The Complete UMN Off-Campus Housing Guide

How the UMN Housing Market Works

Off-campus searching at the University of Minnesota tends to start early. Many students begin touring for the following fall as early as October and November, even though the University's own Off-Campus Living (OCL) office reminds students that there's usually enough inventory near campus to wait until spring. Either way, the best furnished floor plans and private-bath layouts near the East Bank campus go first, so it pays to understand the calendar before you start.

Leasing early has real advantages: you get first pick of floor plan type (private bath vs. shared, 1-bedroom vs. 4-bedroom), more time to coordinate with roommates or use a property's roommate-matching program, and typically a better per-bed rate before availability tightens closer to the fall move-in date.

Understanding Your Options

University Commons offers fully furnished 1-, 2-, and 4-bedroom floor plans near UMN, with private and shared bedroom arrangements depending on the layout. Each resident signs an individual lease for their own bedroom, so you're never financially responsible for a roommate's share.

By-the-Bed Leasing

What "Furnished" Includes

Understanding Your Costs

The listed per-bed price is only part of the picture. What's included in that price, and what's billed separately, determines your real monthly cost — so it's worth comparing the total, not just the headline rate.

Sample Monthly Budget

Application & Move-In Costs

Base Rent vs. Total Monthly Cost

Base rent is the listed floor plan price alone. Total monthly cost is base rent plus utilities, required fees (like renters insurance), and any lifestyle add-ons (like parking).

How to Qualify

Student housing communities typically offer more than one way to qualify, so students at different stages — first-time renters, students without U.S. credit history, and everyone in between — have a path to signing. University Commons' current qualification methods and criteria can change, so confirm the details with the leasing team before you apply. Common pathways at communities like this include:

Your Neighborhood

University Commons sits on SE Huron Blvd in the Prospect Park / East River Road area, on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus, just off the Mississippi River. It's a walkable, bikeable stretch that also puts you within easy reach of Augsburg University and Dunwoody College, with quick access to I-35W for the rest of the Twin Cities.

Getting to Campus

Dining & Coffee

Stub & Herb's, a UMN institution since the 1930s, Kimchi Tofu House, Vescio's Italian Restaurant, Wally's Falafel & Hummus, and Punch Pizza in Stadium Village are all nearby, along with Caribou Coffee, Dunn Brothers Coffee, and Bordertown Coffee for study breaks.

Groceries

Fresh Thyme Market sits along University Avenue, with Lunds & Byerly's a short trip away in Marcy-Holmes for a full-service grocery run.

Entertainment

The Market at Malcolm Yards food hall and Surly Brewing Co. are neighborhood staples in Prospect Park, and Huntington Bank Stadium brings Gopher football gameday energy right to the area.

Healthcare

Boynton Health's East Bank Clinic (410 Church St SE) covers primary care, urgent care, and mental health for UMN students, and M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center – East Bank is nearby for more involved medical needs.

Life at University Commons

Community Spaces

Every Apartment Includes

Services & Operations

Reading Your Lease

A lease is a legally binding contract, so it's worth understanding before you sign. UMN students paying the Student Services Fee can get a lease reviewed for free through the University's Student Legal Service.

Core Lease Terms

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. Move-in date and key pickup — when and how do you get access?
2. First rent due date — is it prorated for a partial month?
3. What's included in rent — confirm Wi-Fi, trash, and utility billing method
4. Early termination penalty — what does it cost to break the lease?
5. Subletting — is it allowed, and what's the process?
6. Deposit return — how long after move-out, and what conditions apply?
7. Guest and noise policy — what are the community's rules?
8. Renewal deadline — when will you need to decide about next year?
9. Maintenance response time — what's the typical turnaround?
10. Parking cost — confirm current rates for surface, carport, or garage
11. Pet policy — confirm fees, deposits, and any breed or size restrictions

Move-In Checklist

Because University Commons apartments come fully furnished, your move-in list is shorter than most — you're bringing the personal touches, not the furniture.

Day One

1. Photo-document your unit's condition — protects your security deposit
2. Set up the resident portal — for rent payments and maintenance requests
3. Connect to Wi-Fi — included in every apartment
4. Test every appliance — report issues within 24 hours
5. Pick up access cards or fobs — for building and unit entry
6. Locate emergency exits and maintenance contact info
7. Register your bike — if you're using on-site bike storage
8. Activate your Universal Transit Pass — tap your U Card at a Green Line station if you're eligible

How to Apply

1. Schedule a tour — in person or virtual, through University Commons' online scheduler
2. Tour the floor plans — and choose the layout that fits your budget and lifestyle
3. Select a qualification method — guarantor, self-qualify, deposit, or waiver program
4. Submit your application online — through the floor plans page
5. Sign your lease — digital and remote signing available
6. Pay any required upfront fees
7. Receive your move-in confirmation

Leasing Contact

Quick Reference

Key Dates

Useful University Resources