Question 1

How much does student housing in Swarthmore cost?

Accepted Answer

Swarthmore is a small, leafy suburb, and rentals reflect that, with one-bedroom apartments in the borough often running around $1,500 to $1,650 per month and houses higher. Many students share to bring their individual share down, and looking toward nearby Media up the rail line can open more options at a wider range.

Question 2

What are the best places for students to rent in Swarthmore?

Accepted Answer

The blocks around downtown and the train station are prime, steps from campus and the Regional Rail line. The residential streets right around Swarthmore College offer quiet historic houses, the Crum Woods edge is the most wooded, and nearby Media up the line gives more rental supply and a livelier main street.

Question 3

Do I need a car as a student in Swarthmore?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. The borough is compact and walkable, and SEPTA Regional Rail connects you to Philadelphia in about thirty minutes from Swarthmore station. A car helps for big grocery runs or off-schedule trips, but between walking, the train, and rideshares, many students at Swarthmore College go car-free.

Question 4

How do I get from Swarthmore to Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Take SEPTA Regional Rail. The Media/Wawa Line stops at Swarthmore station, located right between downtown and the college, and reaches Center City Philadelphia in roughly thirty minutes. That makes internships, weekend trips, and city visits easy without owning a car.

Question 5

Is Swarthmore safe for students?

Accepted Answer

Swarthmore is a quiet, residential borough that's generally very comfortable for students. As anywhere, use common sense after dark, keep your home and bike locked, and stay aware around the train station at night. The small-town setting means a calm, low-key environment most of the time.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Start early, in the fall or winter for the next academic year. The borough is small, so the limited supply of student rentals near campus and the station goes quickly. If you want more choice, expanding your search toward Media early helps a lot.

Question 7

What are leases typically like in Swarthmore?

Accepted Answer

Most are standard 12-month leases on apartments and houses in the borough. Some landlords offer shorter or academic-year terms, but supply is limited, so confirm details early. Check whether summer is included and whether any utilities are bundled before you sign.

Question 8

How much should I budget for utilities in Swarthmore?

Accepted Answer

Plan for roughly $120 to $250 per month per household for electric, heat, water, and trash, with older historic houses running higher in winter. Internet is extra. Some apartments bundle certain utilities into rent, so always ask what's covered before signing your lease.

Question 9

Can I find roommates or sublet in Swarthmore?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though the small market means it pays to start early. Sharing a house or apartment near campus is common, and college housing resources, student groups, and local rental pages help match roommates. Summer sublets appear as students leave for breaks, useful for short-term coverage.

Question 10

What's it like living in Swarthmore as a student?

Accepted Answer

It's quiet, green, and beautiful. The campus doubles as the Scott Arboretum, the Crum Woods and Crum Creek give you wooded trails, and the walkable downtown sits by the train station. You get a peaceful, tree-lined home base with Philadelphia just a thirty-minute Regional Rail ride away whenever you want city life.

Student Housing in Swarthmore, PA

About Student Housing in Swarthmore

Best Neighborhoods for Students in Swarthmore

Downtown and train station blocks

Streets around Swarthmore College

Crum Woods edge

Getting Around Swarthmore as a Student

Public Transit

Walking and Biking

Parking

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Swarthmore

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