Living on Long Island, New York
Just 40 km from New York City, Long Island is famous for its beaches. The sparkling coast makes the perfect backdrop for having fun with friends at the boardwalk or dining at restaurants offering fresh seafood and other local favorites. Long Island is equally famous for its lush forests, giving students with an adventurous side the chance to hike and discover natural beauty beyond their campus.
Explore the Big Apple
By living less than an hour away, you can see how New York City plays a big role in your campus life and your career opportunities. Whether you’re enjoying food from around the world, visiting famous landmarks, or gaining valuable experience at internships with top organizations, your New York city connections can be memorable for your personal and professional growth.
Long Island is full of local favorites and well-known attractions. You'll find many shops, restaurants, sites and natural beauty within minutes of the university:
Roosevelt Field
Jones Beach Island
Nassau County Museum
Old Westbury Gardens
Long Island Aquarium
NYCB Theatre at Westbury
Hofstra University Museum
Long Island Explorium
Montauk Lighthouse
Fire Island
Splish Splash Water Park
Smith Point Park
Islip Art Museum
Adventureland
Long Island Sound
Belmont Park
If you prefer to stay away from New York City and be closer to campus, you’ll still find plenty to do. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there's something for everyone. For a fun night in Long Island, try one of the following:
The Paramount
Governor's Comedy Cabaret
Monaghan's Bar & Restaurant
Food Done It?
Lizard Lounge
That 70's Band
In the New York Metropolitan area, you will find plenty of sports teams to cheer on. You can easily go to the city for a game any time of the year, as various teams always have something going on. If you're a fan of playing sports, Hofstra has athletics teams year-round. Choose from football, basketball, running, golf, field hockey and more.
From fine dining restaurants to inexpensive meals, there are food and beverage options for every taste and budget. If you crave something more adventurous, New York City offers unlimited restaurants, which you can explore at your leisure.
Shopping in Long Island boasts a range of options. From chain stores to high-end boutiques, indulge in retail therapy during your downtime:
Americana Manhasset
Walt Whitman Mall
Smith Haven Mall
Westfield South Shore Shopping
Nordstrom
Urban Outfitters
Zara
JC Penney
Michael Kors
Neiman Marcus
There are numerous fairs, festivals and events for you to enjoy in Long Island. These include:
Annual Dragon Boat Race Festival
Oktoberfest
Long Island Fall Beer Festival
The Long Island Fair
Fall Festival at Hicks Nurseries
Annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow
Brookhaven Country Fair
Harbes Orchard Apple Festival
Nearly every major form of transportation services Long Island. These include airports, railroads, highways and subways. The three large airports with regularly scheduled commercial airline service are:
John F. Kennedy International Airport
LaGuardia Airport
Long Island MacArthur Airport (sometimes referred to as Islip Airport)
Passengers heading to or from Kennedy Airport may use the AirTrain to connect with the Long Island Rail Road in Jamaica. They can also use the New York City Subway in Jamaica or Howard Beach.
If driving, the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway and Southern State Parkway make east–west travel on the island straightforward. There are also 11 subway and railroad crossings.
