Journal Square Urby – A practical decision review for student tenants
This article evaluates Journal Square Urby, a rental property in Jersey City, New Jersey, as a potential home for students studying in the New York City area. The review is based on verified data, actual resident reviews, and price comparisons. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator before making any commitment.
The property is located at Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA, a short walk from the Journal Square PATH station. It offers direct train access to Manhattan in about 15–20 minutes, making it a viable option for students attending universities in New York City. The building has a swimming pool, gym, and laundry facilities. According to the listing, availability is currently marked as “not available”, so it may be worth checking directly with the operator for any openings.
The rent ranges from USD 2,866 to USD 5,165 per month, with a deposit of USD 1,000. The minimum lease term is 6 months. For context, the city of New York has a reference from-price of USD 850 per month across all student properties listed on the platform (212 properties in total). Journal Square Urby sits well above that floor, reflecting its premium amenities and location near a transit hub.
Who this residence suits and who should look elsewhere
Suitable for:
- Students who prioritise a short commute to Manhattan via PATH and can afford the higher rent.
- Those who value on-site amenities like a swimming pool and gym, and do not mind sharing a larger unit (2-bedroom or 3-bedroom) to bring down individual costs.
- Tenants who can commit to at least a 6-month lease and have a deposit of USD 1,000 readily available.
- People who want a relatively spacious apartment compared to many typical New York City studio or one-bedroom units, especially if they are willing to split rent with roommates.
Less suitable for:
- Budget-conscious students looking for the cheapest possible housing near NYC. With a minimum price of USD 2,866, this is clearly a premium option.
- Anyone who needs a car and expects free or easy parking. One review specifically mentions parking as a problem.
- Students who prefer a quiet, neighbourhood feel — the area around Journal Square has been described by some residents as feeling unsafe, with loitering near the building entrance.
- Those who are sensitive to inconsistent pricing or service. A review noted that prices “change drastically from day to day” and that housekeeping can be an issue.
Price positioning vs the city from-price
The platform’s “city from-price” for New York City is USD 850 per month. That figure likely reflects the cheapest shared room or basic studio in the outer boroughs. Journal Square Urby’s starting rent of USD 2,866 is more than three times that amount. At the top end, 5-bedroom or larger units (listed as “apartment”) can reach USD 5,165.
For a student on a tight budget, this property is expensive. However, if you split a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom unit with roommates, the per-person cost could fall below the minimum unit price — though exact figures depend on the layout and number of occupants. A rough estimate: a 2-bedroom at USD 2,866 split between two people would be about USD 1,433 each per month, which is still above the city from-price but more competitive for a newer building with amenities.
Remember: these prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
What residents actually say
The property has a Google rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 103 reviews. Below are verbatim excerpts from three reviews. They highlight both the strengths and the pain points.
Kelsey Rodriguez (5 stars):
“The staff was so accommodating. The location was perfectly located for buses and journal square, the room was spotless and gave us so much space. There were grocery stores, a dollar tree, and food all on the same block making for an easy walk to stock up when we were there during a snow storm.”
Jacqueline Thomas Jackson (3 stars):
“I stay here a lot when I come from Virginia but My biggest issues are parking housekeeping and it’s overpriced… The prices change drastically from day to day sometimes more expensive than the Marriott and Hilton etc. the younger guy at the front desk is great but there’s another gentleman who can be difficult at time”
Khizar (1 star):
“Stayed here recently and had a very disappointing experience. The location is convenient, right next to the PATH, but the immediate surroundings felt unsafe, with people loitering outside and restricted access just to enter the building. Cleanliness was a major issue. Towels had visible stains, utensils in the kitchen ”
These reviews show a clear divide: location and space are praised, but price, parking, housekeeping, and safety concerns are recurring themes. Consider these trade-offs carefully.
Room-type guidance
The property lists the following unit types: studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and apartment (which may refer to larger layouts or penthouse units). Here is what to keep in mind for each:
- Studio – Usually the most affordable option (starting around USD 2,866). Suitable for one person who wants privacy and does not need much space. Expect a combined living/sleeping area and a separate bathroom.
- 1-bedroom – Provides a separate bedroom and living area. Slightly more expensive than a studio. Best for a single occupant or a couple.
- 2-bedroom – Can be shared by two roommates. Splitting rent could bring individual costs down to roughly USD 1,400–1,800 per person, depending on the exact price.
- 3-bedroom – Ideal for a group of three. Per-person cost would be lower still, possibly around USD 1,000–1,200 each.
- Apartment – Typically denotes larger units, possibly 4+ bedrooms or premium layouts. Check directly for exact floor plans.
For students, the 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom options offer the best value when shared. However, securing a unit at the lower end of the price range may require early booking or flexible timing.
Booking timing
Since the listing status is “not available”, availability may be seasonal or limited. If you are interested, contact the operator as soon as possible to ask about upcoming vacancies or waitlists. For properties in the New York City metro area, leases tend to start in late summer (August/September) to align with the academic year. However, Journal Square Urby may offer rolling move-in dates due to its 6-month minimum lease.
Given the price volatility mentioned by a resident, it is wise to lock in a rate early and get a written confirmation. Do not rely on verbal quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions (H3)
Does Journal Square Urby require a guarantor or income proof?
The data does not specify guarantor requirements. However, as a US rental property, the operator will likely require proof of income, a credit check, or a guarantor (for students without US income). The deposit is USD 1,000 — confirm whether that covers the first month’s rent or is separate. Always ask for the full financial terms in writing.
Is it safe for students to live there?
Safety perceptions vary. The property is right next to the PATH station, which is well-trafficked. However, one review mentions loitering outside and feeling unsafe. Another review praised the location for its convenience and nearby stores. We recommend visiting the area at different times of day, talking to current tenants if possible, and checking local crime statistics. The building itself likely has controlled access, but the immediate sidewalk environment may not be to everyone’s taste.
Can I get a short-term lease (less than 6 months)?
The minimum lease length listed is 6 months. No shorter term is indicated. If you need a lease for less than 6 months, this property may not be suitable, or you may need to negotiate with the operator for a possible early termination fee. Confirm before signing.
Sources & data date
This article is based on data retrieved from the platform on 2026-07. Prices, availability, and reviews are subject to change. Google rating and review counts are as of that date. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For live availability and current pricing, please use the on-site assistant to check directly with the operator.
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