About Washington DC
Washington is located in the District of Columbia - DC, and is one of the most popular destinations among students. Here is a breakdown of the proportion of international students by level of study in Washington DC:
Undergraduate: 14.2%
Postgraduate: 26.4%
Washington in DC has 13% international students, making it one of the cities in the US with a high percentage of international students. Three world-class universities are located in the city, including Georgetown University, George Washington University, and the American University, contributing to its excellent reputation for higher education.
Popular Student Areas in Washington DC
Popular Washington DC areas amongst university students are Dupont Circle, U Street Corridor, and Adams Morgan. There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for the perfect student area to stay in, including transportation, cost, and amenities.
Students living in Dupont Circle will be near George Washington University and the American University, and purpose-built student apartments would cost around US$1,200–US$1,800/month.
Travel time from Dupont Circle to Washington Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Metro- 10-15 minutes
Bus - 15-20 minutes
Taxi - 10-15 minutes
Walking - 30-40 minutes
For students living in Washington DC U Street Corridor, purpose-built student flats would cost approximately US$1,000–US$1,500/month. In this area, nearby universities include Howard University.
Travel time from U Street Corridor to Washington Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Metro- 5-10 minutes
Bus - 10-15 minutes
Taxi - 5-10 minutes
Walking - 20-25 minutes
For students living in Adams Morgan, purpose-built student rooms would cost around US$800–US$1,200/month In this area, nearby universities include The Catholic University of America.
Travel time from Adams Morgan to Washington Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Bus - 20-25 minutes
Metro - 15-20 minutes
Taxi - 15-20 minutes
Walking - 40-45 minutes
Best Student Off-Campus Housings in Washington DC
Washington DC has a variety of student room options, and students can explore different areas of the city in proximity to their universities and budgets.
Popular student Off-Campus Housings in Washington DC, that provide almost every room type include Washington DC - 1325 15th Street Northwest and Logan Circle - 1344.
Discover Student Room Types in Washington DC
The purpose-built student housing in Washington, WA, typically includes a variety of amenities in the bills; it varies according to the provider's terms and conditions. But broadly, we suggest a student should consider budget, needs, and preferences while making decisions.
Here, we have categorised the room types given below based on preferences and budget to help you in your decision-making.
Type 1: Affordable off-campus student housing in Washington DC:
These cost around US$800–US$1,500/month on average and are recommended for students who are comfortable sharing space. Typically, such properties are houses or apartments.
Shared room
Amenities: Self-contained apartment with multiple bedrooms, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$800/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$700/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$600/month
Washington DC student housing for shared rooms are Flex Plus - Adams Morgan, Welcoming bedroom near George Washington University, and Bright bedroom at the heart of George Washington University.
Triple/ Quadruple rooms
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$700/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$600/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$500/month
Entire place
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$2,500/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$2,000/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$1,500/month
Type 2: Affordable off-campus student apartments in Washington DC with privacy: These rooms cost around US$800 – US$1,600/month
Single Room
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$800/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$700/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$600/month
Flatshare
Amenities: Private Bedroom in a shared house or flat, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$800/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$700/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$600/month
Twin Rooms
Amenities: One room with 2 single beds, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$1,200/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$1,000/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$800/month
Double Rooms
Amenities: One bedroom with double bed, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$1,000/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$800/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$700/month
Room Type 3: Washington DC Off-campus student rooms with privacy, quiet space, and near the Downtown cost around US$1,200– US$2,000/month.
Student Flats
Amenities: Private bedroom, private bathroom, private kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$800/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$700/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$600/month
Student En-Suite Rooms
Amenities: Single bedroom, Private bathroom, shared kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$1,200/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$1,000/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$800/month
Student Studios
Amenities: private bedroom, Private bathroom, private kitchen
Dupont Circle avg. Rent: US$1,400/month
U Street Corridor avg. Rent: US$1,200/month
Adams Morgan avg. Rent: US$1,000/month
Room Type 4: Students who prefer amenities over budget
Student Penthouse in Washington DC, costs around US$3,500/month.
These are suitable for students who prefer to have private bedrooms, a private balcony, a terrace, privacy, spacious rooms, and a top floor which is more over budget.
Cost of Living in Washington DC for Students
It varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall, keeping your Washington DC student housing rent apart, some additional expenses around are overlooked. We have curated a list of such necessary items along with some tips to help you reduce the cost of living in Washington DC, as a student:
Food Expenses: US$300/month on average.
We suggest buying groceries that cost around US$200/month and cooking your own meals.
