College students in New York are permitted to register to vote at their school address!
College students can register to vote at either their parents/pre-college address or where they attend college, but cannot be registered in both locations.
The New York Election Law defines “residence” as “that place where a person maintains a fixed, permanent and principal home and to which he, wherever temporarily located, always intends to return.” N.Y. Election Law §§ 5-102 and 1-104(22). The word "permanent" requires only physical presence and an intention to remain for the time at least. See Palla v. Suffolk County Board of Elections, 31 N.Y.2d 36, 37 (N.Y. 1972).
Students can establish residency in New York if they have a present intention to remain at their New York school address for the time being, and they intend to make it their principal home. Students must plan to return after temporary absences, like summer break, but do not have to plan to reside at that address permanently. See Williams v. Salerno, 792 F.2d 323, 327 (2d Cir. 1986).
For basic voter registration eligibility requirements, deadlines, and forms visit the New York State Board of Elections.
For more information including frequently asked questions regarding student voting in New York, please see: http://campusvoteproject.org/new-york/
For nationwide student voting information, please see: http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/voting-in-college/