University of Iowa - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Most students move off campus after their first year at UI. There are plenty of houses and apartments available in the area, most of which are within walking distance of campus. The most popular places to look for housing are the College Street or Ralston Creek apartments. Both of these complexes are mostly student-occupied and are a stone’s throw from downtown Iowa City. If it’s a house you’re looking for, you’re going to end up a bit farther from campus, but still within walking distance. Most of the student-rented houses are on Washington, College, Governor, and Jefferson streets. Prices for apartments and houses run about the same—the general rule of thumb is the farther you are from campus, the cheaper your rent will be.

Iowa City and the University offer an extensive guide for finding off-campus housing when you’re ready to move off campus, which can be found on the city’s Web site. Each year, many students run into problems with landlords, but most of these are avoidable issues. It’s important to make sure you inspect the place well before you move in and carefully read everything you sign. It’s also easy to forget about the hidden costs of living off campus, such as heat, electricity, Internet, and cable. When all is said and done, however, it costs about the same, if not less, to live off campus as it does in the residence halls.

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Students Speak Out

IowASb says: University of Iowa 2015 Social Sciences

Off-campus housing is just across... Off-campus housing is just across the street from campus and super convenient. It feels great living without an RA, but I recommend that you live on campus your first year. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 28, 2009 Report

IowCM says: University of Iowa 2015 English Language and Literature

If you start early, they are very... If you start early, they are very easy to find. Most places list availability for the next school year after winter break, so if you don't wait, you can find a great place. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 27, 2009 Report

IowKM says: University of Iowa 2015 Communication and Journalism

I'm so glad I moved off campus... I'm so glad I moved off campus after my freshman year. There are no restrictions like the dorms have, and you really get to learn how to live on your own. The custodians aren't there to clean your bathroom for you anymore! 12345 Off-Campus Housing: February 22, 2009 Report

IowAS says: University of Iowa 2015 English Language and Literature

After freshman year, around 75... After freshman year, around 75 percent of students move off campus. There are apartments available everywhere downtown and in the Ped Mall, and if you walk a little bit off campus, you can find whole houses to share with friends. Plus, it's the same price or less than living in the dorms. The closer you live to campus, though, the more expensive it's going to be. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: February 22, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

The closer you live to campus, the... The closer you live to campus, the more expensive housing is. I lived on the west side of the river, which is a little bit farther from campus, and my roommate and I each paid $285 for rent. We had free parking and water, though, which is cool. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

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Kelly changed her major six times freshman year.

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