Finding a place to live
To find the housing best suited for you, start searching early. If you do not arrange housing before you arrive in Iowa, we recommend that you arrive early enough to find a place before orientation and classes begin. The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) cannot help students find housing.

Temporary housing upon arrival in Iowa City
Students who arrive in Iowa before arranging for permanent housing should research and make reservations at area hotels.

Temporary Housing Upon Arrival

Long-term on-campus options
University Housing & Dining operates 10 dormitory-style residence halls and two on-campus apartment complexes.

• Residence halls—International students who choose to live in the residence halls have excellent opportunities to improve their English, make friends, and learn about American society and culture.
• University Apartments—University Housing & Dining operates about 600 rental apartments for single students and those with families. At least one member of the household must be a registered UI student to be eligible to live at University Apartments. Students with dependent children are given priority if their applications are received by the appropriate priority deadline. After the deadline, assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Long-term off-campus options
The UI Office of Student Financial Aid estimates that the average cost of living off-campus in Iowa City is about $9,500 per year, per student. The actual cost will vary depending on the type of housing you choose, its distance from campus, and your style of living.

Off-Campus Housing Tips for International Students