Off-campus housing: When should you start your search?
Thinking about living off campus next year? You may hear that you need to find a place and sign a lease as soon as possible, but there’s no need to rush.Ìý
For most ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ students, January through May is the best time to complete your off-campus housing search. Much of the Boulder rental market becomes available in January, giving you more properties to explore and compare. As more rentals become available, you may also find lower rental rates than you would during the fall.Ìý
Waiting until spring also gives you more time to figure out your budget, roommates and future plans.Ìý
That doesn’t mean you have to wait until January to start planning. Use this timeline from Off-Campus Life to know what you can do throughout the year.Ìý
ÌýÌýOctober–December: Explore your off-campus housing optionsÌý
Fall is a good time to start thinking about what you want in your housing. Take your time before signing a lease so you can explore more of the rental market when additional properties become available after winter break.Ìý
Start by thinking about:Ìý
- Your budget: Consider rent along with utilities, groceries, transportation and other monthly expenses.Ìý
- Potential roommates: Talk about budgets, schedules, habits and what you each want in a living situation.Ìý
- Location and transportation: Think about how you'll get to campus and where your classes and other activities may be.Ìý
- Your plans for next year: Study abroad, internships and other opportunities could affect your housing needs.Ìý
You can also browse rentals on to see what types of housing are available and start getting familiar with your options.Ìý
The Fall Housing Fair will take place Nov. 18 at UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom. Stop by to meet landlords and property managers, explore housing options and learn more about the rental process. You can gather information without committing to a lease.Ìý
ÌýÌýJanuary–May: Search for 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 you more properties to explore and compare before making a decision.Ìý
Search available rentals through Ralphie’s List, tour properties and compare your options before making a decision.Ìý
You can also attend the Winter Housing Fair on Jan. 14 at the Village Center to meet property managers and learn about available housing.Ìý
Before you sign a lease, read it carefully and make sure you understand what you're agreeing to. You can get your lease reviewed for free by an Off-Campus Life legal advisor.Ìý
ÌýÌýJune–August: Keep looking for housingÌý
Still looking for a place during the summer? You have options. Students continue finding rentals and roommates throughout the summer, including transfer students, late admits and students coming off the on-campus housing waitlist.Ìý
Keep checking Ralphie’s List for rental and roommate listings. If you're having trouble finding a place or aren't sure what to do next, Off-Campus Life can help you navigate your search.Ìý
Take your time before signing a leaseÌý
Fall is a good time to explore your options, think about what you want and make a plan for next year. For most students, spring is the time to focus on finding and securing a place.Ìý
Wherever you are in your off-campus housing search, Off-Campus Life offers rental listings, roommate resources, lease reviews and other support to help you find housing that works for you.Ìý