Question 1

How much does student housing in Wichita cost?

Accepted Answer

As a larger city, Wichita offers range. One-bedroom apartments commonly run around $700 to $1,000 a month, and rooms in shared houses near campus or in College Hill often land $450 to $700 per person. Old Town lofts and newer complexes sit higher, while older homes farther from the core can be cheaper. It still beats most national averages.

Question 2

Which Wichita neighborhoods are best for students?

Accepted Answer

The apartment corridors along Oliver near WSU keep you closest to class and on the shuttle line. College Hill offers leafy historic homes with Q-Line access, Old Town draws students wanting downtown loft living, Riverside is a quiet green option along the river, and Delano is a walkable up-and-coming district just west of downtown.

Question 3

Do I need a car in Wichita as a WSU student?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Wichita is spread out and campus sits away from the densest districts, so many students keep a car. That said, Wichita Transit, the WSU campus shuttle, and the free Old Town Q-Line cover a lot, so if you rent near campus or along a transit corridor you can get by leaning on the bus.

Question 4

How close can I live to Wichita State University?

Accepted Answer

The apartment complexes along Oliver and the residential streets right around WSU put you within walking distance or a short shuttle ride of class. Because Wichita State sits in a mostly residential part of the city, the closest rentals are quiet and convenient, while neighborhoods like College Hill are a few miles off but well connected.

Question 5

Is Wichita a safe place to rent off campus?

Accepted Answer

Wichita is a big city, so safety varies by neighborhood more than in a small college town. Student-popular areas like College Hill, Riverside, and the streets near WSU are generally comfortable, but research the specific block, check lighting, and use normal city precautions. The campus shuttle and transit make car-free nights more manageable.

Question 6

When should I start looking for student housing in Wichita?

Accepted Answer

Because Wichita has a larger overall rental market, you have a little more flexibility than in tiny college towns, but the best near-campus and College Hill spots still move in spring for an August move-in. Searching by February or March of the prior semester is a safe bet for the popular areas.

Question 7

What are leases usually like in Wichita?

Accepted Answer

Many student-oriented places run twelve-month leases from August, though Wichita's broader market means you'll also find shorter or off-cycle terms more often than in small college towns. Near-campus houses may lease by the group with cosigner requirements. Always read the subletting clause if summer plans are uncertain.

Question 8

How much should I budget for utilities in Wichita?

Accepted Answer

Expect roughly $110 to $200 a month per person for electricity, gas, water, and trash, with summer AC pushing the high end given Kansas heat. Internet adds another $45 to $75. Older College Hill and Riverside homes can be less efficient, so ask about past utility bills and insulation before signing.

Question 9

Can I find roommates or sublet in Wichita?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Roommate-hunting works through WSU housing boards, student channels, and word of mouth, and the larger rental market gives you more options. Subletting is doable, especially over summer, but confirm your lease allows it and get any sublease in writing so you're not stuck covering rent if a roommate leaves.

Question 10

What makes Wichita different from other college towns?

Accepted Answer

Scale. As the biggest city in Kansas, Wichita gives students a real downtown in Old Town, museums, the Arkansas River trails, and the Keeper of the Plains, rather than a single campus strip. The free Q-Line trolleys and a genuine night-out district mean you get big-city variety with a cost of living that still undercuts most major metros.

Student Housing in Wichita, KS

About Student Housing in Wichita

Best Neighborhoods for Students in Wichita

The apartment corridors along Oliver

College Hill

Old Town

Getting Around Wichita as a Student

Public Transit

Walking and Biking

Parking

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Wichita

Find Housing by University in Wichita

Search Wichita Student Housing by…

Room Type

Lifestyle

Price Range