Off campus housing

Any of your children living off campus? S wants to get an apartment with others next year. Just Wanted to know what their opinions are and any recommendations on the apartments. I am not sure what the cost savings would be. He’ll not have a vehicle so will have to stay close to the campus. Going to classes in winter is a big concern for us.

Most students that are not freshman live off campus. There are tons of options that are literally across the street from campus. It is a lot cheaper to share a room if you live in some of the bigger apartment buildings, but there are some options for having your own room. Walk around dinkytown and write down the names of some you like, schedule appts to look at a bunch. Ask yourself if it really needs to be furnished. Have him ask friends to live with them. My daughter lived in Bierman Place and while not the newest it was quiet and clean and fairly reasonable. She paid $600/mo for her own room which is a bargain I think. The houses aren’t as nice for ones that are close but if you are willing to walk from the Como area you can find more affordable nicer options. Note that almost all will require a 12mo lease which can be difficult to swallow if you are going home, make sure to check out sublet policies.

Thanks @UMNMom. It looks like there isn’t much of a cost saving since as you said almost all rentals require a 12 month lease. S found a single family home which he plans to rent with a few other friends. The rent is cheaper. But I think with utilities it would pretty much fall into the $600 - $650 range. On the brighter side it is a different experience where the kids would manage the bills and cook on their own.