Find a Place to Live
Living in Lawrence
It is important to search for housing before you arrive in Lawrence. If you would like to look at apartments or housing options after you arrive, you will need to reserve a hotel room for a few days. You should reserve a hotel room before you arrive in Lawrence so that you know you have a place to stay right away.
The University of Kansas does not have a discount code at local hotels. We recommend reserving the hotel room directly from the hotel website instead of using a hotel aggregate website like hotels.com.
Students
KU does not require first year students to live on campus, however, most first year students do live on campus. Students admitted to KU are eligible to live in university residence halls or university apartments.
Learn more about housing for students.
Faculty, Staff, and Scholars
University of Kansas guest housing options are conveniently located on campus and designed to support both short-term and long-term housing needs for faculty, staff, and visiting scholars as well as their families.
Students
KU does not require freshman students to live on campus. However, most freshman live on campus.
Learn more about off campus housing.
Faculty and Staff
If you wish to live off campus, it is important to search for housing before you arrive in Lawrence so you know what is available and what the cost for renting an apartment or house or buying a home will be. Many rental agencies and apartment complexes will be able to answer your questions by email before you arrive. You may want to ask your supervisor or department at KU for suggestions on where to live.
Lease agreements in the U.S. tend to be for one year and have financial penalties for moving out early ("breaking the lease"). Be sure to read the rental agreement carefully before signing so that you understand what costs you will be responsible for in addition to the monthly rental fees, as well. If you have any questions about the lease agreement, talk to the rental agency or apartment complex to get your questions answered before you sign the agreement. Most rental agencies and apartment complexes will require that you pay a deposit, often called a security deposit, when you sign the lease. When you move out after your lease ends, the rental agency or apartment complex may use some or all of the deposit to repair the apartment or house after you move out.
It is important to consider purchasing renter's insurance while in the United States. Generally, a landlord is not legally responsible for loss or damage to a renter's property. Also, if a renter causes damage to the landlord's property, even unintentionally, the landlord may have the right to hold the renter financially responsible. In both of these cases, renter's insurance would protect the renter from having to pay potentially very large amounts of money. There are many insurance companies, here are two:
- Electric: Evergy Energy
- Gas: Black Hills Energy
- City Water, Sewer, Trash Removal: City of Lawrence (start/stop/transfer service), Pay Your Bill Online
- Internet / Cable Television: Midco and Uverse are the local cable providers, but there are many other options such as satellite and phone company.
- Recycling in Lawrence
Apartments
Usually, if you live in an apartment building, you will not be responsible for lawn maintenance, like mowing the grass and gardening, or snow removal. Check with your lease agreement and rental agency if you have questions about your responsibilities.
Houses
Usually, if you rent a house, you will be responsible for lawn maintenance, like mowing and gardening, and snow removal. You may not be provided with a lawn mower, snow blower, shovels, or other equipment. If these items are not provided for you to use, you will have to purchase them. Stores like Target, The Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes Home Improvement carry items you will need to maintain your lawn and remove snow.
If you buy a house, you will be responsible for lawn maintenance and snow removal. Some houses are part of cooperative neighborhoods or condominium associations that require residents to pay monthly dues. These dues may cover the cost of lawn maintenance and snow removal. Check with your cooperative neighborhood or condominium association to find out what you are responsible for.