Brown University - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Brown guarantees housing for all four years, even though most students opt to live on their own by senior year to gain more freedom, more space, or better facilities. Some years, the University lets juniors live off campus too, but officially, only seniors are guaranteed permission. Students apply to the Office of Residential Life for off-campus permission in the early spring of their junior year, most having already signed a lease in the previous months. As a senior, getting permission is easy, but finding the perfect apartment can be a greater challenge. Within a mile radius of campus there are endless housing options, but the best places are rarely advertised. Hit the pavement or ask friends if you want to find the best place. In general, students can find any kind of place they want—historic houses, new apartments, studios, or mansions.

While most students believe they save money by moving off campus, the frustrations and complications often add up quickly. Summer subletting can be hard, and don’t forget the astronomical heating bills during the long winter. Moving off campus should be a careful choice. Since the University requires students to live on campus for a few years, it’s easy to know if moving away from the University bubble is right for you.

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Students Speak Out

BroCN says: Brown University 2016 Undecided

Brown doesn't offer off-campus... Brown doesn't offer off-campus housing until junior year, unless, of course, you call the Office of Student Life and argue. The University tries to keep you on campus as long as it can, which is really quite convenient, since their room and board plan costs considerably more than living and eating in a real apartment in Providence. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 05, 2009 Report

jzee says: Brown University 2016 Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

I couldn't say what it's like, but... I couldn't say what it's like, but from my experience walking to off-campus housing, it can be far away from campus. It seems worth it, though, if you want to live in a house and don't want to deal with the housing lottery. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 03, 2009 Report

BroES says: Brown University 2016 Undecided

It's definitely easy to get. I... It's definitely easy to get. I know a lot of people who live off campus and love it. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 03, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

More freedom. You are treated like... More freedom. You are treated like an adult, not a student. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I’ve never felt at home on campus.... I’ve never felt at home on campus. But, living off campus, I’m not as likely to go to things on campus late at night. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Justin Kim
Hometown: Austin, TX
Major: Undecided

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