CO · Dorms · Off-Campus

CU Boulder Off-Campus Housing Guide (2026)

First-years live on campus; sophomores flood into The Hill and the 28th St corridor.

Where students live

The Hill (west of campus) and the 28th St/Baseline corridor are the signature zones in a supply-constrained, high-rent market.

Only a handful of purpose-built student properties exist (U Club is the big by-the-bed player); most students rent conventional apartments or Hill houses, and top properties sell out by early spring — Parker Off Pearl is already waitlisted for 2026–27.

Apartments & rentals students actually use

CommunityDistanceUnits & sizesFurnished?RentLinks
U Club on 28th
28th St corridor
Walk/bike4BR/4BA plansFurnishedContact propertywebsite · floor plans
The Lotus
28th St corridor
Blocks from campus1–4BRRenovated unitsFrom $1,396website · floor plans
Parker Off Pearl
Near Pearl St
3-min drive / 6-min bike1BR apartmentsFully furnishedWaitlist 2026–27website · floor plans
Mountainaire
E Boulder, Bixby Ln
5-min drive / 8-min bikeStudio 495 · 2x1 660 · 3x2 980–1,320 · 4x3 1,510 sq ftVariesSee sitewebsite · floor plans

Rates, sizes, and floor-plan links from official property sites, August 2026. Several are promotional starting rates and change often — verify with the property.

What you'll need

Hill houses and most conventional apartments are unfurnished; the student properties are furnished — check your lease, then use the matching filter. CU's official board is Ralphie's List.

Apartment checklist   Apartment shop

Staying in the dorms instead? Head back to the CU Boulder dorm dimensions and dorm packing list.