I would agree with almost all that Landing Gear has said with the following exceptions:

I think rents you stated in that area (70th and York) are very low.

with regard to NYS dept Motor veh,, you MAY be in luck as you are a student.

http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/resident.htm

That is the only exception I know of to avoid changing lic and reg.

I also think it is a good idea to check into Republic airport as LIRR is very close and if you are driving it is much easier to get to from 70th and York