If you’re on the hunt for off-campus housing, here’s some good news: It’s not as daunting as you might think. Starting classes at a new school and moving to a new town can be challenging, but whether you’re transferring to Colorado State University, working on a second bachelor’s degree, or returning to finish your degree, these resources will make your search easier — even if you decide you’d rather be on campus.
Please note that if you are transferring with fewer than 15 credits, you are required to live on campus unless you meet the exemption requirements.
Off-Campus Life: Your ultimate community housing resource
If you’ve never heard of CSU’s Off-Campus Life (OCL) office, sit back and enjoy. Off-Campus Life can help you find housing and roommates, assist with commutes, and even help you with the nitty-gritty about budgets, leasing, purchasing a home, and more. The office also hosts a Housing Fair every year where students can browse lots of options at once and meet realty representatives. Dive right in with CSU’s RentalSearch, or check out some of your housing options below.
Shared housing with roommates
Sharing expenses with others is a great way to cut costs and enjoy your college experience off campus. If you’re coming from farther away and haven’t met any potential roommates yet, try reaching out to peers in the Admitted Student Community or attend a Roommate Meet & Match with Off-Campus Life.
Living solo
There’s a variety of options if you want to live solo in Fort Collins, ranging from studio apartments to houses. Dive right into listings, or take a look at a list of property management companies, apartment complex lists, and affordable housing options.
HomeShare program
The Neighbor to Neighbor HomeShare program allows Larimer County homeowners aged 55+ to offer housing to home seekers in exchange for light housework, gardening, or even occasional companionship. Both parties are interviewed by a housing counselor, and an extensive compatibility system ensures a great match.
Put down roots: Purchasing a home
If you’re a seasoned renter, have a family, or you just know you’re ready to make Fort Collins home, Off-Campus Life offers a variety of ways to help you move beyond tenant life. The First-Time Homebuyer course covers everything you need to know in the entire home-buying process, including how to choose a realtor, the ins and outs of loans, and beyond.
Bonus: On-campus options with an upperclassman feel
If you’re interested in on-campus options but the standard residence hall life doesn’t appeal to you, we’ve got a few suggestions.
Transfer Residential Communities provide a living experience for transfer students that makes the transition to life at CSU easier by connecting transfer students with each other. The communities are housed in Summit Hall and Laurel Village — Alpine Hall, which both offer benefits unique to their locations.
University apartments offer housing options for single undergraduate and graduate students, families, and international students. Choose from four locations based on your eligibility and lifestyle needs, with amenities like study rooms, fully-furnished units, family-friendly environments, and individual leases.
Getting to campus
Living off campus doesn’t mean you’re doomed to pay high parking rates; there’s a lot of transit options to get you to and from classes for little-to-no cost.
