5 Websites to Find Student Housing in the US

Finding housing is one of the most daunting aspects of going to college. However, if you are coming to study in the United States from another country, this can be even more challenging. You have to figure things out without being near the properties you may want to check out. Luckily, there are resources available to help you find the perfect home away from home, even before you arrive in the U.S.

From understanding lease terms to choosing the best location and amenities, there’s a lot to juggle. And if you’re on a tight budget, like most students, every detail counts. That’s where dedicated student housing websites come in. They’re designed specifically for you, making it easier to find places that are safe, affordable, and student-friendly.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what makes a great student housing platform, highlight some of the top websites for finding housing in the U.S., and share smart tips to avoid scams and land a spot that fits your needs.

What to Consider When Searching for Student Housing

Searching for student housing isn't just about picking the first place you see. It requires planning, prioritizing your needs, and knowing what to watch for. These key factors will help you make more informed choices.

Budget Beyond Rent

As with students in the United States, there are plenty of things you will need to consider. One of the most important is the cost of the apartment. Aside from rent, you will also have to factor in school-related costs (tuition, books, supplies, etc.), gas, groceries, and utilities, among other things.

Find out more about managing your finances abroad.

Start Your Search Early

The early bird doesn’t just get the worm—it gets a better lease.

…and make it as early as you can. This will give you time to conduct your research and, if possible, visit the places. Keep in mind that there will be more options opening up, but it is important to get a head start, especially since you’re coming from outside the United States. Starting early also allows you time to get to know potential roommates and find people who are also searching for a place to live.

Consider Shared Housing

Throughout your search, keep an eye out for students to share the space with. This can help minimize your bills overall, as you will be splitting rent and utilities. Knowing who you’ll live with will help you determine the price point that fits everyone’s budget.

Again, this is why it is essential to start early. You need time to meet people and ensure they are good matches for you to live with. Connect early and make sure you are all on the same page.

Look Outside the Campus Area for Better Deals

A longer commute can mean shorter bills—don’t sleep on the suburbs

If keeping to a low budget, consider not living in direct proximity to your school. Many landlords near campus will increase prices just because of their strategic location. The good news is that you can find rental places near bus or subway routes, which you can use to get to school. Living a bit further away and taking public transportation is often cheaper than being closer to campus.

Top 5 Websites to Find Student Housing in the US

It may seem daunting to figure out where to begin your search for student housing in the US, but there are online resources available to help you; here are five of the best we recommend:

1. College Rentals

College Rentals enables students to search for off-campus housing near their college or university. You can filter by school and budget and see listings plotted on a map for easy location scouting. Students are able to explore amenities that suit specific lifestyles and needs for a more comfortable living experience.

The platform also allows you to message landlords directly and even check out sublet options—handy if you’re only studying in the spring or fall semester. Their listings include everything from studio apartments to shared homes, and you can also search based on your move-in date.

2. College Student Apartments

This platform is super user-friendly and helpful for students who want to customize their search. You can find apartments by city or college, then filter by rent, number of bedrooms, pet-friendliness, and more using the sliding scale.

One unique feature is the match-style layout; you can swipe through listings like a dating app. You can either “pass and move on” or request more info with one click. It’s excellent for indecisive house-hunters who want a little fun with their search.

3. Roomsurf

Roomsurf helps you find the perfect roommate match, which is helpful for international students who may not know anyone locally. The platform is more social than traditional housing sites, letting you filter potential roommates by school, graduation year, major, and interests. Each user has a short bio, so you can get a feel for their personality before reaching out.

Bonus: You can use Roomsurf even if you already have housing but need to fill a room.

4. CribWiz

CribWiz describes itself as "Tinder for student apartments," and that’s pretty accurate. You plug in your filters (such as pet-friendly, laundry in-unit, or rent cap), and the platform matches you with places based on your preferences. If something catches your eye, you can ask for more info directly from the site. It's a great option if you value design, personality, and lifestyle as much as logistics.

5. Uloop

Uloop is a solid, comprehensive platform that allows you to browse housing by college or city. It’s especially useful if you want to compare multiple types of listings: housing, sublets, roommates, and even furniture or textbooks!

Their interactive map view makes it easy to assess commute distances. The listings, many of which are submitted by students or local landlords familiar with student needs, include detailed information such as pricing, square footage, and amenities.

Smart Tips for Using Housing Websites Safely and Effectively

Finding roommates isn’t just about splitting rent—it’s about finding your study squad.

Looking for student housing in the U.S. as an international student can be intimidating, but a few smart steps can make it easier and safer.

• Watch for red flags. Be cautious of listings that seem too cheap or ask for payment before you've signed a lease or viewed the property.
• Never wire money. Use secure platforms or payment systems that offer some form of protection.
• Ask smart questions. Is Wi-Fi included? What’s the average utility bill? How do maintenance requests work? Don’t be shy; it’s your future home!
• Read the lease. Don’t skip the fine print. Make sure you understand your responsibilities, penalties, and the process for getting back your deposit.

Don’t make an impulsively chosen accommodation one of your money mistakes as an international student in the USA.

Find the Right Home Away From Home

Finding a place to live shouldn’t feel like solving a riddle—use the right tools, and it all clicks.

Finding student housing in the U.S. can feel like a full-time job, especially for international students navigating unfamiliar systems, currencies, and paperwork. But with the right tools—and a little patience—you can find a place that feels like home.

Use housing platforms that prioritize student needs, offer flexible lease terms, and provide the support you need. Whether you’re looking for a quiet apartment near your university or a vibrant shared flat in the heart of the city, your perfect accommodation abroad is out there.