Off-Campus Housing Near Howard University
$2,026/unit
Fees may applyAlumni Square
$2,402+/unit
Fees may applyCity Ridge
$950+/unit
Fees may applyClover at The Parks
$1,969+/unit
Fees may applyColumbia Plaza Apartments
$1,597+/unit
Fees may applyIdaho Terrace
$1,933+/unit
Fees may applyKew Gardens
$8,300+/unit
Fees may applyPhilip S. Amsterdam Hall
$3,197+/unit
Fees may applyResidences on The Avenue
$1,795+/unit
Fees may applyThe Elaine
$525+/unit
Fees may applyThe Oliver
$2,095+/unit
Fees may applyThe Savoy
$2,427+/unit
Fees may applyUpton Place
$2,467/unit
Fees may applyVarsity on K
$3,000+/unit
Fees may applyWeavers Row
$1,400+/unit
Fees may apply2106-2108 Vermont Ave
$3,000/unit
Fees may apply2149 N St
$935+/unit
Fees may apply2509 10th St
$980+/unit
Fees may apply601 24th St
$1,300+/unit
Fees may apply745 Gresham Pl
$1,197+/unit
Fees may applyColette
$1,640+/unit
Fees may applyDistrict Co-Living
About Off-Campus Housing Near Howard University
Howard University is a private research university in Washington, DC, and one of the most prominent historically Black universities in the United States, with about 10,900 students. The main campus sits on a hilltop in the Shaw and LeDroit Park area of Northwest DC, a short walk from the Shaw-Howard University Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines. Howard has schools of medicine, law, dentistry, business, engineering and communications alongside its undergraduate colleges, and its alumni network is among the most influential of any American university. Housing capacity is substantial, with IPEDS reporting dorm capacity above 5,200 across nine residence halls on campus plus three university-sponsored residences in private apartment complexes off campus, and the university requires first- and second-year students to live in university housing. Find My Place currently lists 262 rentals in Washington, with monthly rents from about $1,532 to $2,905 and a median near $2,000.
Howard University Housing Requirements
Two-Year Live-On Requirement
Howard University requires all first-year and second-year students to live in university-sponsored housing. Students seeking to live elsewhere during those two years must submit a housing exemption form for approval. Published exemption criteria include being 21 years of age or older, commuting from a parent or guardian's home within a 25-mile radius of campus, and military veteran status.
Off-Campus Eligibility
After the two-year requirement, students are free to rent privately, and many do. Howard has historically faced pressure on housing supply relative to demand, so upper-year students should not assume a university assignment will be available and should plan for the private market. The neighborhoods immediately around campus in Shaw, LeDroit Park and Pleasant Plains have a mix of rowhouses and apartment buildings.
Lease Timing
DC leases typically run twelve months with a strong summer turnover. Rents in the District are high relative to much of the country, and rowhouse shares are the common student arrangement near Howard. Expect first month, a security deposit, and an application fee, and note that DC has tenant-protective rules worth understanding before you sign.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Howard University before signing a lease.
When to Start Looking for Housing Near Howard University
Early Searchers
Upper-year Howard students planning an off-campus move should begin looking in April or May for an August start. DC listings post 30 to 60 days ahead, but the neighborhoods near Howard are competitive, and rowhouse shares suited to groups of three or four get claimed early by returning students.
Peak Demand Window
June through August is the peak in DC, with student demand overlapping the city's large summer intern and young-professional influx. Units within walking distance of the Shaw-Howard Metro move fastest. Groups that have agreed roommates and a lead tenant ready to sign have a clear advantage.
Last-Minute Options
Late-summer availability exists, particularly a few Metro stops out. Students searching in August should look along the Green Line toward Petworth and Columbia Heights, or eastward into Brookland, where rents ease while the commute stays direct. Mid-lease roommate replacements are also common in DC rowhouses.
Neighborhoods Near Howard University
Shaw
The neighborhood immediately south of campus, walkable to class with rowhouses and newer apartment buildings, at the higher end of the local range.
LeDroit Park
Directly adjacent to campus, a historic rowhouse district long associated with Howard and among the most convenient options for students.
Pleasant Plains and Park View
North and east of campus, offering rowhouse shares at more attainable rents with a short walk or bus ride.
Columbia Heights and Petworth
A few Metro stops away on the Green and Yellow lines, with a deeper apartment supply and lower rents than the blocks nearest campus.
Frequently Asked Questions: Off-Campus Housing Near Howard University
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Yes, for two years. All first-year and second-year students are required to live in university-sponsored housing. To live elsewhere you must submit a housing exemption form; published criteria include being 21 or older, commuting from a parent or guardian's home within 25 miles, and veteran status.
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