Shop from grocery stores that offer student discounts on grocery items such as.
Trader Joe's: Store available in Washington DC, which frequently has sales and special offers, making it easy to score good deals on essentials like produce, frozen food, and pantry staples.
Target store: The store is available in Washington, DC, which runs weekly sales and promotions on groceries alongside other household essentials, including food, and also offers RedCard for additional discounts.
Aldi: Store available in Washington DC which is popular for rock-bottom prices on grocery items.
Walmart: The store is available in Washington, DC, and offers a student-focused Walmart Student program for free shipping on grocery orders over US$35 and access to exclusive discounts.
Costco: Store available in Washington DC, which offers student membership-based discounts on bulk buying groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples.
Washington DC Food Banks: Offers groceries/food for free or at the lowest prices possible. To find such local food banks and their eligibility criteria visit Feeding America's website or by calling 211.
Transportation Expenses: US$100/month on average. Tips to save some money on daily transportation in Washington DC, while living as a college student. According to your preferences and the university's distance from your residence, you may choose whichever option suits you.
Rent Bicycles: A few companies offer Docked Bike Sharing, and Dockless Bike Sharing at discounted prices for students. Also, the students can look for Campus Bike Rental Programs offered by their university. Search for such companies near your student accommodation.
Buses & Metro Passes: Many transit agencies offer student discounts on transportation fares. Generally, you can visit PassFinder or the American Public Transportation Association (ATA) website to find student discount passes and their Terms and Conditions.
Trains: Amtrak Intercity trains connect major cities across the country and can be a good option for weekend tours. It offers student discounts for people aged between 12-25 years.
Ridesharing: As an alternative to taxis, companies like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts. Just ensure that their services are available in Washington DC.
Carpooling: Some universities and colleges offer carpool matching programs for students.
Electric Scooters: These are a flexible option for short trips within the city. Many companies such as Bird, Lime, Spin, Lyft, Skip, Voi, Tier, Bolt, and Neuron offer student discounts or reduced fares for certain plans. Just ensure that their services are available in Washington DC.
Kitchen Essentials: They cost you between US$140 and US$440. However, it depends upon your student room regardless of on-campus and off-campus apartments if kitchen essentials are included in the rent or not. Check the property page you are interested in, is recommended. Cost may vary according to the City.
Basic cookware set (pots, pans, skillet): $30-$100
Utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, knives): $20-$50
Plates, bowls, mugs: $20-$40
Cutting board, knives: $20-$50
Small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker): $50-$200
Tips for international students to save money on Kitchen essentials
Thrift stores and consignment shops
Reuse utensils of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their utensils or lend them to you.
Online marketplaces are helpful for buying secondhand items at affordable prices. Ensuring to personally check the item is recommended.
Check if your university has any College campus rental programs for Kitchen utensils.
Search for Appliance rental companies nearby in the city to rent out the Kitchen essentials.
Cook in groups: If you are a group of students moving together, Divide the selected rental utensils bill with them. It will reduce the cost way more than expected.
Bedding, Bathroom, and Cleaning Essentials: would cost you approximately US$250 - US$1000 approximately.
Bedding Essentials would cost you approximately US$220 - US$85.
including
Mattress and box spring: $150-$500 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended )
Comforter: $30-$200 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended )
Sheets: $20-$50
Pillows: $10-$50
Blanket: $10-$50
Bathroom Essentials would cost you approximately US$36 - US$160.
Including
Toothbrush: $2-$10
Toothpaste: $2-$10
Bar soap: $1-$5
Body wash: $3-$15
Shampoo and conditioner: $5-$20
Razor: $5-$15
Shaving cream: $3-$10
Towel: $5-$20
Bathrobe: $10-$50
Cleaning Essentials: would cost you around US$30 - US$80 approximately.
Including the items shared below. Generally, cleaning essentials are required for living in studio apartments and private rooms.
Dish soap: $1-$5
Sponges: $1-$5 for a pack of 2-3
Trash bags: $5-$10 for a large roll
Laundry detergent: $5-$15 for a small bottle
Cleaning wipes: $2-$5 for a pack
All-purpose cleaner: $3-$10
Toilet bowl cleaner: $2-$5
Mop and bucket: $10-$20
Tips for international students to save money on Bedding & Bathroom essentials
Shop during sales, promotions on special occasions
Buy in bulk from the stores that offer student discounts.
Reuse Bedding essentials of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their bedding essentials.
