Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to find housing?

It is wise to start looking for housing anywhere from three to six weeks before you need to move. Looking too far ahead of when you need to move may limit your choices, as most property managers won't hold a place without rental payment for more than about two weeks. It is possible to find housing within a few days; however, it may take concentrated searching to locate a rental unit that meets your specific needs.

How much should I expect to pay for housing?

According to Rent.com, "Denver's overall cost of living is 35% above the national average, so it's not the cheapest place to live. However, affordable apartment rentals are available, with the median price for all apartments at $700 per month. The full range encompasses basic studio apartments starting in the $400-$500 range up to luxurious apartment rentals topping $2,000." Generally, rooms for rent or shared housing arrangements where owners lease one or more bedrooms to tenants sharing a bathroom and often a kitchen are the least expensive type of housing. These types of living situations can cost anywhere from $300-$600 per month.

Another useful way to figure approximate rental prices is to budget about $1 per square foot. A 400 square foot economy studio may cost about $400 a month in rent. Figure a little more for extra amenities or updated features, a little less for places that need some improvement.

Where should I look?

If you're not familiar with the Denver area, it may be somewhat confusing looking for a place that's "close to campus." A smart technique is to sit down with a map and see where campus lies in the greater Denver area. Decide how far you are willing to commute and set some boundaries. DU's campus is close to the intersection of S. University Blvd. and E. Evans Ave. As for a general part of town, DU is typically referred to being in south-east Denver, or south-central Denver. You may also want to visit a site like Mapquest and get directions from campus to the new place, it will give you a sense of how far away it is.

What if I have a dispute with my landlord or roommate(s)?

Become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as a tenant here in Colorado. Two excellent resources include: JeffCo Action Center and Community Housing Services. On-campus resources include the Student Mediation Center through Citizenship and Communtiy Standards and the Ombuds office. A good article to read - "How to Split Costs with a Roommate" from the Wall Street Journal.

Can I get a meal plan if I live off campus?

Yes, you may purchase a meal plan through the Housing and Residential Education office. As a commuter student, it is sometimes easier to get a meal plan on campus and have one or two meals a day than to go home for meals or pack them every day. You may also purchase individual meals in on-campus dining facilities. Visit the On Campus Dining page for more details.

What if I have a question that is not answered here?

You have several options:

  • Email OCH@du.edu. This is usually the fastest way to have your question answered.

  • Call the Off Campus Housing Office at (303) 871-3111 or (303) 871-2247.

  • Stop by the Campus Life suite (Off Campus Housing) in Driscoll North, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. We're on the opposite side of the bridge from the bookstore.

  • Fax us your question (or a listing) at (303) 871-4064.

  • Mail us your question! Our address is: Off Campus Housing, 2055 E. Evans Ave., Denver, CO 80208-2247.