There are many places to live in the Rochester area, both on and off campus. Explore some of these options and the resources available to our University community below.
For students not living on campus, there are various convenient and affordable housing options. We recommend looking at potential living arrangements for off-campus housing in person before making a decision.
The University’s Off-Campus Living Program provides resources to help you find rental housing, understand the leasing process, and negotiate a rental contract. Services include:
Learn more about off-campus housing services
Be sure to read and understand your lease agreement before you sign it. If you break a lease, it could affect your future plans to return to the United States or ruin your credit.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office publishes the Tenant’s Rights Guide (PDF) to help renters in New York. This document outlines your rights and the landlord’s responsibility to provide you with clean and safe housing, including functioning heat and hot water facilities (Real Property Law §235-b).
If you’re unable to resolve issues with your landlord and feel they are not fulfilling their obligations as outlined in the Tenant’s Rights Guide, make an appointment with the International Services Office to discuss your situation, especially if you feel you are being treated unfairly or taken advantage of.
There are several neighborhoods surrounding the University and in the Rochester area where students and employees can buy their own home instead of leasing a rental property. This decision is often based on long-term plans, access to necessary funding, and lifestyle.
We generally advise not to buy a home if you plan to stay there for fewer than five years. This is because you’re not likely to get a good return on your investment over such a relatively short period of time.
As an international student, scholar, or employee, buying a house does not contradict your status as a non-immigrant. This information should not be a factor in terms of a future visa application or maintaining valid US immigration status.