As an international student coming to study in the U.S., one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is where you’ll be living. Finding a furnished apartment near a university is often a top priority for students who don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying or transporting furniture. Fortunately, there are plenty of housing options available, and with the right strategy, you can find a comfortable, affordable furnished apartment near your campus.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to find furnished apartments near university campuses in the U.S. and highlight how RentYard can make the search easier for you.
Looking to Rent? Try RentYard
Why Choose a Furnished Apartment?
Before diving into the process of finding furnished apartments, let’s briefly discuss why this option is so appealing for international students:
- No Furniture Hassles: Furnished apartments come with essential furniture (beds, sofas, desks, chairs), so you don’t have to worry about buying or renting furniture when you arrive.
- Cost-Effective: Furnished apartments can save you the expense of purchasing furniture, which can be quite costly if you’re only staying for a limited period.
- Short-Term Leases: Furnished apartments often offer more flexibility with shorter lease terms, ideal for students who may only need housing for an academic year or semester.
Now, let’s look at the best ways to find these apartments near your university.
1. Start Your Search Early
The earlier you start your search, the better. Furnished apartments near university campuses are in high demand, especially at the beginning of the academic year. Starting your search at least 2–3 months before your desired move-in date will give you plenty of time to explore options and avoid any last-minute rush.
RentYard Tip:
RentYard allows you to filter listings by furnishing status, so you can easily find fully furnished apartments near your university. You can also set up alerts to get notified when new listings that meet your criteria are posted.
2. Use Apartment Rental Websites and Apps
There are several reliable platforms that specialize in apartment rentals near university campuses. These websites and apps make it easier to search for furnished apartments and filter results based on your preferences, such as location, price, and amenities.
Popular Apartment Websites for Students:
- RentYard: RentYard is a great platform specifically designed for students. It lists furnished apartments near university campuses across the U.S., and its advanced search filters let you narrow down results based on your budget and needs.
- Zillow: Zillow offers a wide variety of listings, including furnished apartments near colleges. You can filter results by price, location, and furnishing status.
- Apartment Finder: Another popular platform, Apartment Finder allows you to search for furnished apartments and offers detailed descriptions of each listing.
- Craigslist: While Craigslist can be useful for finding furnished apartments, it’s important to be cautious of potential scams. Always verify the legitimacy of listings and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
RentYard Advantage:
RentYard focuses on student-friendly housing, meaning that all listings are tailored for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a short-term lease or a budget-friendly apartment near your university, RentYard offers verified listings and easy-to-use search filters to help you find the perfect furnished apartment.
3. Explore University Housing Options
Many universities offer on-campus housing options or off-campus student apartments that are fully furnished. While on-campus housing is often more competitive and may require you to apply well in advance, many universities partner with private companies to offer off-campus furnished apartments near the campus.
What You Need to Know:
- University Websites: Start by checking your university’s housing website, which may provide information on both on-campus and off-campus furnished housing options. Universities often have their own list of approved off-campus apartments that cater specifically to students.
- Student Housing Providers: Some private companies specialize in student housing and offer fully furnished apartments near university campuses. These may be more expensive than traditional off-campus apartments, but they often include utilities and additional amenities like Wi-Fi and cleaning services.
RentYard Tip:
RentYard lists furnished student housing options near universities across the U.S. and even offers detailed descriptions about neighborhoods, making it easy for you to find affordable, student-focused apartments.
4. Check Local Listings and Facebook Groups
In addition to using rental websites, it’s a good idea to check local listings and Facebook groups for furnished apartments. Many students or property owners post available rental units in university-specific Facebook groups or local community boards.
Where to Look:
- University Facebook Groups: Many universities have Facebook groups where current students post housing availability or seek roommates. Search for keywords like “furnished apartment near [University Name]” or “student housing”.
- Local Classifieds: Websites like Craigslist and local classifieds often have listings for furnished apartments close to campus. However, be extra cautious when using these platforms, as some listings may not be verified.
RentYard Advantage:
Unlike unverified listings on platforms like Craigslist, RentYard offers safe, verified listings that are tailored specifically to students. RentYard’s student-focused apartments mean you don’t have to worry about scams or misleading information.
5. Consider Roommate Options
If you’re open to sharing your living space, finding a roommate can be a great way to reduce your rent while still getting a furnished apartment near campus. Many apartments, especially those intended for students, offer multiple bedrooms and can be rented by the room. RentYard offers roommate matching services to help you find compatible roommates, so you don’t have to worry about living with strangers.
RentYard Tip:
RentYard allows you to search for roommate-friendly furnished apartments and helps connect you with other students looking for shared accommodation. With RentYard’s roommate matching feature, you can find a safe, comfortable environment at a lower price.
6. Verify the Lease and Terms
Once you’ve found a furnished apartment, it’s essential to carefully review the lease agreement and understand all the terms before signing. Pay attention to the following:
- Lease Duration: Ensure the lease term matches your academic schedule. Many furnished apartments offer flexible lease options that coincide with the academic year or semester.
- Included Amenities: Double-check what’s included in the rent. Some furnished apartments may include utilities like Wi-Fi, electricity, and water, while others may charge separately for these services.
- Security Deposit: Make sure you know how much the security deposit is and the terms for getting it back at the end of your lease.
RentYard Tip:
RentYard listings include detailed lease information, so you’ll always know what’s included in the rent. The platform also offers transparent pricing, so you won’t encounter hidden fees when renting a furnished apartment.
7. Stay Safe and Avoid Scams
Unfortunately, rental scams are not uncommon, especially when searching for apartments online. To protect yourself, always verify the legitimacy of the listing, and if possible, visit the apartment in person before signing any contracts or making payments. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
RentYard Advantage:
RentYard offers only verified listings for furnished apartments, so you can trust that the properties you’re viewing are legitimate. The platform also allows you to connect directly with property managers and landlords, ensuring a safe and transparent rental experience.
Final Thoughts
Finding a furnished apartment near a university campus as an international student in the U.S. can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s entirely manageable. By starting early, using specialized apartment rental websites like RentYard, and exploring university housing options, you can find a great place to live while you study in the U.S.
Looking to Rent? Try RentYard
RentYard is an excellent resource for international students because it focuses on verified, student-friendly housing near universities. Whether you’re looking for short-term leases, roommates, or budget-friendly furnished apartments, RentYard offers a wide range of options to meet your needs. Start your search today and secure your perfect home away from home!