Where students live
Furnished per-bed complexes in Amherst near North Campus, and the cheaper University Heights house-rental neighborhood at South Campus.
A big two-sided market: amenity-heavy purpose-built student housing with shuttles on the Amherst side, versus older houses in University Heights where a room is the cheapest way to live. Grad students also rent conventional Amherst/Tonawanda apartments.
Apartments & rentals students actually use
| Community | Distance | Units & rates | Furnished? | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villas on Rensch Across from North Campus | Minutes + shuttle | Multi-BR, private baths | Fully furnished | livevillasonrensch.com |
| Villas at Chestnut Ridge Amherst | Private shuttle | Studio, 2BR/2.5BA, 4BR/4.5BA | Furnished, W/D + gigabit included | americancampus.com |
| University Village at Sweethome Sweet Home Rd | Shuttle to North Campus | 1–4BR, private baths | Per-bed student leases | americancampus.com |
| Auden Buffalo Amherst/Getzville | ~7 min drive | Studio–4BR | Furnished, utilities included | auden-buffalo.com |
| Collegiate Village Near South Campus | Shuttles to both campuses | Private BR/BA shared apts | Most utilities included | collegiatevillagewny.com |
| University Heights houses Main St / Englewood / Winspear | Walk to South Campus | Rooms & 3–6BR houses | Varies | — |
Details compiled from public listings and property sites, August 2026. Rates and availability change every lease season — verify everything with the property.
What you'll need
Most rentals here come furnished — use the checklist's furnished filter and focus on bedding, kitchen, and bath.
Apartment checklist Apartment shop
Staying in the dorms instead? Head back to the UB dorm dimensions and dorm packing list.