Student Housing Washington DC
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Washington, D.C. is a major student hub with over 30,000 international students, but finding affordable housing is a key challenge. University Living offers verified student housing options, including shared apartments, en-suite rooms, and studios, with rents starting at $999. Top neighborhoods include Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan. The average monthly cost of living ranges from $1,700 to $4,100. Students benefit from the U-Pass for discounted Metro transit. The city is home to top universities like Georgetown and GWU, plus attractions like the National Mall. University Living provides transparent pricing, virtual tours, and properties under $2,000 per month.
Greystone
1143 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
8.92 miles from city centre
Walk score: 92
The Lanes at Union Market
400 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
9.72 miles from city centre
Walk score: 96
Stanton House
201 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
9.68 miles from city centre
Walk score: 91
Atlas House
318 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
9.57 miles from city centre
Walk score: 96
The George
2601 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States
6.69 miles from city centre
Walk score: 93
2221 S Clark St
2221 S Clark St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
7.42 miles from city centre
Walk score: 94
University View
8204 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740, United States
14.18 miles from city centre
Walk score: 86
Terrapin Row
4300 Hartwick Rd, College Park, MD 20740, USA
14.10 miles from city centre
Walk score: 83
Showing 1 - 12 properties out of 17
Nearby Places in Washington DC
Washington DC Student Living Guide
Student Housing Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a major student city in the United States of America. The city is vibrant and is home to more than 30,000 students from more than 100 countries all across the globe. Every year, thousands of students apply to some of the top universities in the region, but only a few are able to make the cut. One of the main problems that these new international students face even before landing in the USA is finding the right student housing in Washington, DC.
There are several neighbourhoods in Washington, DC for student housing, like Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Foggy Bottom, with rent starting from just $999 per month. There are several room types like shared apartments, En-Suite/Non-En-Suite housing, and studio apartments to choose from. However, finding a good property among all these options might be a hassle.
This is where University Living comes into the picture. With over 10+ years of experience in the housing abroad industry and presence in more than 600 cities across the globe, we’ve helped more than 2,000,000 students to date find a perfect home in a totally new country! Therefore, if you are looking for student apartment in Washington, DC, you are at the right place!
Types of Student Housing in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is home to several thousand students, with many more coming in every year. Now, one of the main problems these students face is finding the ideal Washington, DC student housing. Finding the right property is very important because your comfort and privacy in student life depend on the type of housing you choose. Student housing in USA is divided into two basic types, namely: Student Housing and Private Apartments. Both of them have their own pros and cons, and therefore, have been explained briefly below:
Student Housing
Also popularly known as PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Housing), these properties are built specifically for students and therefore have everything you need in them. The best part about these properties is that they are generally located near the university or in areas that have great transport connectivity to the university. The rent for these housings includes utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills, along with other facilities like gym, lounge, breakfast bar, etc. PBSAs are further divided into 4 types to provide more budgetary options to students. These include:
Shared Housing: These are some of the most affordable types of student properties in the city. In shared housing, students get to share a room along with 2/3 occupants along with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Since everything is shared among all occupants, the per person costs come out to be really low!
En-Suite Housing: This is the most preferred type of student apartment in Washington, DC, as in these properties, students get to have an entire room to themselves along with a attached bathroom, a shared living room, and a kitchen!
Non En-Suite Housing: These types of rooms are very similar to an En-Suite housing. However, the only major difference between the two is that, unlike its counterpart, an En-Suite housing does not come with a personal bathroom. The rest is the same, a personal room along with shared bathroom, living room, and kitchen.
Studio Apartments: These are the most comfortable and private type of student apartments in Washington, DC, because in this property, students get to have an entire unit to themselves, which comes with a bed, a kitchen, and a bathroom. All of this for just one person!
Private Apartments
These properties are different from a PBSA and are often leased out as individual independent units with 2/3 rooms with bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. They are available for both, students and working professionals. However, the rent for these properties does not include any utility bills or extra facilities. Every other expense, be it electricity, water, or gas, is on top of the rent! Also, these properties are the best suited for students and working professionals!
About Washington, DC
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. It is not part of any state; instead, it is a special federal district. The city is famous for its grand monuments, historic museums, and important government buildings. The most popular place to visit is the National Mall, a large park where you can see the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and many free Smithsonian museums like the Air and Space Museum. Another favorite neighborhood is Georgetown, known for its old cobblestone streets, cute shops, and waterfront views.
