Housing Options For Miami Graduate Students

The University of Miami offers on-campus housing for undergraduate students. However, graduate students have many housing options near the university. The University of Miami Off-Campus Housing Service provides a Housing Database to assist students in their search for off-campus housing. The Housing and Relocation Guide is another helpful resource for students looking for off-campus housing.

On-campus housing for graduate students

The University of Miami offers a vibrant residential campus for its students, with a range of housing options to meet diverse needs and interests. The university is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and clean living environment that supports the education and personal growth of its students.

Housing Options for Graduate Students

On-campus housing at the University of Miami is primarily reserved for undergraduate students. Graduate students, however, have a variety of housing options available near the university. Living off-campus offers several benefits, including increased independence, lower costs, and more space.

The University of Miami provides resources to assist graduate students in finding suitable off-campus accommodations. The Off-Campus Housing Service is a valuable resource for graduate students seeking housing near the university. Additionally, the Housing Database and the Housing and Relocation Guide are helpful tools for finding off-campus housing. These resources provide information on available rentals, neighbourhoods, and the overall housing search process.

Neighbourhood Options

Miami offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Here are some of the popular neighbourhoods for students:

• Downtown and Midtown Miami: This urban epicentre offers a lively atmosphere with countless high-rises, parks, and entertainment venues. Midtown encompasses the Wynwood and Edgewater neighbourhoods, known for their recent developments and proximity to the Design District. While these areas offer a quick commute to school, they may present challenges such as traffic and safety concerns.
• Brickell: Located in the financial district, Brickell is known for its safety and proximity to various restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. While apartments in this area can be expensive, there are also affordable options suitable for students.
• South Miami Beach: This barrier island is renowned for its Art Deco Historic District and vibrant, tourist-attracting scene. South Beach offers a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, with most attractions within walking or biking distance. However, afternoon traffic and permitted parking restrictions may be considerations.
• Coral Gables: Home to the undergraduate campus, Coral Gables provides a slightly quieter atmosphere compared to Downtown or Brickell. It offers numerous dining and shopping options, as well as access to undergraduate facilities such as the Wellness Centre and Library. Rentals in this area often feature modern interiors, including individual washers/dryers, pools, and fitness centres.

Tips for Finding Housing

When searching for housing in Miami, it is recommended to consider various factors, such as commute time, safety, amenities, and proximity to desired locations. Additionally, students are advised to be cautious of scams and fraudulent listings, especially on classified listing websites. It is also important to be prepared financially, as many apartment complexes require security deposits, first and last month's rent, and application fees upfront.

Off-campus housing options

The University of Miami provides a Housing Database to help students find off-campus housing. The university also offers a Housing and Relocation Guide, and students can post on the Public Health Student Association's Facebook Group to find a roommate or ask about living in Miami.

The university's website also provides a list of neighbourhood summaries to help students find their ideal location.

Downtown and Midtown

Downtown is the urban epicentre of Miami, with countless high-rises, Bayfront Park, and the American Airlines Arena. Midtown is the collective term for the Wynwood and Edgewater neighbourhoods, located between the Miami Design District and Downtown. This area features recently built high-rises, condominiums, and apartments. Prices range from $1,100-1,500/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, and $1,800-2,300/month for a 2-bedroom. Pros include a quick commute to school and proximity to Brickell and South Beach. However, there is a lot of traffic, especially during events at the arena, and safety can be an issue.

Brickell

Brickell is located in Miami's financial district and is known for being a safe area. It offers a mix of expensive and inexpensive apartments. Studio/1-bedroom apartments typically range from $1,350-1,600/month, while 2-bedrooms range from $1,900-2,500/month. The pros of living in Brickell include accessibility to the Metro, proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, and bars, and a central location. However, parking can be challenging for guests, and rent is generally expensive.

