With the end of spring semester being a few weeks away, it’s time for returning students to search for and prepare housing arrangements. Securing your plans early on can help to avoid the stress of scrambling for a place to live when August comes around. If on-campus living is not an option for you, here are a few starting points to begin your hunt for an apartment.
On-Campus Apartments
There are three different complexes close to campus that students can apply to, managed by the University of Idaho. Elmwood Apartments, for full-time non-first year students, ranges from $694-$900. South Hill Apartments, for full-time junior-standing or higher students, ranges from $675-$1,013. South Hill Vista, for full-time undergraduates with dependents and full-time graduate students, ranges from $767-$892. Specific information can be found on UI’s Housing and Residence Life page. Applications open on May 1.
Utilize Facebook and Facebook Marketplace to find roommates, apartments and subleases. Many students advertise open bedrooms or lease takeovers at affordable prices on UI student groups. “UI Apartments and Housing” or “UI Off Campus Housing and Roommate Search” are some options to meet potential roommates and look for apartments that might not be advertised anywhere else online.
Hill Rental Properties
With a variety of properties all over town, Hill Rental is a great and affordable option for students. For 11.5-month leases, one-bedroom apartments typically go for $665, two bedrooms range from $695-$795 and three bedrooms are $874. This coming August, a new luxury complex will open on Taylor Ave as well. Units fill up quickly, so it is recommended that you check the website daily for openings and call to confirm availability before applying.
Palouse Properties
Similarly, Palouse Properties also provides a wide range of complexes to choose from. One-bedroom apartments cost between $660-$820 and two bedrooms are $720-$1,150, with other options up to five bedrooms available as well. Most have 10- or 12-month leases available for flexibility. Make sure to read the details of each unit carefully before applying, as some have restrictions on who qualifies.
The Grove
Tailored to UI students, The Grove offers fully furnished apartments with a built-in roommate matching system and private bathrooms, priced per bedroom, not per full unit. Two-bedroom apartments cost $699 and three-bedroom cost $599, with premium upgrades such as trash pick-up available for add on. A highlight of this complex is its free on-site parking, with the option of reserving private spaces at an additional price.
Tips
Before applying for an apartment, make sure you have the proper documents prepared. Most companies require you to have proof of income or employment, which could be a W-2, paystub, employment verification letter or bank statement. Others require a co-signer, which can be a parent, guardian or any trusted adult. If you are using financial aid to cover the cost, verify with the management office that they accept it, and have a copy of your award or loan.
Apartment tours are encouraged. It gives future tenants the opportunity to inspect the living space thoroughly, which isn’t possible online. In big building complexes, multiple units are sometimes advertised with pictures of the same apartment, so the specific one being offered could be arranged differently. Visiting also allows you to familiarize yourself with the area and deal-breakers like busy roads or limited parking can be caught.
Additionally, visit Off-Campus Housing Options on UI’s website for a list of even more apartments in Moscow.
Layla Phillis can be reached at [email protected]