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News & Trends
What's changing in student housing — rent trends, market shifts, and news that affects where and how students rent.
The State of Off-Campus Student Housing: 2026 Data Report
The off-campus student housing market entered 2026-2027 cooler than any cycle since 2021: preleasing hit 78% by May 2026, but rent growth sits at just 0.9% — down from 7% at the 2023-24 peak. Average asking rent runs about $931 per bed.
Are Student-Only Apartments Worth It Compared to Regular Apartments?
Student-only apartments earn the premium for freshmen, sophomores, and students without roommate groups — per-bedroom leases, furnished move-in, and roommate matching. Regular apartments save $150-300/mo for stable groups willing to furnish themselves. Here's the comparison and the hidden costs most students miss.
Off-Campus vs On-Campus Housing: Full Comparison
Off-campus with roommates usually beats a dorm by 20–30% in college towns, but the margin flips in coastal metros and for solo renters. Dorms run $600–$1,200 a month all-in; off-campus lands at $800–$1,500 after utilities, food, and transportation. Here's when each option wins.
Best Platforms for University-Specific Student Housing Guides: A Detailed Comparison
Best Websites for Off-Campus Student Housing: 6 Platforms Worth Using in 2026
The six platforms actually worth your time for off-campus student housing — Find My Place for student-verified listings, Apartments.com for inventory volume, Zillow for houses, ForRent University for student complexes, Facebook Marketplace for sublets, and Places4Students for campus-vetted options.
