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Housing

Off-campus housing

For students not living on campus, there are various convenient and affordable housing options. We recommend looking at potential living arrangements for off-campus housing in person before making a decision.

Off-Campus Living Program

The University’s Off-Campus Living Program provides resources to help you find rental housing, understand the leasing process, and negotiate a rental contract. Services include:

  • Off-campus living advising: Available by appointment or during posted walk-in hours. Located at 020 Susan B. Anthony Hall, River Campus. Contact the Coordinator for Off-Campus Living at offcampus@reslife.rochester.edu or +1 (585) 275-3166.
  • Property visits: Available during peak summer periods, with free transportation and assistance in looking at local rental properties.

Learn more about off-campus housing services

Additional tips and guidance

Know your rights as a renter

Be sure to read and understand your lease agreement before you sign it. If you break a lease, it could affect your future plans to return to the United States or ruin your credit.

The New York State Attorney General’s Office publishes the Tenant’s Rights Guide (PDF) to help renters in New York. This document outlines your rights and the landlord’s responsibility to provide you with clean and safe housing, including functioning heat and hot water facilities (Real Property Law §235-b).

If you’re unable to resolve issues with your landlord and feel they are not fulfilling their obligations as outlined in the Tenant’s Rights Guide, make an appointment with the International Services Office to discuss your situation, especially if you feel you are being treated unfairly or taken advantage of.

Buying a house

There are several neighborhoods surrounding the University and in the Rochester area where students and employees can buy their own home instead of leasing a rental property. This decision is often based on long-term plans, access to necessary funding, and lifestyle.

We generally advise not to buy a home if you plan to stay there for fewer than five years. This is because you’re not likely to get a good return on your investment over such a relatively short period of time.

As an international student, scholar, or employee, buying a house does not contradict your status as a non-immigrant. This information should not be a factor in terms of a future visa application or maintaining valid US immigration status.

Additional University resources