Through services, resources and events, the Apartment and Off-Campus Residential Living team offer dedicated support that prioritizes student independence. Program development and promotion focuses on experiences that impact students’ sense of belonging, community engagement and personal responsibility/self-reliance.
Students are permitted to move off campus after fulfilling the two-year housing requirement.
Attention Graduate Students: Options may be available for on-campus housing. Contact Housing, Meal Plan, and ID Card Services at housing@syr.edu to learn more.
Housing Search
Search off-campus housing, connect with landlords, and use Syracuse University tools to compare properties, find roommates, and explore sublease options.
Lease Signing Process
Get guidance on reviewing a lease, understanding your responsibilities, and knowing what to look for before signing an off-campus housing agreement.
Safety and Transportation
Explore safety resources, transportation options and helpful tips for staying safe while living off campus.
Seasonal Information
Find important information about August and January move-in, University break periods and other seasonal details to help you prepare for off-campus living throughout the year.
City of Syracuse Code of Ordinances
Learn about City of Syracuse ordinances, including noise regulations, property maintenance, parking and other local requirements that affect students living off campus.
Off-Campus Living Guide
The Off-Campus Living Guide supports students as they navigate living off-campus, evolving wellness needs and their unique student experience. For additional information or if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Apartment and Off-Campus Residential Living team.
- Follow @MySUExperience on Instagram to learn about events.
- Visit the Syracuse University Community Calendar for all campus events.
- Connect with an Off-Campus Community Ambassador.
- Create your unique student experience with the Be Involved Checklist.
Students are encouraged to grow their budgeting knowledge prior to and during their time living off-campus. Highlighted Syracuse University resources to help build personalized budgets are available below.
- Barnes Center at The Arch Wellness Wheel: Financial Wellness
- Smart Money Coaches
- The Orange Budget from Financial Literacy
- Wellness Leadership Institute Workshops
Consider the following when creating an off-campus living budget. It is important to understand the unique terms and financial expectations of each lease signed.
- Upfront Costs: Specific expenses due upon signing a lease and may include some or all of the following: first month’s rent, last month’s rent and security deposit.
- Lease Duration: Most leases are based on a calendar year, not a nine or 10-month academic term.
- Rent: May include some or all utilities (e.g. heat, hot water, electricity). If not included in rent, tenants are responsible for paying utilities separately. Cost of rent may also be impacted by distance to campus, size, furnishings, amenities, age and more.
- Monthly Expenses: In addition to rent, other monthly expenses often include utilities, food, recreation and more.
Housemate/Roommate Discussions
This guide is designed to assist in engaging housemates/roommates in important conversations about living together. Early and as needed discussions surrounding these topics and living experiences are encouraged.
- Who will take trash and recyclables to the appropriate dumpsters? (e.g., all roommates, certain roommates [if so, identify by name])
- How often will trash and recyclables be taken to the appropriate dumpsters? (e.g., daily, every couple days, weekly)
- Who will clean the floors (i.e., vacuum, sweep, mop) in the apartment (e.g., all roommates, certain roommates [if so, identify by name])?
- How often will we clean the floors? (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly)
- Who will clean the refrigerator and stove/oven (e.g., all roommates, certain roommates [if so, identify by name])?
- How often will we clean the refrigerator and stove/oven? (e.g., weekly, monthly)
- When will we lock our apartment front door? (e.g., at all times; when leaving the apartment; when going to sleep) Note: it is recommended that you keep your door locked at all times.
- What items are we willing to share? (e.g., clothing, computer/laptop, food, gaming system [Xbox, Playstation, etc.], other)
- Are we comfortable allowing each other to go into each other’s individual bedrooms?
- How do we feel about having guests/visitors in the apartment? Do we prefer to have guests/visitors only at certain times of the day?
- How will we primarily communicate with each other? (e.g., talk, leave notes, text, Snapchat, Instagram, other)
- Which social media platforms are we comfortable with information being shared/posted about each other? (e.g., Instagram, Snapchat, X, TikTok, other)
- If we have a concern or a problem with each other, how will we work to resolve it?
- How will we work to benefit as we learn about our differences? When we experience different values, beliefs, customs, cultures, religion, behaviors, and/or practices amongst each other, how can use it to learn and grow from each other?
- How will we pay for our monthly bills? (e.g., individually, separately)
- How will we pay each other? (e.g., cash, app [Venmo], other)
Helpful Resources and Reminders
- On designated days, take trash/recyclables out and back from the curb.
- Shovel snow on sidewalks, porches and driveways.
- Park vehicles only in designated spaces.
- Families and children also live off-campus. Please be considerate and respectful.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors.
- Set alarms early enough to account for a shuttle ride to class.
- Be responsible — know and follow the Student Conduct Code.
For additional information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Off-Campus Residential Living team.