Top 10 Biggest Housing Challenges for U.S. Students

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for students in the United States. Whether it’s undergraduates searching for affordable dorms, graduate students seeking quiet apartments, or international students navigating a new housing market, finding a suitable place to live is rarely easy.

The challenge is even bigger today, as rising rental costs, inflation, and limited availability affect students across the country. Housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it influences academic performance, mental health, finances, and social life.

In this blog, we’ll break down the 10 biggest housing challenges U.S. students face, why they matter, and how they affect student life.

1. Rising Rent Prices

One of the biggest barriers for students is affordability. Rent in cities like Boston, New York, or Los Angeles is significantly higher compared to smaller towns. Boston student apartments are especially known for their premium price tags due to high demand around institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Boston University.

• Example: In Boston, students attending Harvard or MIT can pay upwards of $1,500–$2,000 for a single bedroom near campus.
• Why it happens: High demand, limited housing supply, and landlords charging premiums in student-heavy neighbourhoods.

Impact:

• Students often take multiple part-time jobs to cover rent.
• Many share overcrowded apartments with 3–4 roommates.
• Financial stress affects academic performance and overall well-being.

2. Limited On-Campus Housing

While dormitories and residence halls are convenient, they’re usually reserved for first-year undergraduates. By sophomore year, most students are left to fend for themselves in the private rental market.

• Example: Universities like UCLA and NYU house less than 40% of their student population on campus.
• Why it happens: Universities lack sufficient housing capacity to meet the growing demand, especially with increasing enrolments and more international students.

Impact:

• Students must compete for a limited number of off-campus rentals.
• Some are forced to live far away and endure long commutes.

3. Lack of Affordable Options Near Campus

Apartments near universities are notoriously expensive. Landlords know students want to live close to classes, libraries, and social hubs, and they raise rents accordingly.

• Example: Apartments within walking distance of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, often cost 20–30% more than units just a few miles away.

Impact:

• Students must choose between high rents close to campus or long, costly commutes.
• Some settle for poorly maintained properties because they’re the only affordable options nearby.

4. Hidden Costs and Extra Fees

Rent isn’t the only expense. Many students forget to account for utilities, internet, parking, and maintenance fees. For example, some Washington DC student apartments include utilities, while others don’t, making it important to read the fine print before committing. Beyond rent, many students are caught off guard by additional costs such as:

• Application fees
• Security deposits (often equal to 1–2 months’ rent)
• Parking charges
• Utilities (electricity, water, Wi-Fi)
• Maintenance or “community” fees

Impact:

• A $1,000/month apartment may actually cost $1,200+ with hidden expenses.
• First-time renters struggle to anticipate these costs when budgeting.

5. Furnishing and Setup Costs

Most off-campus apartments are unfurnished, meaning students must buy essentials like:

• Beds, desks, and chairs
• Sofas and tables
• Kitchen appliances and utensils

Even when buying second-hand, these costs can easily reach $500–$1,000.

Impact:

• Students face large upfront costs when moving in.
• International students often cannot transport furniture, making them more dependent on furnished rentals (which are more expensive).

6. Lease Inflexibility

Traditional 12-month leases don’t always align with academic calendars. This becomes challenging for international students or those planning to stay only during the academic year. Cities like Tampa have begun offering student apartments with more flexible lease terms, but this option is still not widely available nationwide.

• Problem: Students who go home for the summer still have to pay rent unless they sublet.
• Risk: Subletting comes with legal issues and the risk of unreliable tenants.

Impact:

• Students pay for months they don’t use.
• Financial waste increases stress and reduces money for tuition or other essentials.

7. Transportation and Commuting Challenges

Affordable housing is often located far from campus. While public transit in cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago makes commuting manageable, many college towns lack reliable systems.

• Example: Students at Texas A&M in College Station often rely on cars due to limited bus routes.

Impact:

• Students pay extra for cars, fuel, parking, and insurance.
• Long commutes cut into study, rest, and social time.

8. Safety Concerns in Affordable Neighbourhoods

Affordable student housing isn’t always located in the safest areas.

• Example: Students at universities in Philadelphia and Baltimore often report concerns about crime near cheaper housing zones.

Impact:

• Safety worries increase stress and mental health struggles.
• Students may avoid evening classes, late library sessions, or social activities due to safety concerns.

9. Poor Maintenance and Living Conditions

Student-targeted rentals sometimes suffer from poor upkeep:

• Old buildings with inadequate heating or air conditioning.
• Pest infestations.
• Outdated plumbing or faulty appliances.
• Landlords who ignore maintenance requests.

Impact:

• Poor conditions affect health, sleep, and comfort.
• Students may feel powerless, as landlords often prioritise long-term tenants over short-term student renters.

10. Lack of Information and Guidance

First-time renters, especially international students, often have little knowledge of:

• How lease agreements work.
• What rights do they have as tenants?
• How to spot rental scams.

Impact:

• Many fall victim to misleading ads or pay deposits for non-existent apartments.
• Students sign contracts that lock them into unfavourable terms.

Final Thoughts

The housing challenges faced by U.S. students are complex, ranging from rising rents and limited availability to hidden costs and safety concerns. These issues don’t just affect finances; they shape the entire student experience.

Possible solutions include:

• Universities expanding affordable on-campus housing.
• Landlords offering flexible, student-friendly lease terms.
• Local governments supporting affordable housing initiatives near campuses.
• Student associations providing workshops on rental rights and financial literacy.

Until systemic changes happen, students need to research carefully, budget wisely, and use community resources to navigate these obstacles. With the right support, finding affordable, safe, and comfortable housing can become less of a burden and more of a stepping stone to academic success.

How can amber help you?

amber helps you secure ideal student accommodation on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.

About author

Bhavna.S is a storyteller at heart who loves weaving words into engaging narratives. When not writing, she can be found sipping chai while lost in a book, taking long walks to clear her mind, or planning her next travel adventure – only to end up binge-watching a documentary instead.