When should I start looking for off-campus housing in Winona?

You should begin your search in January or February at the latest, as the Winona rental market tightens quickly with students from both Saint Mary's and Winona State University competing for limited inventory. Starting in November or December gives you the widest selection.

What neighborhoods are closest to the Saint Mary's campus?

The neighborhoods below the bluffs along Huff Street and around West Fifth Street are the most convenient to the Saint Mary's campus. Downtown Winona is also within a short drive or bike ride and offers additional rental options.

How much does off-campus housing cost in Winona, MN?

Winona is a relatively affordable college market, with shared houses and apartments typically ranging from around $400 to $700 per person per month depending on size, location, and amenities. Utilities are sometimes included in the rent for older student rentals.

Is a car necessary for students living off campus in Winona?

A car is helpful but not strictly required for students living near campus, as the central parts of Winona are walkable and bikeable. However, for accessing grocery stores, employment, or locations outside the downtown core, having a vehicle makes life considerably easier.

Off-Campus Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - 17 Rentals

Listings from:

Landlords Students

$425/unit

Fees may apply

Winona Place – 767 E 5th St Apt B

$400+/unit

Fees may apply

101 Warrior Village Apartments

$450+/unit

Fees may apply

127 Warrior Village Apartments

$495+/unit

Fees may apply

259 E Broadway St

$495+/unit

Fees may apply

267 E Broadway St

$425+/unit

Fees may apply

318 Warrior Village Apartments

$425+/unit

Fees may apply

332 Warrior Village Apartments

$425+/unit

Fees may apply

53 Warrior Village Apartments

$400+/unit

Fees may apply

552 Warrior Village Apartments

$400+/unit

Fees may apply

556 Warrior Village Apartments

$400+/unit

Fees may apply

560 Warrior Village Apartments

$450/unit

Fees may apply

561 Warrior Village Apartments

$500/unit

Fees may apply

68 Warrior Village Apartments

$425+/unit

Fees may apply

716 Warrior Village Apartments

$400+/unit

Fees may apply

72 Warrior Village Apartments

$400+/unit

Fees may apply

757 Warrior Village Apartments

$450+/unit

Fees may apply

Studios on Huff

About Off-Campus Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a private Catholic university rooted in the Lasallian Brothers tradition, founded in 1912 on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in Winona, MN. The university enrolls approximately 5,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, nursing, and the liberal arts. Its residential campus sits atop Winona's limestone bluffs within a small river city in southeastern Minnesota. Winona also hosts Winona State University, creating a modest but active rental market where students from both schools compete for off-campus housing near downtown and the riverfront.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Housing Requirements

Freshman Live-On Requirement

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota requires all first-year students to live in university-owned residence halls for their first academic year. This policy helps new students integrate into campus life, build peer connections, and access academic support resources during a critical transition period.

Off-Campus Eligibility

Sophomore, junior, and senior students are generally permitted to live off campus, though students should confirm current eligibility requirements with the Office of Residential Life. Students with approved commuter status - such as those living with a parent or guardian within a defined radius - may also qualify for an exemption from on-campus requirements.

Lease Timing

Winona's rental market moves relatively early given competition from both Saint Mary's and Winona State University students. Most desirable off-campus properties are claimed by late winter, so students should begin their search in January or February for the following fall semester.

Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota before signing a lease.

When to Start Looking for Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Early Searchers

Students who want the best selection of off-campus housing near Saint Mary's should start looking in late November or December of their sophomore year. Winona is a small city and quality rental inventory is limited, meaning popular units close to campus fill up quickly. Getting a head start gives you time to tour multiple properties and negotiate lease terms before the best options disappear.

Peak Demand Window

January through early March represents the peak period when most off-campus housing in Winona is claimed. Both Saint Mary's and Winona State University students are actively searching during this window, which tightens availability considerably. If you start your search during this period, move quickly when you find a suitable unit - hesitation often means losing a property to another applicant.

Last-Minute Options

Students who begin searching in April or May will find significantly fewer choices, but options do still exist. Some landlords hold units longer due to pricing or condition issues, and occasional lease breaks free up apartments at unexpected times. Checking local property management websites and the university's off-campus housing board regularly can surface last-minute opportunities, though flexibility on location and amenities will be necessary.

Neighborhoods Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Below the Bluffs and Downtown Winona

Along Huff Street and near downtown, the closest off-campus options, with older homes converted to student rentals and small apartment buildings.

West Fifth and West Wabasha

Affordable rentals with easy access to both campus and downtown shops and restaurants.

Outer Residential Winona

Quieter streets farther from campus where rents tend to be lower, best for students with cars.

Frequently Asked Questions: Off-Campus Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Common questions from students searching for housing.

Yes, first-year students are required to live in university residence halls for their freshman year. Upperclassmen are generally free to move off campus after completing that initial year.

More Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Other Universities in Winona

Other universities in Winona share a similar off-campus housing market.

Winona State University

Winona State University sits about 7,100 students in Winona, a Mississippi River town tucked between limestone bluffs in southeastern Minnesota. The campus is pedestrian-only and compact, so you cross it in about seven minutes, and downtown, the lakes, and the river are a short walk away. Lake Winona is three blocks…

View housing near Winona State

Off-Campus Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

About Off-Campus Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Housing Requirements

Freshman Live-On Requirement

Off-Campus Eligibility

Lease Timing

When to Start Looking for Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Early Searchers

Peak Demand Window

Last-Minute Options

Neighborhoods Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Below the Bluffs and Downtown Winona

West Fifth and West Wabasha

Outer Residential Winona

Frequently Asked Questions: Off-Campus Housing Near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Is there a freshman live-on requirement at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

When should I start looking for off-campus housing in Winona?

What neighborhoods are closest to the Saint Mary's campus?

How much does off-campus housing cost in Winona, MN?

Is a car necessary for students living off campus in Winona?

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