South Miami Beach

South Miami Beach is a barrier island known for its Art Deco Historic District and vibrant, hip scene. Accommodations include condominiums, apartments, and homes. Studio apartments start at $850/month, while 2-bedrooms start at $1,700/month. Most buildings are older and have fewer amenities compared to newer complexes. Parking spaces/garages often come at an additional charge. The beach and various attractions are within walking or biking distance, and the commute to campus is quick, taking around 10-15 minutes without traffic. However, afternoon traffic can be heavy, and most residential areas have permitted parking.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is home to the undergraduate campus of the University of Miami and offers a slightly quieter atmosphere than Downtown or Brickell. It features numerous restaurants, shopping hotspots, and access to undergraduate facilities such as the Wellness Centre and Library. Rentals in this area often have modern interiors, including individual washers/dryers, pools, and fitness centres. Studio apartments typically rent for $1,500/month, while 2-bedrooms are around $2,000/month. It is a 15-30 minute drive to the UM Medical Campus, or 16 minutes by Metrorail from Douglas Road Station.

Oxford, OH

For students looking for off-campus housing in Oxford, OH, resources such as College Pads and the Miami OH Off-Campus Housing Website can assist in finding rentals near campus. Prices vary depending on the number of bedrooms and the location. For example, 1-bedroom apartments near Miami University typically cost around $2,235/month, while 2-bedroom apartments average $1,471/month.

It is recommended to start searching for off-campus housing early, as competition for rentals near campus can be high, especially if you are looking for a house rather than an apartment.

Housing costs

The University of Miami offers on-campus housing only for undergraduate students. However, graduate students have many housing options near the university, and the university provides an off-campus housing service to help students find accommodation. The university also provides a Housing Database to assist students in their search for off-campus housing.

The cost of housing in Miami varies depending on the neighbourhood and the type of accommodation. Here is a breakdown of housing costs in different areas:

Downtown and Midtown

Downtown is the urban epicentre of Miami, offering countless high-rises, Bayfront Park, and the American Airlines Arena. Midtown is the collective term for the Wynwood and Edgewater neighbourhoods between the Miami Design District and Downtown. This area features recently built high-rises, condominiums, and apartments. Studio or 1-bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month, while 2-bedroom apartments can cost between $1,800 and $2,300 per month.

The pros of living in Downtown or Midtown include a quick commute to school, proximity to Brickell and South Beach, and modern buildings with great amenities. However, there are also cons to consider, such as traffic, safety concerns, and early closing times for nearby shops and restaurants.

Brickell

Brickell is located in the financial district of Miami and is known for its safety. While some apartments can be pricey, there are also inexpensive options suitable for young professionals. This area is a preferred living destination for most students due to its convenient access to restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and nightlife.

Accommodation in Brickell typically consists of apartments and condos. Studio or 1-bedroom apartments range from $1,350 to $1,600 per month, while 2-bedroom apartments can cost between $1,900 and $2,500 per month.

The pros of living in Brickell include accessibility to the Metro, proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, and bars, and a central location within Miami. However, there are also cons, such as difficult parking for guests and expensive rent.

South Miami Beach

South Miami Beach is a barrier island known for its Art Deco Historic District and its young and hip atmosphere. This area offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Studio apartments can be found for $850 per month or more, while 2-bedroom apartments start at $1,700 per month.

Accommodation in South Miami Beach includes condominiums, apartments, and homes. Older buildings with fewer amenities are more common in this area. Parking spaces or garages often come at an additional charge.

The pros of living in South Miami Beach include the beach, numerous attractions within walking or biking distance, and a quick commute. However, there are also cons to consider, such as afternoon traffic and permitted parking restrictions in residential areas.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables offers a slightly quieter atmosphere compared to Downtown or Brickell. It is home to the undergraduate campus of the University of Miami and provides a variety of restaurants, shopping hotspots, and access to undergraduate facilities. Accommodation in this area typically features modern interiors, including individual washers/dryers, pools, and fitness centres. Studio apartments are available for $1,500 per month, while 2-bedroom apartments cost around $2,000 per month.

Coral Gables is within a 15-30 minute drive or a 16-minute Metrorail ride from the UM Medical Campus. It also offers a free trolley service to Douglas Road Station and Coral Way (to Downtown) on weekdays.

