Similarly to other universities, Brandeis University has an on-campus living requirement for first-year students. Second, third and fourth year students have the option to live on-campus but it’s not an obligation, so they tend to move off-campus during these years. We recommend that you begin your research as early as possible to cover all the bases and spot your perfect fit, especially if you’re planning on moving out your second year and want to find an aparemnt for the rest of your college years. Although not every timeline is the same, we at JumpOffCampus recommend you begin your search at the beginning of your second semester. If this feels to late, start even earlier! It’s never too early to begin searching especially if this gives you peace of mind.

✩ Understand your budget

✩ Decide if you want to live with roommates

✩ Research neighborhoods and distance from Brandeis

✩ Use off-campus listing platforms promoted by Brandeis such as JumpOffCampus

✩ Decide if you want to use the Waltham shuttle, the MBTA or a car

This is when the Brandeis housing selection process begins so you’ll be aligned with the rest of your classmates in your search.

✩ Save the listings that match what you want

✩ Contact landlords

✩ Look for roommates if needed

✩ Schedule tours

✩ Compare leases and ask as many questions and you possibly need. Ask about utilities, understand move-in dates, rules and expectations within the lease and security deposits.

Don’t wait until you find the “perfect” apartment to start contacting landlords. The housing process moves quick and apartments fill even quicker so don’t leave it until the last minute.

✩ Confirm the address and make sure the listing matches the apartment

✩ Read and understand the lease before signing anything

✩ Understand move-in date

✩ Research and find renters insurance

If you haven’t found an apartment by this timeline don’t panic, but don’t stop searching! Expand your search to other neighborhoods, price ranges and apartment styles. If nothing ends up working out, Brandeis on-campus housing is always an alternative, so you can always search next year and learn from what didn’t work the first time around.

Check out JumpOffCampus and begin your search for off-campus apartments near Brandeis University now!