Off-Campus Housing

Our office will do our best to help you navigate off-campus housing, but are not responsible for finding off-campus housing for you during your time at UNI. Please keep in mind that off-campus housing normally comes unfurnished (meaning that there is no furniture, cooking utensils, etc) unless otherwise noted.

If you have any questions about finding housing for your time at UNI, reach out to us at international@uni.edu and we will support you to the best of our ability.

Tips for Off-Campus Housing

When deciding to live off-campus, there are several factors to consider:

Location

Choose a location that is convenient to your campus, amenities, and possibly your workplace if you have one. Consider factors like transportation options and safety.

Budget

Calculate all potential costs including rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and any additional expenses like internet and furniture. Make sure you have a realistic budget and consider if living off-campus is financially feasible for you.

Amenities and Facilities

Assess what amenities are available in the area such as grocery stores, laundromats, gyms, and restaurants. Also, consider the facilities provided by the accommodation, such as parking space, laundry facilities, and security.

Roommates

Decide whether you want to live alone or with roommates. Living with roommates can help reduce costs, but it's important to choose compatible individuals with similar living habits.

Lease Terms

Understand the terms of the lease agreement including the duration of the lease, security deposit, and any additional fees or penalties.

Extra costs you may incur when living off-campus include:

Rent

This is likely the largest expense. Rent prices vary depending on location, the size of the apartment, and the number of roommates.

Utilities

You'll typically need to pay for utilities such as electricity, water, gas, trash removal, and sometimes internet and cable TV. You can ask the building manager to give you average monthly costs.

Transportation

If you live farther from campus, you may need to budget for transportation costs such as gas, public transportation fares, or parking fees.

Furniture and Household Items

Unlike on-campus housing, off-campus apartments may not come fully furnished. You may need to purchase furniture, kitchen appliances, and other household items.

Food

If you're no longer on a meal plan, you'll need to budget for groceries and dining out.

Tips for making the most of living off-campus:

Create a Budget

Stick to a budget to ensure you can cover all expenses without overspending.

Stay Organized

Keep track of rent payments, bills, and other financial obligations to avoid late fees or missed payments.

Get Involved

Even though you're living off-campus, stay involved in campus activities and clubs for example (International Student Promoters-ISP) to maintain a sense of community and connection with your school.

Maintain Communication

If you have roommates, establish clear communication channels and discuss expectations regarding chores, shared expenses, and guests.

Take Advantage of Amenities

Make use of the amenities and facilities available in your area, such as study spaces, parks, or recreational facilities.

Stay Safe

Be mindful of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, especially if you're living in an unfamiliar area.

Basic information and contact for off-campus apartment complexes

University Manor Apartment

610ft 1bed 1bath going for $745/month
762ft 1bed 1bath going for $840/month
860ft 2beds 2baths ranging between $975 & $1000/month.
excluding utilities

University Manor Apartment

Gold Falls Villa

600ft 1bed 1bath going for $705/month
excluding utilities

Gold Falls Villa

The Quarters Cedar Falls

1,415ft 4bd 2baths going for $435-485/per room per month
excluding utilities

The Quarters Cedar Falls

The Residences on College Hill

1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartments

$800-$850 monthly rent
Approx $70-80 utilities
Available starting mid June

2 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartments

$970-1000 monthly rent / $485-500 per person

Approx $100-120 utilities

Available Now

4 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartments

Starting at $385 monthly rent for 1 bedroom within this unit
Dorm style, rent by the room, with roommates
Approx $100-120 utilities
Available Now

Steps to reserve a room at The Residences:

Visit rescollegehill.com to fill out an application, $35 application fee per applicant. Typical application processing time is 24-48 hours. Leasing team will let you know if you are approved once the application is processed.
Deposit will be posted on your Appfolio account. Once payment is received, your apartment is reserved. We can now prepare your lease.
A lease will be posted in your Appfolio account for signature. E-signature makes this easy!
You're ready to move in!

Steps to reserve a room (international students, unable to submit payments for application or room reservation)

Contact The Residences office 319-536-6146, now available on WhatsApp, to request a room hold for an UNI international student.
The Residences will contact UNI to verify your arrival.
Once arrival is verified, we will issue your PDF lease via email for signature. Please return this document to us, signed. Scan or photo of document is acceptable
Prepare for arrival. Apartment deposit and 1st month's rent will be due upon arrival (typically all payments must go through Appfolio, but we will accept cash for first payment if this is easier for those new to the country without a bank account)

Arriving late? Need a temporary mattress? Request an air mattress from their office. For a one time fee of $100 (added onto your rent account), they’ll set up a twin size air mattress with sheets in your room prior to your arrival.