Getting around D.C. is easy. Students get great discounts on the Metro subway and buses through programs like U-Pass, which offers unlimited rides for a low fee. Many students also use bikeshare and scooters for short trips. D.C. is also home to top universities like Georgetown, George Washington, and American University. These schools are known for strong programs in political science, international relations, business, and law. Many graduates go on to work in government, media, and non-profits. With its mix of history, education, and opportunity, Washington, D.C. is an exciting place to live and study.
Best Student Housing in Washington, DC Under $2000/Month
The real estate prices in Washington, DC are skyrocketing, and therefore, finding a good, affordable property in the city is a major hassle for students. However, we at University Living have several student housing options in the city that are well under $2000 per month. These properties do not cut out on costs by reducing the services offered and therefore, are the most value for money options for students!
Some of the best student apartments in Washington, DC under $2000 are:
Note: Check out the most affordable student housing options in Washington, DC only at University Living and explore great discounts!
Top Student Housing in Washington, DC
Washington, DC has some of the top properties for student housing in the United States. These properties are modern, classy, and provide almost everything that is essential for a comfortable student living in the city! These properties are located close to major universities in the city and therefore, are preferred by students a lot! The rent for student housing in Washington DC starts from $999 and goes up to $5100 per month, hence, no matter what your budget is, you can easily secure a good student home in Washington, DC. Some of the top properties are mentioned below:
Note: Book the top student properties in Washington, DC and unlock special prices, only at University Living!
Ideal Cost of Living in Washington, DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States and is a very expensive city! The cost of living is a major concern for international students, and that too in the United States, which has one of the strongest currencies in the world. The average rent for student housing Washington DC is around $2500 per month, and therefore, the overall cost of living tends to be higher. However, if students choose the right student property, make a budget and manage expenses properly, they can expect to spend a month in the city for well under $1700! The cost of living in Washington DC has been explained in detail in the table below:
Expense | Estimated Cost (USD/month) |
Rent (Shared) | $1000 – $3000+ |
Food & Groceries | $300 – $400 |
Transport | $100 – $150 |
Utilities & Internet | $100 – $250 |
Leisure & Misc. | $200 – $300 |
Total (Typical) | $1,700 – $4,100+ |
Note: Students are informed that these figures are not fixed and are subject to changes based on their actual lifestyle and expenses. If you want to have a better idea on the cost of living in Washington, DC, you can use University Living’s exclusive cost of living calculator.
Best Areas to live in Washington, DC
Designated the capital in 1790, Washington, DC is one of the best cities for students who wish to pursue their education abroad and is home to over 80,000 students. The city has some of the most vibrant and modern student neighborhoods in the region. These neighborhoods are located close to major universities in the city and therefore, new students are recommended to stay in such localities so that they can reach out to their peers in case of any concerns or problems. These neighborhoods have been explained briefly below:
Foggy Bottom
Located just 1.5 miles away from downtown, one of the best neighborhoods for student housing in Washington, DC is Foggy Bottom. This area is located directly between the White House and Georgetown and, therefore, is one of the poshest localities in the city. There are several options for good student properties, which is why it is absolutely loved by students! The neighborhood houses the George Washington University (GWU) and is the primary choice for students of the uni! There are several good food options in Foggy Bottom, like Founding Farmers, which always has a waiting time of at least an hour and is extremely popular for its chicken and waffles. Blue Duck Tavern is the best place in the city for beef ribs and sumptuous bone marrow! One of the best hangout spots for students of GWU is the Froggy Bottom Pub, which is one of the best places to be in the city! The average rent for student properties in Foggy Bottom ranges between $1800 and $2200+ per month!
Dupont Circle
Easily accessible via the Red Line Metro, Dupont Circle is a busy, central neighborhood in Washington, DC that is located just 2.2 miles away from Downtown and, therefore, is a major student hub. It is famous for its art galleries, bookshops and houses some of the most beautiful student properties! The best part about Dupont Circle is that it has several diverse food options, from upscale dining to casual cafes. One of the most famous spots in the city is Kramerbooks & Afterwords, which is an iconic bookstore with a bar and is open late at night! The neighborhood also houses the famous Dupont Circle Farmers' Market, the best Sunday market in the city. The average rent for student properties in Dupont Circle ranges between $1600 and $2000 per month!
