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The University of South Alabama, known as South or USA, is a public research university in north Mobile, Alabama, enrolling around 13,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. South has a strong health sciences presence anchored by its College of Medicine and affiliated hospital system. The main campus sits on University Boulevard in a residential section of north Mobile, about five miles from downtown. Students typically look for rentals along University Boulevard, in midtown Mobile, and in neighborhoods west and north of campus. Mobile has an active rental market with generally affordable prices by national standards.
The University of South Alabama typically requires first-year students who are recent high school graduates to live in university residence halls for their first year on campus. This policy supports student success and community building during the transition to college life. Students should confirm current requirements with the USA Office of Housing and Residential Life before signing any off-campus lease.
Students who have completed their freshman year and meet university criteria are eligible to rent off campus in the broader Mobile market. The most common areas are along University Boulevard near campus, in midtown Mobile, and in neighborhoods accessible by car to the north Mobile campus. The Mobile rental market is large enough that students generally have more options than at smaller college towns.
Most apartments and houses near South Alabama run on standard 12-month leases beginning in late May or August. The search season is less frenzied than at smaller universities, but students who want to live close to campus should begin looking in October or November to secure the best options before spring classes end. Many student-focused complexes near University Boulevard advertise renewals and new leases in the fall semester.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with University of South Alabama before signing a lease.
Students who want to live in apartment complexes or houses right along University Boulevard near South's campus should begin looking in October or November. Those units closest to campus tend to fill up with returning residents, and landlords in that corridor often start fielding applications in the fall. Starting early also helps roommate groups agree on a budget and list of priorities before the most convenient units are claimed.
The peak search window for off-campus housing near South Alabama runs from November through February. Student-focused apartment complexes near campus typically reach high occupancy during this period. Roommate groups that have their plans settled before winter break are well positioned to sign leases quickly when attractive units become available in January or February.
Students searching in March, April, or even into summer can still find housing in Mobile because the city's rental market is larger than a typical small college town. Midtown Mobile and neighborhoods further from campus have more inventory and tend to have units available later in the cycle. Checking USA's off-campus housing resources, local apartment listing sites, and Mobile-area Facebook groups can surface options that open up mid-season.
The surrounding streets in north Mobile, the most convenient area, with complexes and houses within walking or biking distance of campus.
A mix of older homes and apartments with more character, about three to five miles from campus.
West of campus, a suburban-feel option with a mix of housing types.
About five miles south, with restaurants and nightlife for students who do not mind the commute. Most students rely on a car.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Mobile is one of the more affordable college rental markets in the Southeast. Shared rooms in houses or multi-bedroom apartments near campus typically run $600 to $900 per person per month. One-bedroom apartments along University Boulevard or in midtown generally range from $900 to $1,300 depending on size and amenities.