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
- University-owned undergraduate housing
- University-owned graduate and professional student housing
- University-owned family housing (available for students, scholars, and student-interns)
- Getting Ready to Live on Campus guide from Housing & Residential Life
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.
- If you arrive in the fall before the semester starts, international students can stay in the University’s International Early Arrival Housing while searching for housing.
- 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
- Office for Off-Campus Living: This free university service for those living off campus includes information on renting near campus, finding roommates (for undergraduate students and for graduate and professional students), and commuting to campus.
- Housing & Residential Life: Off-Campus Housing Listing is a free list of current housing opportunities submitted by landlords.
- Legal Assistance: University Student Legal Service is a free legal service for students that can answer questions or review your housing lease (contract) before you sign. They provide a tenant housing resource guide and answer any questions about how to work with your landlord.