Adams Morgan
Often called Washington’s Greenwich, another one of the top neighborhood for student housing is Adams Morgan. This is strategically located within 2 miles of downtown, near the Woodley Park Zoo. Adams Morgan is one of the most diverse, social, and fun areas, and is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and some of the most legendary nightlife scenes in the city! The 18th Street is lined with bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. If you are into international cuisines, this is the best neighborhood for you, as you can find almost every cuisine from all across the world, including Ethiopian, Salvadoran, Pan-Asian, Turkish, and Caribbean cuisines. The average rent for student properties at Adams Morgan ranges between $1200 and $1600 per month!
Columbia Heights
One of the most affordable neighborhoods for student apartments in Washington, DC is Columbia Heights, and it has great transport connectivity throughout the city. It is comparatively newer, and is a lively and diverse neighborhood which gives residents excellent access to big-box shopping and Rock Creek Park. This neighborhood is known for its affordability and houses several casual restaurants, including numerous Latin American eateries. It also houses the DC USA, which is a massive shopping complex with Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, DSW, and a variety of other shops and restaurants. The average rent for student properties in Columbia Heights ranges between $1000 and $1500 per month!
Best Transportation for Students in Washington, DC
In order to make the daily transport easy for students and residents of the city, Washington, DC has developed an extensive network of public transit systems that is widely used by students. The most popular modes of transport for students in the city include the Metrorail, Metrobus and University shuttle services! These are considered to be a lifeline for students in the city, and have been explained briefly below:
Metrorail
Operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the Metrorail services are a heavy rail rapid transit system that is considered to be the backbone of the transport services in the city. It is also the second-busiest subway system in the United States. The system consists of 6 lines and caters to 98 stations, covering almost every part of the city! Students generally use the U-Pass program, which is issued on a per-semester basis, and students get unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus services. The charges for the same is around $115-$130 per semester.
Metrobus
Although the Metrorail services cover the entire city, there are certain places that are left untouched, and to provide last-mile connectivity throughout the city, the bus services complement the rail network! The bus service in the city is the 6th largest bus system in the U.S., with hundreds of routes covering the entire D.C. region. Students can use the U-Pass for bus services as well! Some of the major bus routes in the city include C91, D80 / D82, and C85.
University-Specific Shuttles
Many universities in the city operate their own free shuttle networks that connect campuses with major rail stations and student neighborhoods. One of the best shuttle services is that of Georgetown University. It is free for students of the university and connects the main campus with major student neighborhoods like Rosslyn, Dupont Circle, Capitol Campus, and Georgetown Medical Center.
Top Tourist Attractions in Washington, DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the strongest economy in the world and therefore, is nothing short of a paradise. The city houses some of the best tourist attractions in the country! The best part about the city is that D.C. lacks traditional skyscrapers due to the Height of Buildings Act of 1910, which limits building heights to keep monuments visible. Hence, Washington, DC has some great tourist attractions and the top 3 have been explained below:
The National Mall & The Smithsonian Museums
The National Mall is an iconic park which is located right in the heart of DC, and is home to America’s most famous monuments and museums. It houses the Smithsonian Museums, which is a set of 17 museums, and is also the world's largest! Although all of these 17 museums are a must-visit, some of the best ones include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of American History. Monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument are also located along the National Mall. The Washington Monument is the city’s tallest structure and offers panoramic 360-degree view of the city.
Historic Georgetown
Founded back in 1751, Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in Washington, DC and is known for its cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, and scenic waterfront along the Potomac River. Georgetown also houses the Old Stone House, which is D.C.'s oldest standing building, built in 1766, and the grand Tudor Place estate, which is a 5.5-acre historic estate in Georgetown, Washington, DC. If you visit the historic Georgetown, visiting the Georgetown Waterfront Park and Washington Harbor is a must as they have a warm romantic vibe, and are filled with upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes with stunning river views!
The National Archives & The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Showcasing the triumphs of the United States of America, The National Archives & The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are two of the most important places to visit in the city and are nothing short of a heaven for history lovers. Everything from how America fought back against the British atrocities to how it gained rank as a superpower is showcased in the marvelous National Archives. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a powerful and somber museum that serves as a living memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Its permanent exhibition uses thousands of artifacts, photos, and films to tell the story of this tragedy.
