
$410/unit
Fees may apply1063 E. Cascade Ave





$410/unit
Fees may apply515
UW-River Falls is a public university of about 5,500 students located in River Falls, a city in Pierce County near the Minnesota border. The university is recognized for programs in agriculture, education, and communications. Its position roughly 30 miles from St. Paul gives students access to Twin Cities internships while still enjoying a small-town campus environment. Freshmen must live on campus, and upperclassmen transition into a well-established off-campus rental market. Affordable rents and a friendly community make River Falls a popular choice for Minnesota and Wisconsin students alike.
UW-River Falls requires all first-year students to reside in on-campus residence halls during their initial year of enrollment. Exemptions are considered for students who are 21 or older, commuting from a parent or guardian's home within a defined radius, or who have documented medical or family circumstances.
Students who have completed their first year are free to seek off-campus housing in River Falls or in nearby communities. Some students choose to commute from the Twin Cities metro area, though most opt for local rentals to stay close to campus activities.
Off-campus leases in River Falls typically run on an August-to-July annual cycle. Landlords commonly begin listing available units in November and December, so searching early in the fall semester helps students secure preferred locations before the spring rush.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with University of Wisconsin-River Falls before signing a lease.
Beginning a housing search in October or November gives UW-River Falls students the best chance of landing a unit close to campus. The rental market is relatively small given the city's size, so highly desirable apartments and houses go quickly once they are listed. Starting early also provides enough time to review leases carefully before the holiday break.
January through February sees peak leasing activity in River Falls, as students returning from winter break scramble to secure housing for the following year. Landlords take advantage of this window to fill vacancies, and competition for well-located two- and three-bedroom units can be intense. Students who wait until March will find fewer choices, particularly for properties within walking distance of campus.
Students still searching in April or May can find available units, but options become more limited and may be farther from campus. Monitoring the university off-campus housing board and local social media groups can help surface late vacancies. Subletting an existing lease from a graduating student is also a viable strategy in late spring.
Most student-preferred rentals cluster within a few blocks of campus along Main Street and adjacent residential streets.
A combination of apartment complexes and older rental homes popular with upperclassmen.
Walkable from most student housing, with dining, coffee shops, and essential services.
Larger units at lower rents for students with vehicles. Flat terrain and a trail system make biking practical most of the year.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Yes, UW-River Falls requires all incoming freshmen to live in university residence halls during their first academic year. Exemptions may be granted for students over 21, those commuting from a parent's home nearby, or those with documented special circumstances.