If you're a student looking for housing, you've probably already fallen into the Zillow spiral. One second you’re checking prices, and the next you’re doom-scrolling listings three cities over, wondering if you should just drop out and live in a van. It's overwhelming, especially if it's your first time renting. But starting your housing search doesn’t have to be chaotic. You just need a few key filters-and a better starting point than "apartments near me."
Here’s how to search smart from the jump.
Start Early. Earlier Than That.
Most students wait until everyone else starts looking-usually 2–3 months before move-in. But in most college towns, good places are gone by then. If you want a shot at the better spots, start 4–6 months in advance. Especially if you’re eyeing a specific building, roommate setup, or lower rent.
If you’re a freshman moving off-campus for the first time, talk to students a year above you. Ask when they started their search and what they regret not doing sooner.
Search Where Students Actually Post
Sure, Zillow and Apartments.com are fine, but they’re not where students live online. Try these instead:
● Facebook Marketplace & student groups (Search: "[Your School] Housing")
● Reddit (Search your school’s subreddit - people often sublet there)
● Discord servers (yes, a lot of campuses have them)
● Instagram stories (People actually post housing stories - keep an eye out)
● Flyers on campus (still underrated)
Some off-campus offices also maintain internal housing spreadsheets. Ask them.
Don’t Just Look-Post
It sounds weird, but instead of only responding to listings, make your own. On Reddit, Facebook, Discord-post something like:
"Hey! Rising junior looking for housing near North Campus for fall. Budget
~$850, looking for private room. If anyone’s subletting or has an opening, feel free to DM."
This is how a lot of the better deals happen. Someone who didn’t even list their spot might DM you.
Make a List of Non-Negotiables
Before you even start clicking through listings, figure out what matters most to you:
● Max budget (include utilities)
● Location radius
● Commute (do you care if it's a 30 min walk?)
● Room type (private room vs shared)
● Laundry, parking, air conditioning, pet policy, etc.
Then use that list to say no to listings that don’t fit. You’ll waste less time and feel less overwhelmed.
Use a Burner Email
You’re about to sign up for a ton of sketchy-looking housing portals. Make a clean Gmail just for housing stuff so you don’t miss important replies buried between spam and school notifications.
Don't Sleep on Subleases
Subletting is often cheaper, comes furnished, and skips the worst paperwork. Search Reddit, Facebook, or even message graduating seniors. These are some of the best deals you’ll find.
Track Everything in a Google Sheet
Create columns for: rent, location, link, room type, utilities, contact info, and notes. Saves you from re-checking the same listings over and over again.
A Tool for the Financial Side:
If you're moving into a place where you'll be splitting rent, utilities, or even shared groceries-Fizz helps you handle all that without racking up credit card debt or forgetting to pay someone back. You can build credit by just paying your everyday expenses (like rent, streaming, etc.) on time. And there’s no interest or hidden fees.
It’s basically built for students who are trying to figure out adulting one bill at a time.
Ready to make this housing search a little less chaotic?
Fizz helps students build credit while managing shared expenses like rent and utilities-without interest, cosigners, or late-night Venmo stress.