Top Universities in Washington, DC for Students
Washington is home to some of the top universities across the globe and is one of the top choices for students in the country. These institutions are pioneers of educational research and training and are the first universities in the country. Millions of students every year apply to these universities, but only a few make the cut and secure admission in these institutions. Some of the best universities are explained briefly below:
Georgetown University
Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit University in the country and is consistently ranked as a top research institution globally. It is renowned for its strong programs in international relations and law, bolstered by its location in the nation's capital. Some of the best courses that see the largest number of applicants include those in International Relations, Law, Business, Medicine & Clinical Medicine, and Arts & Humanities. The university has produced several top alumni including Bradley Cooper, Maria Shriver, and Ivanka Trump.
George Washington University (GWU)
Located just a few blocks away from White House, the GWU was founded in 1821 and is known for its flexible and diverse academic programs. The University’s prime location provides students with unparalleled access to internships and careers in government, politics, non-profits, and international organizations. Some of the top courses chosen by students in the university are those in the fields of Political Science & Government, Marketing & Business, Nursing, Computer Sciences & Engineering, and Law. Some of the top alumni of the university are Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin, Daniel Noboa, and Russell Vought.
American University (AU)
With a strong focus on producing world-class leaders in the fields of public service, advocacy, and communication. Founded in 1893, the American University is one of the best universities in the country. It is famous for its Washington Semester Program, that combines academic seminars with real-world internships in the capital. Some of the top courses chosen by students include International Service, Public Affairs, Communications, and Business Studies. The institute has produced several famous alumni, including Gary Cohn, Paul Ryan, Alisyn Camerota, and Judy Sheindlin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have 24/7 support available.
Are there any hidden charges when booking through University Living?
No, University Living maintains transparent pricing with no hidden charges; all costs are clearly communicated upfront, and the rent you see is the final fixed price.
How do I find and book student housing in Washington DC on University Living?
You can visit the University Living website, search for "Washington, D.C.," filter properties by your university and budget, select a room, and complete the booking online by paying the required deposit.
What is the best time to start looking for student housing in Washington DC?
The best time to start looking for student housing in Washington, D.C., is several months before the academic term begins, as students typically move in about a week before orientation starts for the autumn intake.
Can I arrange a viewing before booking?
Yes, you can request a viewing or a virtual tour of the property before making a booking decision to ensure it meets your expectations.
What is the overall monthly cost of living in Washington DC for a student?
The overall monthly cost of living in Washington, D.C., for a student typically ranges from approximately $1,700 to $2,700 for accommodation, plus additional expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities.
What does a typical monthly budget look like beyond rent?
Beyond rent, a typical monthly student budget in Washington, D.C., should include groceries (averaging around $320), local transportation (around $136 for a Metro pass), utilities if not included, and personal expenses.
Can I find unfurnished apartments if I prefer to set up my own space?
While University Living primarily lists fully furnished student apartments, you can use the platform to find private apartments, some of which may be unfurnished or partially furnished.
What amenities can I expect in student housing in Washington DC?
You can expect amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, fully furnished rooms, study lounges, fitness centers, secure entry systems, communal kitchens, and in-unit laundry in many student housing properties.
How safe is student housing in Washington DC?
Student housing in Washington, D.C., is very safe; all properties listed on University Living are personally verified and include security features like CCTV, secure door entry systems, and 24/7 on-site support.
Can I stay with my friends or have guests in student housing?
Yes, many student housing options offer shared apartments where you can book a room with friends; some properties also allow guests, subject to their specific policies.
Can I cancel my lease after signing?
Cancellation policies vary by property; some accommodations offer flexible cancellation options depending on the notice period and circumstances, while others may require full payment or a processing fee.
How do students get around Washington DC?
Students get around Washington, D.C., using the extensive WMATA public transit system, which includes the Metrorail (subway) and Metrobus, with discounted fares available through the U-Pass program.
What are the best neighborhoods for students in Washington DC?
Some of the best neighborhoods for students in Washington, D.C., include Foggy Bottom (near GWU), Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Columbia Heights, offering a mix of proximity to universities, nightlife, and amenities.
Which universities are near student housing listed on University Living in Washington DC?
Student housing on University Living is located near major universities in Washington, D.C., including George Washington University (GWU), Howard University, Georgetown University, and American University.
Why should I choose University Living over other platforms?
You should choose University Living because it offers 100% verified properties, a best price guarantee, no hidden charges, hassle-free refunds within the cancellation window, and end-to-end support including airport transfers and assisted check-in.


