekdays 7:00am to 9:30am and 4:40pm-7:30pm) and on the quarter hour all other times. On the island you can either walk or take the red mini-bus (25 cent fare, exact change) which is timed with the Tram schedule. Tram information: (212) 832-4555.
BY CAR:
QUEENSBORO BRIDGE / LOWER ROADWAY: First right onto Crescent St. - Go 2 blocks to 21st St. Make right onto 21st St. and proceed north to 36th Ave., turn left and go 7 blocks to Roosevelt Island Bridge (See directions from Roosevelt Island Bridge).
QUEENSBORO BRIDGE / UPPER ROADWAY: (NOTE: CLOSED 7AM-10AM, 7-DAYS) Exit 21st St. to right, 8 to 9 blocks to 36th Ave., turn left and go 7 blocks to Roosevelt Island Bridge (See directions from Roosevelt Island Bridge).
MIDTOWN TUNNEL: First make right onto Bordon Ave. (towards river) to Vernon Blvd., right onto Vernon to 36th Ave., turn left and go 7 blocks to Roosevelt Island Bridge (See directions from Roosevelt Island Bridge).
TRIBORO BRIDGE: First exit off bridge; quick right onto 29th St., go 1 block and then turn right onto Astoria Blvd., left onto 21st St. and proceed south to 36th Ave. and turn right, straight about 7 blocks onto Roosevelt Island Bridge (See directions from Roosevelt Island Bridge).
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY - WESTBOUND: Towards midtown tunnel, exit at Van Dam Street, last exit before toll, go straight and follow under elevated expressway, make right at Vernon Blvd., north along river and under Queensboro Bridge, make left at 36th Ave. and go 7 blocks to Roosevelt Island Bridge (See directions from Roosevelt Island Bridge).
BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPRESSWAY TO LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY - WEST BOUND: (See Above)
FROM ROOSEVELT ISLAND BRIDGE: Proceed past guard booth and down ramp to Roosevelt Island. At stop sign make a right onto River Road and proceed past parking garage, Manhattan Park is on the left. The Rental Center is in the lobby of 30 River Road.
Directions to FCI housing at EHS Clark Street (Brooklyn Heights)
BY SUBWAY:
By Subway - Take the 2 or 3 train to the Clark Street Station or the N or R train to Court Street. Walk up the stairs to Montague Street and walk up to Henry Street. Make a right and walk 3 blocks up to Clark Street.
BY CAR:
FROM NEW JERSEY AND WEST - Take the George Washington Bridge and follow signs for the Henry Hudson Parkway (south). Henry Hudson Parkway becomes the West Side Highway (West Street). Take West Street south to Vesey Street. Continue on Vesey Street past Broadway, and make a left onto Park Row. Once on Park Row head in the direction of the Brooklyn Bridge. On the Brooklyn Bridge stay in the right hand lane and take the exit that reads Cadman Plaza West. Turn left at the second light to Henry Street.
Take Henry street to Clark Street and turn right.
LINCOLN TUNNEL/HOLLAND TUNNEL - Take the West Side Highway south to Vesey Street, then follow directions above from Vesey Street.
FROM BROOKLYN AND QUEENS - Take the Brooklyn Queens Expressway to the exit before the Brooklyn Bridge called Cadman Plaza West, bear right to stop sign and make another right to Henry Street. Take Henry Street to Clark Street.
FROM LONG ISLAND - Take the Long Island Expressway to the Midtown Tunnel. When exiting the Tunnel look for a sign indicating 34th Street. Make a left onto 34th Street and follow until you reach the FDR Drive. Take the FDR Drive south to the Brooklyn Bridge. Follow directions above from the Brooklyn Bridge.
FROM CONNECTICUT - Take Interstate 95 south and follow signs to the Triboro Bridge. On bridge approach follow signs for Randalls Island and Manhattan. You will not cross the bridge. After toll follow signs to the FDR Drive. Continue above (from Long Island) from the FDR Drive directions.
To make it easier for you to find alternative housing in New York City, we've compiled this information to get you started. Based on your needs, alternative housing could include anything from a bed and breakfast to a short-term roommate or other situation.
Please note that there are hundreds of housing options in the New York City Metropolitan area and The French Culinary Institute is not responsible for the conditions or the prices of the establishments listed.
We have an enrollment manager who can assist you with alternative housing. If you'd like more information please email or call 1.888.FCI.CHEF.
Click here to view alternative housing information and resources.

Click here to view hotel information and resources.
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