If you are a student at the University of Maryland, you likely understand that there is an appeal to off-campus housing. The freedom, luxurious amenities, and living near your friends appeal to many of the students.
The housing for areas near UMD has become increasingly competitive as new student housing options emerge each year. As a result, the amenities can get expensive.
While student housing can be expensive, there are ways to make student living more affordable.
At Rambler, we understand that it is important to find an apartment that fits your budget yet feels like home. To help you find housing options that are affordable, we have compiled a list of eight ways to help save money on student housing near the University of Maryland.
Read Next: 10 Additional Living Costs for Students Renting Apartments Near UMD
1. Bigger Floorplans
The price per square foot in College Park Maryland is relatively high, so finding a way to maximize your space can make all the difference. Oftentimes, the more roommates you have, the lower the monthly rental rate costs. For example, a five bedroom apartment tends to cost hundreds of dollars less than a two-bedroom apartment. This is due to the fact that there is less square footage per person.
Having more roommates is not the only way to cut costs in apartment living. You can also opt to share bedrooms or bathrooms.
2. Shared Bathrooms
If you want more privacy but still want to save some money each month, a great way to accomplish this is through consideration of a shared bathroom. This way, you have your own bedroom for when you need to recharge, but also pay less in rent each month. If this sounds appealing to you, stay alert when seeing 4×2 floor plan options.
No matter which approach suits your needs better, the more roommates you have, the lower your rent will be.
3. Sign Your Lease Early
In College Park, especially at newer properties, the way to guarantee lowest prices on monthly rent without compromising on space and amenities is to sign your lease early.
Most properties in College Park begin their leasing period in mid to late August. For developments with high demand, students tend to sign a lease no later than 5 months in advance.
Rates generally raise by $10 to $20 each month after they’ve reached a certain quota of leases signed.
If you are looking to get the best deals at luxury apartments, be sure to sign your leases asap to reap the benefits of cheaper monthly rates.
Read Next: 5 Benefits to Signing Your Lease Early in College Park
4. Find Rental Rates that Include Extras
In College Park, the different housing options vary in what they offer included in the monthly rental rate. To get the most out of your money, look for rates that include utilities such as wifi, trash service or even balconies.
You can ask the leasing staff at apartment complexes that you are interested in living in for comparisons of other unit options.
5. Windowless Bedrooms
Another option to save some cash is choosing a windowless bedroom, and opting for natural light substitutes to make your room feel cozy. This could include mirrors, TVs, extra lighting or other lighting fixtures.
If you’re considering a windowless bedroom, contact the apartment’s leasing team to see what other amenities the property provides so you can make the most of your living space.
6. Opt for a Less Popular Unit
While having an expansive view of College Park and its surroundings, this is not always budget friendly. Opting for a lease popular unit will save money, and there are a few ways to go about this. One being choosing a unit on a low level or choosing a unit with less desirable views.
On these lower levels, units are generally less expensive due to lower demand for ground floor views. Additionally, being on a ground floor could place residents closer to the noise that circulates from the gym or lobby.
Regardless of floor level, not all apartment units offer breathtaking views of downtown College Park. If a view is not a dealbreaker for you, try choosing a unit that looks at courtyards or side streets to save a large sum of money.
7. Minimize Furniture Costs
Although selecting your furniture for your apartment allows you to be creative and have fun, it can run up your total cost very quickly. Even though most decorations are chosen and optional by residents, it is essential to have at least a bed and a couch to relax.
Apartment complexes that provide fully furnished apartments cut costs and the time it takes to choose your furniture and move it into the unit. This is also beneficial for students looking to sublet, as they avoid the need for a storage unit.
Read Next: When to Start Your Search for Housing as a UMD Student
Most apartments in College Park are fully furnished as that tends to be a key factor for students when finding their cost of living that fits their budgets and needs.
If you want to handpick your furniture, there are still reasonable ways to find discounts. For instance, thrift stores, discount stores or Facebook Marketplace can offer inexpensive, high-quality items.
Ultimately, there are ways to save money on student housing and get the most value out of your expenses. Before looking at on campus housing alternatives, be sure to consider these options so that you can find the best deal for you.
If you are interested in living on North Campus, reach out to our leasing team, who would love to answer any questions you may have about UMD housing options.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: May 13, 2026
Last Updated On: May 5, 2026