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As you plan your journey to the United States, we recognize the excitement and challenges brought upon by the housing search. Housing has an important role in influencing your life in the US, your success at JHU, and your overall well-being. Whether you plan to live on-campus or off-campus, either in Baltimore or DC, this page provides essential information about the key considerations for the housing search and the JHU resources available to you throughout your search. 

Housing Options

On-Campus

Many colleges and universities in the US offer on-campus housing for their students. The benefits of living on campus are many; on-campus housing can be less expensive, has conveniently located dining options, and provides convenient access to campus resources like computer labs, academic libraries and buildings, and student events and social programming. 

Living on campus is mandatory for the first 2 years of study for undergraduate students at JHU. On-campus housing is located on the Homewood Campus and Peabody Institute. Limited on-campus housing may be available for juniors, seniors and graduate students at Peabody. No other on-campus housing is offered at JHU, which means that all other students as well as faculty, staff and scholars must find off-campus housing. JHU Off-Campus Housing Offices provide resources to assist those individuals with their housing searches.  

JHU On-Campus Housing Resources

Homewood

Peabody

Off-Campus

Living off-campus requires a deeper understanding of US housing and rental practices and may have more stringent application requirements than living on-campus.  It also offers benefits such as living independently, splitting costs with a group of friends, and more engagement with local communities. 

Consider the following information when searching for off-campus housing; 

  • Location
    • Distance from JHU
    • Public transportation to and from JHU 
    • Grocery stores/bank availability 
    • Security & safety 
  • Cost per month – living in the city near campus versus living in the suburbs 
  • Living alone versus having roommates 
  • Amenities in apartment or home [washer/dryer, air conditioning, parking, pets, etc.] 
  • Rental terms & requirements 
  • Furnished/unfurnished apartment 
  • Utilities cost– electricity, gas, heat/air conditioning, water, internet/cable and phone 

Here is a list of items you may need when signing a lease. Note that the required documents may vary between properties: 

  • Proof of income  
  • Rental application 
  • Rental application fee 
  • Lease guarantor/co-signer – may be necessary if you do not have the funds to pay for the rent yourself 
  • Security deposit [can be one month’s rent or up to two months’ rent depending on the State you are living in]  
  • Passport and visa documentation, such as I-20 or DS-2019 
  • Background or credit check 

A common hurdle for international students and scholars is the lack of a U.S. credit history or rental history; however, landlords often accept alternative forms of financial proof and documentation to secure a lease. Start your search early, ideally 3 to 6 months before you will arrive at JHU and use the university’s resources as your first step.  

At JHU, off-campus housing resources are available to students and scholars on all campuses. Off-Campus Housing provides information and support, such as:

  • Assistance identifying a roommate  
  • Living off-campus tips
  • Tenants’ legal rights
  • University and city resources for both Baltimore and Washington DC
  • Safety & security tips

Additionally, Virtual Housing Fairs are offered for those interested in living near Homewood, JHMI and The Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington D.C. Check each Off-Campus website for dates and times.  A JHED ID is not required to attend the Virtual Housing Fair.  Parents are also welcome to attend. 

 JHU Off-Campus Housing Websites

  • Baltimore
    • Homewood [Whiting School of Engineering, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Advanced Academic Programs, School of Education] Off-Campus Housing
    • Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, JH Hospitals, Peabody Institute and Carey Business School Off-Campus Housing  
  • Washington D.C.
    • School of Advanced International Studies [SAIS], Carey Business School and Advanced Academic Programs [AAP] Off-Campus Housing  

Short-Term Housing Options:

If you need temporary or short-term housing, there are some hotels and rental sites that may have options.  Consider doing an internet search for “extended stay hotels” or “short-term rentals”. 

Summer housing may be available on the Homewood Campus for students taking in-person classes. 

Useful Housing Resources

Off-Campus Housing provides a wealth of resources on each of their websites.  We strongly recommend reviewing those resources as you begin your housing search.  You will find helpful topics such as tenant’s legal rights, renting checklists, rental scams and renters’ insurance, to name just a few.   

  • Bloomberg School of Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Carey Business School, Peabody, All Children’s and JH Hospital Resources 
  • School of Advanced International Studies, Carey and AAP Resources 
  • Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Whiting School of Engineering, and School of Education Resources