Find Housing

Finding housing is an important step for living, studying, and working at the University of Minnesota. There are a variety of housing options available to students both on-campus and off-campus.

We assembled the following resources and information for you about housing.

Before the semester starts

Temporary housing

Before the start of the fall semester, new international students can stay in International Early Arrival Housing. This temporary on-campus housing is an affordable option for new students needing somewhere to stay before they can move into their permanent on- or off-campus housing. For costs and reservations, review the International Early Arrival Housing website.

Please note:

  • Before the start of the spring/summer semesters, temporary housing is not available on campus.
  • Only international students can stay in International Early Arrival Housing. Individuals traveling with family will need to find another housing option.

Other resources

There are a variety of hotels near the University of Minnesota campus. When making a reservation, you should ask whether they have discounts related to the University of Minnesota. For information about local hotels, visit:

After the semester starts

On-campus housing

Will you live off campus?

  • Most international students planning to live off-campus arrange housing when they arrive in Minnesota. If you will live off-campus, we recommend that you arrive three weeks in advance to search for housing and make other arrangements.
  • Residents are often required to sign a 12-month lease agreement and pay a security deposit to secure an apartment off-campus. It is important that you understand your legal responsibilities before you sign a lease as it is a binding contract. For more information, review the International Student Preparation Course.
  • We recommend that you do not sign a lease or contract before viewing the property. For more information on the legal rules surrounding renting an apartment, review the tenant rights information from Student Legal Service.

Off-campus housing resources

Last updated: March 12, 2025