Guide to Finding Your First College Apartment

This article, "Guide for Finding a Fabulous Student Apartment,"  was originally published on the Apartments.com Renterverse in 2020. 

Heading off to college? Get ready for many multiple-choice questions! Including this one: Do you want to live in (a) a dorm, (b) a student apartment, or (c) in a traditional apartment? Wait! What’s a student apartment, you ask?

Student apartments are off-campus apartments that typically aren’t affiliated with any university or college. These apartments are located around universities and most often rent by the bed rather than as an entire apartment. As a result, there are often several students sharing the apartment, each with their own bedroom but with shared common spaces (kitchen, living room).

As you begin your student apartment search, you might have some questions of your own. For example:

• How are student apartments different from regular apartments?
• Will my credit be checked?
• Will I need a cosigner for a student apartment?
• Do student apartments only rent to students, or can anyone live there?
• Can I use financial aid to pay my rent?
• Is there an option to choose your own roommates?
• How is a student apartment different from an on-campus dorm?

You want a great place to live, but you also want one that’s appealing, economical, and practical. After all, you’re looking for your home away from home, so you need answers to all your questions. This guide will help you find a fabulous place to live so you can start your college years off right — or at least in the right apartment.

Different Types of Student Housing

You’ll come across a variety of options during your apartment search, and some of the terms could be new to you. Here are some of the most common types of rentals for students and how they compare:

Student housing

Student housing is typically priced by the bed. The apartment may have anywhere from two to six bedrooms, and each bedroom is rented out within the apartment. If you are searching for your student apartment on Apartments.com, the apartments that offer by-the-bed pricing will feature a symbol that resembles a bed at the top of the ad, like this:

Typically, the more bedrooms available, the lower the cost for each person. So, for example, a two-bedroom student apartment may offer each bedroom for $850. An apartment with four bedrooms might rent for $425 per person. Sometimes, each bedroom is equipped with a private bathroom, while sometimes two or more bedrooms will share a bathroom. The residents will always share the kitchen and living areas. These apartments are typically furnished and often equipped with amenities like in-unit washers and dryers, and some even allow pets. You may find student housing that includes utilities and even Wi-Fi in the rent price.

Unlike on-campus dorms, you won’t have strict rules or a curfew to follow. You will have a lease, however, which will have some rules you’ll have to abide by or risk eviction.  These apartments are  larger than a standard dorm, so you’ll have more privacy. Dorms typically limit what you can have in your dorm room, but you’ll have more freedom with what you can add to your student apartment (for example, coffee makers are banned from some dorms).

While both dorms and student apartments come furnished, there’s a difference between most dorm furnishings and those in student apartments. Dorms are typically sparse with the furnishings, so you’ll have a bed, a dresser, and maybe a desk and chair. The furniture is functional and sturdy, but not necessarily attractive. On the other hand, student apartments are typically furnished with stylish décor that includes artwork and nice finishes (for example, granite countertops in the kitchen).

You might hear student apartment communities referred to as PBHs, or Purpose-Built Housing communities. This term is increasing in popularity as apartment buildings are being built specifically with students in mind. They are usually privately owned and not affiliated with the university they serve, but they are located very close to the university — often withing walking or biking distance. Many offer high-end community amenities like a swimming pool, on-site fitness center, study rooms, and on-site print shops. The apartments may provide in-unit washers and dryers, fully equipped kitchens, and even flat-screen televisions. These communities often offer roommate-matching programs, so if you don’t have specific friends you want to room with, the roommates you end up with will likely have similar interests and traits as you.

While there’s no law stating that a non-student can’t rent in a PBH community, you’ll find that most of the residents are students. This is because the leases are short to accommodate student schedules. Student apartments are designed to be temporary, with leases that correspond with the university calendar. They aren’t designed for longevity and so they don’t often attract long-term renters. PBH communities are very student-centric, with some offering programs designed for students and even shuttle buses to and from campus.

On-campus college dorms

Traditionally, on-campus housing is more expensive than off-campus housing. That said, on-campus housing will include utilities, so you won’t have to worry about things like the electric and water bills. Most dorm rates include meals, as well. Dorms are less private than off-campus housing. For example, instead of your own bedroom (or apartment) with bathroom, a dorm will have one bathroom for the floor to share. If you enjoy organized activities, living in a college dorm will provide you with access to a variety of scheduled events. And, unlike off-campus housing, all of the dorm residents are students.

