Student Housing in River Falls, WI
Student Housing in River Falls, WI
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About Student Housing in River Falls
River Falls is a city of about 15,000 in Pierce County, western Wisconsin, approximately 30 miles east of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city is home to UW-River Falls and benefits from its proximity to the Twin Cities metro, giving students access to internships and employment beyond the immediate area. River Falls has a lively small-town character with a walkable downtown and the scenic Kinnickinnic River running through the community. Its location near a major metro while maintaining a small-city feel makes it a popular choice for students from both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in River Falls
Near Campus on Main Street
Where most students live, along Main Street and adjacent residential blocks.
South and East of Campus
A blend of apartment complexes and older rental homes with affordable pricing and easy campus access.
Downtown River Falls
Within comfortable walking distance of most student housing, with dining, coffee shops, and retail services.
Outer Streets
Quieter surroundings or larger units at lower price points. The flat layout and Kinnickinnic River trail make most neighborhoods accessible by foot or bike.
Getting Around River Falls as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around River Falls.
Public Transit
River Falls does not have a local public bus system, so most students rely on personal vehicles or active transportation to get around the city. Some students commute to or from the Twin Cities using personal vehicles, as River Falls sits along the I-94 corridor roughly 30 miles from St. Paul. There is no regular intercity bus or rail service directly serving River Falls.
Walking and Biking
River Falls has a flat topography that makes walking and biking practical for most students living near campus. The Kinnickinnic River trail and local bike lanes provide pleasant routes for commuting between campus, downtown, and residential neighborhoods. A bike is a cost-effective way to handle daily errands and campus commutes for much of the academic year.
Parking
Parking is widely available in River Falls, with most rental properties near campus offering dedicated off-street spaces. Street parking is generally free or low-cost in residential neighborhoods, and the university maintains on-campus lots for students with parking permits. Students driving to campus regularly should confirm parking availability with their landlord and review university permit requirements before the semester begins.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in River Falls
Common questions from students searching for housing.
River Falls offers a laid-back small-city lifestyle with easy access to campus, a walkable downtown, and nature along the Kinnickinnic River. The proximity to the Twin Cities gives students access to a major metro while still enjoying affordable small-town living.
Yes, River Falls is about 30 miles east of St. Paul via I-94, making it a straightforward drive of roughly 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. There is no direct transit service, so students making the trip regularly will need a personal vehicle.
River Falls is quite bikeable thanks to its flat terrain and the Kinnickinnic River trail system. Most student housing near campus is within a comfortable biking distance of classes, downtown, and local grocery stores.
Rents in River Falls are substantially lower than in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, making it an attractive option for students who want proximity to the Twin Cities without paying metro prices. One-bedroom apartments in River Falls typically run $600 to $850 per month.
The Kinnickinnic River is popular for trout fishing, kayaking, and trail running, and Willow River State Park is a short drive away with hiking, swimming, and camping. The surrounding Pierce County also offers scenic drives and state natural areas.
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