Student Housing Ames, IA

Finding a great place to live in Ames can be tough, especially when every year more than 30,000 students come to study here. Sorting local leases and safety concerns makes the situation more stressful. That is why most of the students rely on University Living. We help in making your search easier by offering a curated list of verified student apartments Ames. The properties listed with us offer both a comfortable and secure living environment. Plus, they are known for offering amazing amenities such as 24/7 gyms, laundry, parking, study lounges, and more.

Every property is located in a safe and well-maintained area with an on-site team to deal with emergencies, ensuring peace of mind for international students. With us, you can easily choose from a variety of room types, including studios, en-suites, non-ensuites, and shared apartments. Some popular student housing Ames include The Madison, Copper Beech at Ames, and Grove at Ames. With a starting price of $429/month, we make student living in Ames affordable for every budget without compromising quality.

Also known as “Cyclones’ Territory”, Ames is a place where the traditional charm of the Midwest meets modern developments. Once you get near the university area, you will see several old limestone buildings and modern Ames student apartments with large windows, stylish finishes, and smart technology. This creates a perfect mixture of study and social spaces all under one roof. Just like any other city, student housing in the USA is divided into two categories:

Student Housing (PBSAs): Purposely built for university students, these properties offer an all-inclusive rental model. This means that all of your essential utility bills, such as the internet, water, heating, gas, and electricity, are all consolidated into one single monthly fee. It is further divided into four types:

• Ensuite Rooms: As a highly sought-after option, you will be getting a private bedroom with an attached bathroom. Residents here will be sharing kitchens and vibrant communal lounges with their friends. Prices of these generally range from $100 to over $200 per week.

• Studios: These are independent units with a bed, bathroom, and kitchen, all to yourself. Ideal for those who do not like sharing and want absolute privacy; the rent is $140 to over $300 per week.

• Non-Ensuites: Suitable for those who want to balance their budget, here you will get a private bedroom. While the rest of the areas, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and living area, are shared with other students. They have a price range of $130 and $220 per week.

• Shared Apartments: If you are looking for a place to stay with your friends and are comfortable sharing all living facilities, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, then this should be your ideal choice. These represent the most affordable Ames student apartments, often starting from $130 per week.

Private Apartments: Functioning with a conventional residential area, where you will be getting a full flat consisting of a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Though you have to manage your utilities on your own, you will get unmatched freedom and access to diverse locations across the city. This makes it a popular choice amongst students and couples who want to live together.

As a classic college town founded in 1864, Ames, Iowa was named after Oakes Ames. He played an important role in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Now, looking at its academic history, it goes back to the founding of Iowa State University (ISU) in 1858. Today, Ames is known for fields such as Agriculture, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and Bioscience. Located in the Iowa Prairies, where the South Skunk River and Squaw Creek meet, the city is known for offering beautiful landscapes and best student housing Iowa campuses. It also offers several cultural attractions, including Jack Trice Stadium and the Octagon Centre for the Arts.

Moreover, Ames is also considered an economic hub, driven by Higher Education, Biotechnology, and Government Research. Some of the major employers here are USDA and Ames National Laboratory. As one of the safest cities in the US, popular neighbourhoods here include Campustown, Old Main, and Somerset Village. Ames academic environment is shaped by Iowa State University, a top member of the Association of American Universities, and the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Ames Campus, which provides technical training.

The right Ames student housing is all about becoming part of a community that will help you focus on your studies. Every accommodation listed with us comes with great perks, such as outdoor fire pits, courtyards, gyms, game rooms, saunas, and more. With an individual lease system and on-site management available 24/7, these are close to some of the best bike paths, so you are just minutes away from your apartment and university campuses. Furthermore, the majority of them range between $429- $849/month. Following are some of the best student housing Ames, IA:

• The Madison

• Copper Beech at Ames

• Grove at Ames

• The Point

• The Edge (Blockone)

• 23Twenty (Blockone)

Check out your perfect sanctuary and secure your Ames student apartments today!

The estimated monthly cost of living in Ames generally ranges from $2,100 to $3,100 per month. This has made Ames the top 10 most affordable college towns in the US. Just keep a note, that this cost is ever changing as it is completely dependent on your lifestyle and what type of student housing Ames, IA you should go for. You can easily save money by opting for a place that follows an all-inclusive rental model and use the free CyRide bus system, which eliminates the need for a car. Below is the estimate breakdown of cost of living in Ames:

To get an accurate estimate based on your spending habits, you can use the University Living Cost of Living Calculator.

