Long Island has a mild, four season climate. There are usually a couple of snowfalls each year, although snow rarely remains on the ground for more than a few days. The cost of living in Stony Brook is higher than the national average, primarily because housing is relatively expensive. Most graduate students live off-campus, and many share housing as a way of lowering the rent. Stony Brook is located on Long Island Sound.
Public beaches provide access to kayaking, swimming, and wind surfing.
The south shore of Long Island, fronting the Atlantic Ocean, is a 35 minute drive away and contains an extensive park system. The New York Botanical Gardens and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum both house extensive outdoor collections of plants on beautiful grounds. See also . The Staller Center on campus hosts varied performances of music, dance, and drama throughout the year. Restaurants in the area cater to a wide range of tastes, with an emphasis on Asian and Italian specialties.