Off Campus Housing Near Denver’s Auraria Campus: Where CU Denver, MSU Denver, and CCD Students Should Look
Off-campus housing near Auraria Campus can feel overwhelming if you attend CU Denver, MSU Denver, or CCD. Lots of options. Not all of them good. As a student on a budget, you want something close, safe, affordable, and roommate friendly. This guide helps you understand your options, compare neighborhoods, and spot apartments that actually make sense without compromising safety or social life.
Quick Facts: Why Auraria Area Off Campus Housing Makes Sense
Auraria Campus sits in downtown Denver and serves CU Denver, MSU Denver, and CCD. Three schools. One campus. Tons of students looking for the same thing you are.
Living off campus near Auraria doesn’t mean giving up convenience. Many apartments are walking or biking distance away. Some literally across the street. You get easy access to downtown amenities, public transit, nightlife, and everything making Denver exciting in the first place.
For students juggling school and budget and social life, Auraria adjacent apartments often hit the sweet spot. Close enough to roll out of bed and make your 9am. Far enough to feel like you’re actually living in the city.
Neighborhoods and Areas Students Choose Near Auraria
Here’s where students typically rent around Auraria Campus. Each area has its own vibe and price range.
Auraria Neighborhood, Downtown, LoDo, and Capitol Hill Adjacent
Very close to campus. Walk or bike. Quick access to light rail and bus routes. Surrounded by food, nightlife, cultural attractions. Perfect for students wanting an urban lifestyle with maximum convenience. You’ll also find high rise apartments and units marketed specifically to students in this zone. Premium location though. Prices reflect that.
Sunnyside Neighborhood
More residential. Quieter than downtown. Often more affordable than LoDo or Capitol Hill too. Good balance between cost and convenience. Still close enough to campus for a reasonable commute. Sunnyside works well for students wanting a slower pace without giving up city access. Less chaotic. More neighborhood-y.
South of Auraria: The “Student Housing Corridor”
This area includes apartments and high rises designed or marketed specifically for Auraria students. These communities often offer furnished units, simple lease structures, roommate matching, bundled utilities, and student friendly packages. Perfect for first time renters or anyone wanting a smoother housing setup. Less DIY. More plug-and-play.
Apartment Communities and Buildings to Consider
Some student friendly properties within reach of Auraria. Common starting points for CU Denver, MSU Denver, and CCD students.
Auraria Lofts sits across the street from campus. Furnished units and roommate matching available. Walkable to everything. Hard to beat on convenience.
Auraria Student Lofts is a downtown tower with furnished units and amenities. Good for students wanting convenience and structure without hunting around.
Campus Village at Auraria is purpose built student housing. Utilities and housing packages often streamlined for student needs. Designed with you in mind.
Older or mixed use buildings nearby are often more affordable. Better for students with roommates wanting to share larger spaces. Always check utilities, parking, and commute though. Some hidden costs in older buildings.
Things to evaluate carefully when you’re looking: whether the rent is per person or per unit (big difference), what utilities or amenities are included, transit access for days you don’t want to walk, noise levels and overall safety, lease flexibility, and whether subletting is allowed. All of it matters.
What Makes Renting Near Auraria Different
Living near downtown is great. But it comes with unique pros and tradeoffs. Worth understanding before you sign anything.
Benefits: Short and easy commute to class. Walkable access to dining, nightlife, gyms, shopping, entertainment. Student oriented apartments that understand your needs. No need for a car thanks to light rail and buses. Strong social atmosphere. Feels like actual city living.
Considerations: Rent can be higher than suburban areas. Noise from downtown activity. Faster moving rental market so you gotta act quickly when you find something good. Lease terms can confuse first time renters. Parking is often limited or expensive. Or both.
Smart Search and Safety Tips for Auraria Students
Scams exist. Hidden fees exist. Confusing leases definitely exist. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Use verified housing platforms and always confirm photos are recent. Old photos are a red flag. Prefer individual leases if renting with roommates. Protects you if someone bails. Ask for full cost breakdowns including every fee. Don’t let them surprise you later. Take virtual or in person tours before committing. Never sign sight unseen. Involve parents or guarantors early if you need them. Have backup options ready before signing anything. And double check safety, lighting, and neighborhood vibe at different times of day. Daytime tours don’t tell the whole story.
These steps help you avoid surprises once move in day arrives. Little extra effort upfront saves major headaches later.
Budgeting for Off Campus Housing Near Auraria
Downtown Denver is in demand. Prices reflect that. Important to understand what you’re actually getting into.
Typical costs students encounter: shared apartments are usually the most affordable option, studios and one bedrooms close to campus can get pricey fast, utilities and internet and parking and admin fees add up quicker than you’d expect, furnished units may cost more upfront but save you money on furniture you’d have to buy anyway, and student focused apartments sometimes offer flat rate packages bundling everything together.
Most students aim for a situation where roommates split a two or three bedroom apartment. Brings the cost down to something manageable. Solo living in downtown Denver? Doable but expensive. Roommates make the math work better.
What Life Feels Like When You Live Near Auraria
Students choosing off campus housing near Auraria often say it feels like the perfect blend of school life and city life. Best of both worlds kind of situation.
Common perks: walking to class with coffee in hand, grabbing quick lunch downtown between classes, meeting up with friends at bars or music venues nearby, feeling more independent than on campus, access to jobs and internships and networking in central Denver. For students wanting a more adult lifestyle while staying close to campus, this location delivers. You’re not stuck on some isolated campus. You’re actually living somewhere.
Final Thoughts: Should You Live Off Campus Near Auraria?
If you want convenience, flexibility, walkability, and a lively social atmosphere, living near Auraria is one of the best off campus options for CU Denver, MSU Denver, and CCD students. Key is planning ahead. Understanding your budget. Choosing reliable listings. Coordinating with roommates early.
With the right apartment and clear communication, you can enjoy the freedom of off campus living without losing the connection and convenience of being close to campus. It’s doable. Just takes some homework upfront.
