Where Can I Find Student Rent Assistance?

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Savannah Dawson is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Savannah is an undergraduate student at Ohio University pursuing a degree in Journalism News and Information, Magazine track, as well as a minor in Retail and Fashion Merchandising and a certificate in Italian Studies. During her time at OU, Savannah has been a Content Writer for Thread Magazine, as well as a Blogger for Her Campus Magazine and Variant Magazine. Full Bio

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Annie has spent the past 18+ years educating students about college admissions opportunities and coaching them through building a financial aid package. She has worked in college access and college admissions for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, Middle Tennessee State University, and Austin Peay State University. Full Bio

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania. Full Bio

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Updated: November 29th, 2023

Most colleges and universities do not require you to live in a residence hall for all four years of school. Even if you do live on campus for the first two years, many students move off campus junior and senior year. At some point, you may need to rent a house or apartment. In this article, we are going to give you step-by-step instructions on how to find student rent assistance. Keep reading to find the best solution for your housing needs. 

Step 1: Find a place to live

Depending on what university you are attending, finding housing can be the most difficult part of the process. Start looking for your apartment or house a year in advance, and take tours of multiple places so that you can get a feel for the different types of landlords, apartment complexes, and amenities. 

Once you find places that you can see yourself living, look at the cost of monthly rent, amenities, and utilities. Determine whether or not the price is something that you are willing and able to pay, and go from there. Remember not to stretch your budget too thin!

Step 2: Complete your FAFSA

For most things related to college, filling out the FAFSA is the number one step to complete. Federal aid and many scholarships and grants are contingent upon information from the FAFSA, so it really is important to complete as early as possible, and always by the deadline. 

The FAFSA can give you access to Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, and more. All of these are applicable for housing and tuition, along with other fees that may come along during the process. 

Related: Using student loans for off-campus housing 

Step 3: Start applying for scholarships

Many scholarships can be used for anything relating to school, and this includes housing as well. If you are confused on where to start, you can log into Scholarships360 to create a profile with our scholarship database and search tool, which will make it easier to find scholarships that are more fine-tuned to you as a person, both academically and personally. There are a plethora of opportunities for international students to apply for scholarships as well. 

Your school may also offer scholarships that can be applied to housing. Go to your university’s scholarship page on their website and check out all of the academic scholarships you are eligible for. Some schools may automatically put you into the running for awards, while you’ll have to apply for others with a special application. 

Also see: Laptop scholarships for college students

Alternative options for student rent assistance

If you find yourself at a disadvantage when searching for  housing assistance,  there are a few options to try. Remember, before your situation becomes dire, reach out to your college or university for assistance. Perhaps they have a solution, or someone who can guide you toward one. For now, the following options are worth exploring.

Emergency housing assistance through Catholic Charities 

If you feel that you are at risk of not having housing. Catholic Charities offers one-time help for students in need, and you do not need to be Catholic to utilize their services. Some of these organizations will pay for your security deposit, first month’s rent, as well as other fees that may come with it. 

Section 8 housing and Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD)

These government sponsored programs are for individuals who are at risk of experiencing housing insecurity. College students can be eligible for Section 8 housing depending on their income. Because HUD is government sponsored, you will need to apply at the public housing agency closest to the college you are attending.

The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development has various programs for students who are struggling. HUD’s Neighborhood Choice program utilizes private and public funding to address struggling neighborhoods. They also give more options for grants that you can apply to for funding for housing. 

Become a Resident Assistant (RA)

If you are struggling to find affordable housing, or you can’t seem to find any apartments or houses left open in your college town, you can always apply to be a Resident Assistant. Not only do most RAs get free housing and occasionally a meal plan, but they also get paid hourly when they are working. Apply as early as possible, as resident assistant positions require applications and can be competitive to receive. 

Being an RA comes with responsibility, as you will be in charge of a group of students that are your age or younger. If you feel that you are up for the challenge, go for it! This is a great way to acquire free housing, develop leadership skills, and make friends along the way. 

Related: Resident assistant jobs: Everything you need to know

Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study can provide undergraduate and graduate students with a part-time job that allows them to pay for school. This opportunity is available to students with financial need, and can be an option for students to work to pay for their everyday life as a college student so that their scholarships can go towards tuition and rent. It is important to note that if you are awarded a Federal Work Study, this does not guarantee you a job. Remember, if you take this route, be sure to apply at more than one place so that your chances of getting a job are higher.  

Closing thoughts on finding student rent assistance

Ultimately, there are many ways that you are able to find off-campus housing without breaking your bank. With grants, scholarships, and government assistance programs, there are many options. Start your search early on so that you find housing that is affordable, safe, and comfortable as you continue your higher education studies. 

At Scholarships360, we understand that the college application process is a stressful time for students, and that is why we want to make it easier on you! If you want to learn more about grants, scholarships, and housing, check out some of our other articles! Good luck on your college journey!

Key Takeaways

• There are a variety of ways to help students pay for rent while in college
• Applying for the FAFSA is the start of everything when it comes to financial aid
• Applying for scholarships is the easiest way to acquire money for school and rent that you do not have to pay back
• There are many places willing to help students in need, you just have to look for them!

Frequently asked questions about student rent assistance