What are the best neighborhoods for UST students to live off campus?

Macalester-Groveland is the closest and most popular neighborhood, with Highland Park and Summit Hill also being strong choices. All three offer walkable streets, local amenities, and relatively easy access to the UST campus.

When do apartments near St. Thomas go on the market?

Landlords in Mac-Groveland and Highland Park often list fall units as early as October or November of the previous year. Students who wait until spring semester to search will find a noticeably smaller selection of desirable units.

How much does off-campus housing typically cost near UST?

Expect to pay roughly $900 to $1,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment near campus, with shared units bringing the per-person cost lower. Prices in Mac-Groveland tend to be slightly higher than in neighborhoods further from campus.

Is a car necessary for students at the University of St. Thomas?

A car is not required, as Metro Transit buses and the Green Line light rail provide solid connections to St. Paul and Minneapolis. Many students find that a transit pass and a bike are sufficient for daily life near the UST campus.

Off-Campus Housing Near University of St Thomas MN - 2 Rentals

Listings from:

Landlords Students

$695/unit

Fees may apply

88 Cleveland Avenue

$575+/unit

Fees may apply

The Pavilion on Berry Apartments

About Off-Campus Housing Near University of St Thomas MN

University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic university located on Summit Avenue in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of St. Paul, MN. The university enrolls approximately 6,000 to 7,000 undergraduate students and is well regarded for its programs in business, engineering, law, and the liberal arts. St. Thomas sits in one of St. Paul's most attractive residential neighborhoods, with Highland Park and Summit Hill nearby. The Twin Cities rental market is active and competitive, giving students a wide range of off-campus housing options close to campus.

University of St Thomas MN Housing Requirements

Freshman Live-On Requirement

The University of St. Thomas requires all first-year students to live in university-managed housing on or near campus for their freshman year. This policy helps new students build community and adjust to university life before moving off campus.

Off-Campus Eligibility

Students who have completed their freshman year are eligible to live off campus. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors routinely rent apartments and houses in the Mac-Groveland, Highland Park, and Summit Hill neighborhoods surrounding the university.

Lease Timing

The Twin Cities student rental market moves early, with the best units in neighborhoods near St. Thomas leasing in November and December for the following fall. Students who wait until spring risk a significantly reduced selection.

Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with University of St Thomas MN before signing a lease.

When to Start Looking for Housing Near University of St Thomas MN

Early Searchers

Students who begin searching in October or November will find the best inventory in Mac-Groveland and Highland Park. Landlords in these neighborhoods often list units 9 to 12 months in advance, so acting early is genuinely rewarded. Early searchers also have more flexibility to choose roommates and negotiate lease start dates.

Peak Demand Window

November through January is the peak leasing season for students near UST. Houses and larger apartments close to Summit Avenue are particularly competitive, and desirable units can be signed weeks after they are listed. Students targeting this window should have their finances and roommate group organized before reaching out to landlords.

Last-Minute Options

Students searching in spring will find fewer options but can still secure housing. Some landlords hold units for late leasers, and subleases from departing students become available in spring and summer. Being open to a slightly longer commute or a different roommate setup will expand available choices.

Neighborhoods Near University of St Thomas MN

Macalester-Groveland

Immediately surrounding UST, the most popular area, with historic homes, coffee shops, and restaurants within walking distance.

Highland Park

A close second, with apartment buildings and single-family homes at a range of price points.

Summit Hill and Cathedral Hill

Charming Victorian architecture near Grand Avenue's shops and dining.

Hamline-Midway and Como

More affordable rents a short bus or bike ride away, with easy access via the Twin Cities transit network.

Frequently Asked Questions: Off-Campus Housing Near University of St Thomas MN

Common questions from students searching for housing.

Yes, the University of St. Thomas requires first-year students to live in university housing for their freshman year. After completing freshman year, students may choose to live off campus.

More Housing Near University of St Thomas MN

Other Universities in St Paul

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

Concordia University Saint Paul

Concordia University Saint Paul is a small private Lutheran university in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St Paul, enrolling roughly 3,000 students across programs in education, business, criminal justice, and the liberal arts. Founded in 1893 by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, CSP occupies a compact campus…

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Hamline University

Hamline University is a small Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university in the Midway neighborhood of St Paul, Minnesota, enrolling approximately 1,500 undergraduates and a similar number of graduate students. Founded in 1854 as the first university in Minnesota, Hamline sits along Hewitt Avenue in a dense, walkable…

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Macalester College

Macalester College is a highly selective private liberal arts college located on a residential campus along Grand Avenue in St Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1874, Macalester enrolls approximately 2,100 undergraduate students and is known for its strong emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and civic engagement.…

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St Catherine University

St. Catherine University, known as St. Kate's, is a private Catholic liberal arts university in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1905, the university primarily serves women undergraduates while also admitting men and women in graduate programs.…

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Off-Campus Housing Near University of St Thomas MN