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Prepare for next year’s off-campus housing search

It may seem early, but now is the time for students to start thinking about where they would like to live next year. Â鶹ÒùÔº have many options for living in the Boulder community, including residence halls, apartment style living and off-campus residences. However, most students live off campus after their first year, with more than 22,000 students living off campus throughout the Boulder community.ÌýÌý

We invite families to join their students at the to learn about off-campus housing resources. The fair is an excellent way for students to find housing, meet with landlords and have questions answered in one place. It’s especially helpful for students looking for off-campus housing in the Boulder area for the first time.ÌýÌý

Tips for the off-campus housing searchÌý

Getting a head start on the housing search can make the process less stressful. However, your student shouldn't feel pressured to sign a lease early. It can be better to wait for a housing situation that fits their needs and budget. Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR) is here to help answer questions about living off campus.Ìý

Here are some tips and resources to help your student make the best decision to fit their needs.Ìý

Consider your optionsÌý

Â鶹ÒùÔº can take steps to explore different neighborhoods and housing options to find what works for them.Ìý

  • Create a budget that includes rent, utilities, internet and other expenses to determine what they can afford.ÌýÌý
  • Look at public transportation options.ÌýÌý
  • Check out the crime rates.Ìý
  • Ask other students about their experiences living in their neighborhoods.

Browse Ralphie’s ListÌý

is CU’s official rental database to aid students in their housing search.Ìý

  • Search for available student apartments, townhomes, condos and houses in the Boulder area.Ìý
  • Filter by neighborhood, price, number of bedrooms and other categories.Ìý
  • Use Ralphie’s List to find roommates.Ìý
  • Popular Boulder neighborhood areas for students include The Hill, Martin Acres, East Aurora, Goss Grove and North Boulder.

Determine occupancy limitsÌý

Before your student makes agreements with roommates for next year, they should consider occupancy limit rules.Ìý

  • Review the .ÌýÌý
  • The city recently updated the occupancy limits to allow five unrelated individuals to live together. However, this does not apply to every property. Â鶹ÒùÔº can ask property owners about occupancy limits before they sign a lease.Ìý
  • Both tenants and property owners can be subject to violations of over-occupancy and receive up to a $2,000 fine per day.

Get legal adviceÌýÌý

A lease is a legal contract that students should understand before signing. CU Boulder offers resources to support students through the lease process.Ìý

  • Â鶹ÒùÔº can get legal advice on rental concerns, from lease agreements to landlord disputes.Ìý
  • Â鶹ÒùÔº can with attorney Bruce Sarbaugh through Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations for a free lease review before signing.Ìý
  • Student Legal Services (SLS) also provides free lease reviews and landlord/tenant consultations. Learn more about scheduling an appointment.

Explore transportation optionsÌý

Many students commute to campus for free with their Buff OneCard. has routes that serve all of Boulder and nearby communities.Ìý

  • Â鶹ÒùÔº can understand their commute to campus by reviewing public transportation options and how long it might take to walk or drive from their potential new home to campus.Ìý
  • Â鶹ÒùÔº may also want to consider researching properties in neighboring communities such as Longmont, Superior, Louisville or Lafayette that have bus routes to campus.

Understand resources for studentsÌý

Living off campus for the first time can feel intimidating, but OCHNR helps students connect to resources to help them have a successful experience.ÌýÌý

  • Check out the move-in kit for roommate agreements, check-in and check-out forms and other resources.Ìý
  • Learn how to register a party for students to get a warning call for noise complaints.Ìý
  • Sign up to join the Commuting Buffs program for access to the Commuter Lounge and other resources.Ìý
  • Get legal advice for issues that may arise as a student tenant.

Attend the housing fairÌý

If you have an extended visit in Boulder after Family Weekend, you can plan to attend the on Oct. 18 with your student. Off-campus property managers, city offices and vendors will attend the event, where you and your student can explore more resources related to off-campus housing.Ìý

Learn more about off-campus living. Your student can also email och@colorado.edu to get insight from a neighborhood ambassador about the off-campus living experience.