Off-campus housing: When should your student start their search?
If your student plans to live off campus next year, they may already be hearing that they need to find housing and sign a lease. The good news: Most students don’t need to rush to sign a lease in the fall.Ìý
For most Buffs, January through May is the best time to complete their off-campus housing search. Much of the Boulder rental market becomes available in January, giving students more properties to explore and compare. As more rentals become available, students may also find lower rental rates than they would during the fall.Ìý
Waiting until spring also gives your student more time to figure out their budget, roommates and future plans.Ìý
Your student can still start exploring in the fall. Share this recommended timeline from Off-Campus Life to help them know what to do throughout the year.Ìý
ÌýÌýOctober–December: Explore optionsÌý
Fall is a good time for your student to start thinking about what they want in their housing.ÌýEncourage them to take their time before signing a lease so they can explore more of the rental market when additional properties become available after winter break.Ìý
Your student can start thinking about:Ìý
Their budget: Rent is only part of the cost of living off campus. Utilities, groceries, transportation and other monthly expenses can also affect their budget.Ìý
Potential roommates: Encourage your student to talk with potential roommates about budgets, schedules, habits and what they each want in a living situation.Ìý
Location and transportation: Your student can consider how they'll get to campus and what locations work for their schedule and activities.Ìý
Plans for next year: Study abroad, internships and other opportunities could affect their housing needs.Ìý
Students can also browse rentals on to see what types of housing are available and get familiar with their options.Ìý
The Fall Housing Fair will take place Wednesday, Nov. 18 in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom. Your student can meet landlords and property managers, explore housing options and learn more about the rental process. Attending the fair doesn’t mean they need to make a decision right away.Ìý
ÌýÌýJanuary–May: Search and secure housingÌý
For most students, spring semester is the recommended time to seriously search for off-campus housing. A larger share of the rental market becomes available starting in January, giving your student more properties to explore and compare before making a decision.Ìý
Students can search for rentals through , tour properties and attend the Winter Housing Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at the Village Center to meet property managers and explore available housing.Ìý
Before signing a lease, encourage your student to read it carefully and make sure they understand the terms. Students can get their lease reviewed for free by an Off-Campus Life legal advisor.Ìý
ÌýÌýJune–August: Keep lookingÌý
If your student is still looking for housing during the summer, they’re not too late. Students find housing throughout the summer, including transfer students, late admits and students coming off the on-campus housing waitlist.Ìý
Your student can continue checking for rentals and roommate opportunities. If they need help navigating their search, encourage them to connect with .Ìý
How families can helpÌý
Finding housing is an opportunity for your student to make decisions about their budget, roommates and living situation. You can support them by asking questions, helping them think through their options and reminding them to understand a lease before signing.Ìý
Fall is a good time for your student to explore housing options and plan for next year. For most students, spring is the time to focus on finding and securing a place.Ìý
Off-Campus Life can help with rental listings, lease reviews and other off-campus housing questions throughout the process.Ìý