While it may seem like a large portion of your chapter lives in-house, only a relatively small share of the Greek life population at the University of Maryland lives in their sorority or fraternity house.
You may choose not to live in fraternity or sorority housing for a variety of reasons. Maybe the house location isn’t convenient for your classes, you prefer a private bedroom or bathroom or you simply want to live outside the Greek life environment. Whatever the reason, there are several housing options available for students who would rather spend the school year somewhere other than a fraternity or sorority house.
At Rambler College Park, we understand that finding the right place to live can be overwhelming. To make your housing search easier, we’ve put together this guide outlining the most common living options for students outside of Greek housing.
Read Next: What Types of Housing are Available to UMD Students?
The most common types of housing for students who choose not to live in their fraternity or sorority houses are:
- On-Campus UMD Apartments
- Off-Campus Student Housing Apartments
- Off-Campus Traditional Apartments
- Off-Campus Traditional Houses
On-Campus Housing: University of Maryland Apartments
Apartment-style residence halls at the University of Maryland are owned and managed by the Department of Resident Life and leased directly to students. This option is especially popular among sophomores, juniors and seniors who want more independence after living in freshman dorms.
Housing contracts typically run for the academic year, beginning in late August and ending in May. Pricing varies depending on the building and floor plan, but at the time of publication in March 2026, the range falls between $10,177 and $14,683 but is subject to change.
These apartments are fully furnished and include shared living spaces, kitchens and bathrooms. Specific layouts and amenities vary depending on the residence hall.
A well-known apartment style complex at UMD is South Campus Commons. Many units feature individual bedrooms with shared bathrooms, along with living rooms and kitchens. Residents benefit from proximity to campus academic buildings and dining locations.
Other apartment-style residence halls include:
- Leonardtown Communities
- The Courtyards at College Park
- Montgomery Hall
For more information about apartment-style housing and other residence hall options, visit the University of Maryland Department of Resident Life.
Off-Campus Housing: Student Apartments
Another popular option is off-campus student apartments built specifically for college students near campus.
These communities are located close to the University of Maryland and are designed with student lifestyles in mind. Lease agreements run from mid-August through the following July, which works well for students who remain in College Park for summer classes, internships or research opportunities.
Most student apartments operate with individual leases, commonly called “by-the-bed leases.” This means each resident signs their own lease and is responsible only for their portion of the rent, their bedroom and shared areas like the kitchen or dining room.
Units range from studios to five-bedroom layouts. Apartments typically come fully furnished and include amenities catered to students.
Many modern student communities around College Park offer features such as:
- Rooftop terraces or pools
- Fitness centers
- Group study lounges
- Gaming rooms
- Coffee bars
- Coworking spaces
Monthly rate varies depending on locations, amenities and availability, but at the time of publication in March 2026, it typically falls between $1,100 and $2,400 per person per month. Pricing is subject to change.
Off-Campus Housing: Traditional Apartments
Traditional apartment complexes throughout College Park and nearby neighborhoods are another housing option for students.
Unlike student-focused apartments, traditional apartments serve a wider mix of residents, including families and working professionals. Because of this, they may offer fewer student-oriented amenities and may be located slightly farther from campus.
Traditional apartments usually operate on standard leases, meaning all roommates sign one lease together. Instead of each person paying separately, the group is collectively responsible for the full rent. Often one roommate organizes rent payments and submits the full amount to the landlord each month.
With many apartment communities located around College Park, rent can vary widely depending on the building’s age, renovations and proximity to campus. Prices can range from about $900 to more than $2,500 per person per month.
Off-Campus Housing: Traditional Houses
Another option for University of Maryland students is renting a house off campus.
Many students look for houses in nearby neighborhoods like Old Town College Park or Berwyn, which are both within walking and biking distance to campus.
These houses are often older properties and are rented unfurnished. Because they may lack amenities like gyms, pools or furnished living spaces, students living in houses usually coordinate furniture, utilities and other household items themselves.
For this reason, renting a house tends to be more common among upperclassmen or graduate students who already have roommates and are comfortable managing a shared household.
Leases follow the traditional 12-month format, with roommates splitting the rent and sharing responsibility for the property.
Because houses may be farther from campus and lack built-in amenities and furniture, rental prices are often somewhat lower, generally ranging from around $800 to $1,300 per person per month.
Read Next: How to Find Roommates in College Park
We hope this guide helps you better understand the different housing options available to University of Maryland students who decide not to live in a Greek house.
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about housing options, contact Rambler College Park’s leasing team. We are happy to help you during your search for housing.
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 8, 2026
Last Updated On: May 8, 2026