Tips for next year’s housing search
It's time to start thinking about your living arrangements for next year. Whether you're moving off campus for the first time or are familiar with the Boulder/Denver region, consider these tips from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations.
Explore different options
Research different neighborhoods and housing options to find what works for you. Popular Boulder neighborhood areas for students include The Hill, Martin Acres, East Aurora, Goss Grove and North Boulder. Students may want to consider researching properties in neighboring communities such as Longmont, Superior, Louisville or Lafayette that have bus routes to campus.
- Create a budget that includes rent, utilities, internet and other expenses to determine what you can afford.
- Look at public transportation options.
- Check out the crime rates.
- Ask other students about their experiences living in their neighborhoods.
Use Ralphie’s List to filter available properties by neighborhood and city, price and more. This resource also helps in finding roommates.
Consider transportation needs
As you explore different neighborhoods and cities/communities, you can also research your potential commute to campus by reviewing public transportation options.
Many students ride the bus for free with their Buff OneCard. RTD public transit has routes that serve all of Boulder and nearby communities.
Attend the Spring Off-Campus Housing Fair
Stop by the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom on Feb. 20 and explore options at the Off-Campus Housing Fair. Property managers, city offices and vendors will attend, and you can ask questions and explore more resources related to living in Boulder. There are always lots of free giveaways and food!
Learn about city ordinances
As you prepare to live off campus, familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid tickets and other consequences.
- Review the city of Boulder's update on occupancy limits.
- Learn about the new chronic nuisance ordinance that went into effect Sept. 7, 2024, and other city ordinances.
- Keep noise levels within prescribed limits for residential areas.
- Never leave trash in your yard and use trash receptacles appropriately (especially if you live in a neighborhood that requires bear-resistant trash containers like the Hill).
- Register your parties with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. If a neighbor makes a noise complaint about your address, Boulder Police will notify you and issue a warning—rather than an expensive ticket. This warning gives you 20 minutes to shut down the party before police are dispatched to your house or apartment and can help you avoid a noise or nuisance ticket.
Get legal advice
A lease is a legal contract that students should understand before signing. Before signing a lease, you can schedule an appointment with attorney Bruce Sarbaugh through Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations for a free lease review before signing. Students can also get free legal advice on other rental concerns, from lease agreements to landlord disputes.
Student Legal Services also provides free lease reviews and landlord/tenant consultations. Learn more about scheduling an appointment.
Find support
Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations offers opportunities and resources to students living off campus. With students who are seeking housing, they help educate them on their rights and responsibilities as tenants and assist students in resolving landlord/tenant problems and/or roommate conflicts. Stop by their office in UMC 313 or email och@colorado.edu to get insights from a neighborhood ambassador for advice on living in Boulder.
Beyond Campus Buffs also provides support for first-year students living off campus and all commuter students. Stop by the Commuter Lounge in UMC 102 to find out more.