For housing, the vast majority of students will rent around NYC with the highest concentration in the upper west side or morningside heights/Harlem right by campus. That said, people will rent on the east side, midtown, downtown, Brooklyn, etc. Most won't do campus housing. And yes, housing is very expensive in NYC. The 1450 a month they show in the financial aid package is honestly too low. I've never paid less then 1600 for my share of a an apartment (with roommates). I know people who have paid less but you are usually in areas of the city people don't want to be in or you have outrageously small rooms (think 4 bedroom apartment and you pay 1200 because your room is only big enough for a queen bed against one wall and small dresser on the other wall). And if you want to live alone, you need at least 1800 or so for a serviceable studio. I pay 2100 a month for a small studio in a cheapish part of Manhattan that is a 4 floor walk up. And people think it's a great deal.
Also, as far as getting other communications from the school, the Hermes society should reach out to you to schedule a call. You'll also get an acceptance letter and a gift (water bottle and such) at different times.