From dorms to new housing: A student’s survival guide to Seattle housing

Seattle Colleges’ on-campus housing sits directly across from Seattle Central College, offering students a short commute and opportunities to build friendships with roommates–a combination that can help ease the transition to college life. However, some students may find dormitory rent to be on the high side.

According to the Seattle Colleges Housing website, rent for a two-person unit is $18,580 for 11 months (fall 2025 to summer 2026), which averages about $1,770 per month. Given that students must share the unit, some may feel the cost is relatively expensive for a shared space.

The move-out date for students whose contracts end with the Spring 2025 quarter is June 23, 2025. Students planning to leave on-campus housing should begin exploring alternative living arrangements now. It is possible to find comfortable and affordable housing for $1,770 or less per month. However, navigating Seattle’s rental market presents new challenges, especially for those who have never rented before. The following information can help students prepare to find off-campus housing.

How to find a private apartment

If a renter prefers to live alone, renting a private apartment may be a good choice. Renters can use websites or apps such as Apartments.com and Zillow, to gather apartment information. These platforms provide details such as rent, amenities, and pet policy.

While listing websites and apps are useful, most apartment complexes also have their official websites. Through these, prospective renters can view the floor plans, check availability, and find additional details such as unit layouts, square footage, amenities, and rent prices. Many apartment websites allow users to “Make an Appointment” and “Book a Tour,” offering the chance to meet with managers and view units in person.

Sometimes, renters can find apartments priced lower than similar nearby units. They should check whether the apartment participates in affordable housing programs. For instance, the Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) offers income-restricted housing for lower- and middle-income renters. To qualify, applicants must meet specific income requirements set by the program. It’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.

How to find shared housing and roommates

For students looking for even more affordable options, shared housing–where tenants rent a private room while sharing common areas like the bathroom and kitchen–is another popular choice. While living with roommates can be challenging, it also provides the opportunity to build friendships. Additionally, shared housing is often less expensive than renting an entire apartment or house.

An easy way to find a shared house is by searching for a “private room” listing on Facebook Marketplace. Renters can also connect with roommates or browse available shared housing options through Facebook housing groups. Many users post roommate ads and rental offers, making it easier to get quick responses and compare options.

Tips to avoid common housing mistakes

Before beginning the housing search, students should be aware of potential risks. One major concern is scams–particularly in roommate ads or shared housing listings. If a landlord or property manager refuses to meet in person before asking for payment, it could indicate a scam.

Listing photos can also be misleading. The actual condition of a unit may be smaller, older, or less clean than it appears online. Some listings emphasize positives while downplaying drawbacks such as insect issues and unpleasant odors. For example, a unit might advertise “bike storage,” only for it to be an overcrowded corner of the parking lot with poorly stacked bicycles.

Prospective renters are encouraged to start searching at least two months before their intended move-in date. This provides enough time to find a suitable place, prepare necessary financial documents, and organize the move. Planning early helps avoid last-minute stress.

Home isn’t just a place to sleep–it is a safe haven. Taking the time to find the right place is a valuable investment in both comfort and peace of mind.