Quick Stats
Undergrads in Off Campus Housing
35 %
Best Time to Look for a Place
Late winter quarter or early spring quarter
Average Rents
- 1 BR - $770.00
- 2 BR - $1,300.00
- House - $1,800.00
- Studio - $860.00
Popular Areas
- Clark Street
- Foster and Maple
- Ridge and Davis
College Prowler Take
Like any college town, Evanston landlords tend to take advantage of the naiveté of students. And, being a wealthy suburb of Chicago, housing prices are inflated—but it’s still less expensive than University housing. It is, by no means, mandatory to get your own apartment, but many students choose to do so after their sophomore year and are happy with the choice. Realize, however, that there are certain caveats that come with the responsibility of apartment rental.
Freedom comes at a price—and near NU, it’s astronomical. Small apartments for an average of $1,250 a month are not everyone’s idea of paradise. However, if you can stand to commute, living further from the familiar gives you a bit of a price break. With a little research, affordable, comfortable houses and apartments can be found, but beware of deals that sound too good to be true—they probably are. Hash out your lease well in advance, go through the apartment for possible damage before you move in, report anything suspect to your landlord early, and get ready to party!
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
Housing is convenient and nearby,...
Housing is convenient and nearby, but can be expensive. Also, it is not always in the best condition. Landlords like to take advantage of college students. |
Anonymous says: |
A lot of apartment buildings in...
A lot of apartment buildings in Evanston are fairly old—and not necessarily well-kept. Go through your place with the landlord before you move in so you can account for damages that aren’t yours. Be smart, and don’t go in blindly—or else you’ll end up paying $500 a month to live in a dumpy two-room shack with three other people, like I did. |
Anonymous says: |
Housing off campus can be a real...
Housing off campus can be a real pain sometimes. It’s not uncommon for seniors to stay in residential colleges all four years. Apartments can be expensive in Evanston, and the laws are kind of stacked against tenants, but NU tries hard to ease the experience. They even currently released an apartment guide that shows how to go about renting an apartment. |
Anonymous says: |
I totally recommend off-campus...
I totally recommend off-campus housing. You’ve finally become adjusted after your freshman year and off-campus housing is a logical and fun next step as you prepare for the real world. It’s a more independent way of living, but you will learn a lot and make some great friends. |
Anonymous says: |
Housing is pretty convenient,...
Housing is pretty convenient, although the apartment search can be stressful. It’s helpful if you’re friends with a graduating senior with a nice apartment. Some freshmen choose to move off campus, but most choose to stay on campus for at least another year. Living in a dorm on campus is the best way to meet people. Living in an apartment denies you that opportunity. |
Write for Us!
College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating
the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally
recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is
really like at your college. Read more >