With more than 45% of the population being students, the city has a youthful and innovative culture. As an academically focused city that benefits from over $5 billion in annual impact from the universities here, Ames is known for its bike-friendly atmosphere. Over time, the city has earned a gold-level rating and is committed to sustainability. This makes it one of the most desirable places for student housing Iowa. Some of the best areas here include:

• Somerset: With its European style layout, this place provides a modern yet stylish living experience. Located around 2.5 miles north of the Iowa State University campus, it is just 5-8 minute drive or a 12-minute bus ride away. While living here, you will often find yourself enjoying and going to places such as The Cafe and Brick City Grill. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,100 to $1,450 per month. Thus, making it a premium option for those who want a walkable and well-designed area.

• Sunset Ridge: As a calm and green neighborhood, it is about 3 miles west of the city centre and the Iowa State University campus. This area is perfect for students who want a peaceful place away from busy city life. You will often find students visiting local spots like Stomping Grounds for studying or relaxing. The area has 15% more park space per resident compared to the city average, which adds to its natural feel. Rent for student apartments Ames usually ranges from $950 to $1,300 per month.

• North Ridge Heights: This one is a clean, safe, and well-planned neighborhood that is located around 4 miles north of downtown. It takes about a 10-minute drive to reach the Iowa State University campus. The area is close to places like Morning Bell Coffee Roasters and North Grand Mall, making daily life convenient. For those looking for student housing Iowa that feels like a traditional home, rents here usually range from $1,000 to $1,350 per month for spacious units.

When it comes to transportation, Ames has a well-developed system that perfectly supports large student populations. The city’s CyRide bus system is one of the key features, recording more than 6 million rides annually. Plus, students can ride for free; otherwise, you can get a monthly pass for around $38. Boasting a gold-level bicycle status with more than 55 miles of bike paths, it makes cycling a good option even in winter. Below are the best transportation options for students:

• CyRide (The Bus System): As the main transportation system in Ames, it runs 13 bus routes and provides over 6 million rides every year. For students at Iowa State University (ISU), buses like the Cardinal, Gold, and Blue routes arrive after every 5 to 10 minutes during busy class hours. A normal ticket here costs $1.00 per ride, but ISU students can use the service for free because it is included in their fees. Non-students can buy a monthly pass for about $38.00.

• Ames Bicycle Network: Ames is a gold-level bicycle-friendly city with more than 55 miles of bike paths and shared lanes. As one of the most popular modes, around 20% of students here choose to bike during warmer months. Iowa State University supports this by offering 5,000+ bike parking spaces and 24-hour repair stations with tools and air pumps. Riding from places like North Ridge Heights to campus usually takes about 15 minutes, making it a healthy and quick option for students living in Ames student apartments.

• Ride-Share (Uber & Lyft): For late-night or off-peak travel, students often use apps like Uber and Lyft. These services are useful when buses like the CyRide “Moonlight Express” are not running. They offer quick, door-to-door rides, often taking less than 10 minutes to reach student housing areas. A typical ride across the city costs around $8.00 to $14.00, depending on demand. This makes them a safe and flexible option.

• Walking & Micro-mobility: As a compact and walkable city, walking is one of the easiest ways to travel around. With 30,000+ students at ISU, several students here walk daily, especially in areas like Campustown. The city has 100+ miles of sidewalks, and students living nearby can reach classes in just 5 to 12 minutes. Many also use e-scooters and skateboards, which have seen a 15% increase in usage recently.

Every year, Ames attracts more than one million visitors, making it a popular midwestern destination that is full of college spirit and beautiful nature. All thanks to its Big 12 sports excitement and a surprisingly rich arts scene, the city is perfect for students who want a mixture of academics and recreation. Plus, when you are living in an Ames student apartment, this means that you will never be far away from amazing hangout spots. Here are some of the must visit top tourist attractions in Ames:

• Reiman Gardens: A 17-acre botanical garden owned by Iowa State University (ISU), this peaceful spot is perfect for nature lovers. It includes a 2,500-square-foot butterfly wing and the world’s largest concrete garden gnome, “Elwood.” Entry is around $12, but ISU students can often visit for free with their student ID.

• Jack Trice Stadium: Known for being the only major college football stadium named after an African-American athlete, Jack Trice Stadium hosts more than 60,000 fans for ISU football games. While it's free to visit the stadium, tickets for game days vary. Many students enjoy discounted season passes.

• The Octagon Center for the Arts: Located in the Main Street District, this arts center is the heart of Ames’ creative community. It hosts the annual "Octagon Art Festival," drawing over 10,000 visitors. Admission to the gallery is free, making it a great cultural stop for students living in Ames to explore local art, photography, and pottery.

• Ledges State Park: Just a short drive from the city center, this park offers stunning views with 100-foot sandstone cliffs and canyon-like landscapes. It’s perfect for hiking, wading through Pea’s Creek, or just enjoying the outdoors. Best of all, it’s free to access year-round, offering a great natural escape for students who want a break from their studies.