Living on campus, you’ll have to follow rules and regulations, and depending on the university, some of these can be fairly strict. You might be required to live on-campus your first year, unless you are able to get an exemption or waiver. The university should specify who qualifies and how to obtain a waiver.  You’ll have a house leader or  resident adviser who might conduct dorm inspections to make sure you aren’t violating any of the rules. Dorms often impose curfews and might limit your guests, and most dorms don’t allow pets. Items that are often banned from dorms include things you might not expect, such as houseplants and extension cords. You may not get a choice of roommate in a dorm. For example, if a bed is empty, the university could move someone in at any time.

Since dorms are located on campus, you will be able to walk or bike quickly to class and you probably won’t need a car. But if you do want your car, most college dorms have parking areas. If you live off campus, you’ll have to commute a bit, either by car, bus, or bike, and you may have a more difficult time with parking.

Off-campus apartments

If you want to live alone (or choose your own roommate) and you don’t mind a short commute to campus, then you might prefer a traditional apartment. While you’ll be fully independent, living in your own apartment will also have some challenges. For example, you’ll have to pass a background and credit check when you apply for an apartment. You might need a cosigner, especially if you don’t have any credit. Unlike student apartments, which follow the school calendar, you might have to sign a traditional lease, which is often 12 months long. Unless you find a furnished apartment, you’ll have to bring or purchase furniture and other necessities like cookware, cleaning supplies, and small appliances.

The best thing about living off campus is the privacy. You’ll also likely have amenities and features in your apartment, like a balcony or patio and walk-in closets, that you can’t get in a dorm. It’s typically less expensive than dorm living, but you will have to buy your own food and do your own laundry. You’ll have a lot more space and it will be quieter than sharing a dorm or a student apartment. 

How To Qualify for an Apartment as a Student

Property managers at student apartments are aware that most students don’t have established credit, so you might find it easier to rent a student apartment than a traditional apartment. In either case, you could need a cosigner. When meeting with a property manager about any off-campus apartment, they usually want to know how you intend to pay the rent. Since you are a student, most student apartment communities are aware that you likely won’t be paying directly — the rent will be paid by your parents or through financial aid.

Take along some personal references to show the property manager that you’re reliable. You might be required to have a cosigner or guarantor.

If you are renting a traditional apartment, you will likely need proof of income, so bring along  pay stubs or bank statements. You’ll also want to bring references, and you’ll probably need a cosigner for a traditional apartment if you don’t have established credit or a rental history. If you have rented before, ask your former landlord for a reference letter.

Can Student Loans Be Used for Apartment Rent?

Yes, and it is very common for students to pay for off-campus student housing with financial aid. But there are risks involved. If you use student loans to pay your rent, you are incurring a lot of debt that you’ll eventually have to pay back. Also, there could be a delay with disbursement, which could cause your rent to be late.

The university will take the funds necessary to cover your tuition and school-related fees. The school won’t release the rest of the funds for your personal use (such as paying rent) until your tuition and fees are paid. Keep that in mind if you are intending to pay rent with your student loan money.

Is Off-Campus Housing Cheaper?

It can be cheaper to live off-campus, but it depends. Most universities include room and board for dorms, so you don’t have to purchase food. However, the meal plan that is often required for students may be quite expensive. Universities don’t charge you for utilities like electric and water. But the costs are uniform for everyone, meaning you’ll pay for these things even if you don’t use them.

Off-campus housing allows a little more flexibility in how much you spend on things like food and utilities. However, off-campus apartments will require more to move in, such as a security deposit, move-in fees, and deposits for utilities. If you choose to rent an apartment, consider finding a roommate to help share these costs.

Whether you choose a student apartment, a dorm, or a traditional apartment, be sure to ask lots of questions. Read your lease agreement carefully and start your apartment search as early as possible. Luckily, unlike a traditional multiple-choice question, there are no wrong answers here! Just choose the option that works.

Published September 17, 2020

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I’m Alecia, the Content Marketing Manager here at Apartments.com. For more than 14 years, I've been helping renters find their perfect home. As part of a military family, I grew up in a variety of rentals, from apartments and houses to duplexes and condos, so I understand and appreciate what renters face when trying to find a new home. When I'm not writing, I enjoy spending time with my two sons, playing video games, and reading British mystery novels.