Additional Considerations

When searching for housing in Miami, it is recommended to contact a realtor as most apartments are individually owned. Apartment units can be in high demand, so it is advisable to start looking about a month before your planned move-in date. Be cautious of scams on websites like Craigslist, and be prepared to pay a considerable amount upfront, including security deposits and rent.

Housing application process

The University of Miami offers on-campus housing for undergraduate students, while graduate students have many housing options near the university. The University of Miami Off-Campus Housing Service provides resources for students seeking off-campus housing, including a Housing Database and a Housing and Relocation Guide. The Public Health Student Association’s Facebook Group is also a popular resource for finding roommates or asking about living in Miami.

To apply for on-campus housing as an incoming student, you must first receive your Admission Confirmation. You can then complete your housing application and contract online. The Campus Services Center will use preferences such as Living Learning Community and Roommate preferences to finalize your room assignment.

The University of Miami offers a range of housing options on campus, including traditional corridor residence halls and apartment-style living. First and second-year students are required to live on campus, and a limited number of spaces are provided for third and fourth-year students each year.

The University's online housing portal allows students to access information about room selection, housing assignments, meal plan changes, and more. The University is also in the process of implementing a multi-phase housing plan to improve its current housing offerings, with new student housing projects underway.

For those seeking off-campus housing, the University of Miami's Off-Campus Housing Website provides a platform to search for housing and see what's nearby. It also offers safety tips to help students avoid scams and fraud during their housing search. Additionally, the University recommends that students consider contacting a local realtor, as most apartments in Miami are individually owned. It is suggested to start looking for a place about a month before the move-in date, as apartment units for rent tend to move on and off the market quickly.

When applying for off-campus housing in Miami, be prepared to incur additional costs such as security deposits, application fees, and advance rent payments. It is also important to be cautious of potential scams on classified listing websites.

Housing safety

The University of Miami offers a Housing Database to assist graduate students in their search for off-campus housing. The Department of Housing & Residential Life also provides a Housing and Relocation Guide, and students can use the Public Health Student Association’s Facebook Group to find roommates or ask for advice about living in Miami.

The University of Miami prioritises the safety and security of its students, implementing various measures to ensure a secure living environment. Here is an overview of the safety protocols in place:

Security Assistants

Between 10 pm and 8 am, Security Assistants monitor the entrance lobbies of the Residential Colleges. Their duties include emergency response, overseeing fire and door prop alarm panels, access control, and documenting nightly activities.

Card Access System

The card access system is a key component of the University's crime prevention efforts. All doors permitting access to the Residential Colleges are monitored by this system, allowing only residents and authorised personnel to enter. This acts as a front-line defence against unauthorised individuals.

Locked Entrances

The entrances to the common lobby areas of the Residential Colleges are locked from 10 pm to 7 am, with access restricted to residents and authorised personnel only. The residential areas within the Colleges are locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that only residents and authorised individuals can enter.

Door Prop Alarms

Each Residential College is equipped with door prop alarms that activate when a door is held open for more than 60 seconds. This helps to maintain security and prevent unauthorised access.

Video Surveillance

The Residential Colleges have video cameras monitoring all points of entry, recording everyone who enters or exits the building. These cameras operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the footage may be used as evidence of any policy violations.

Fire Safety Systems

Each residential area has fire safety systems in place, including fire alarm panels, smoke detectors, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm pull stations, and fire extinguishers. These systems are designed to warn residents of any fire hazards and facilitate safe evacuations.

Student ID Cards ('Cane Cards')

All UM students are required to carry their 'Cane Cards' at all times. Between 10 pm and 7 am, residents must present their ID cards to gain access to their residence buildings. Students are not permitted to use another student's ID card to enter a building, and any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Guest Sign-In

All non-resident visitors to the residential colleges are required to sign in and must be accompanied by a resident at all times. Guests who do not have a valid ID will not be permitted entry. Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests during their visit.

U Guardian App

Students are encouraged to download the U Guardian app, a free smartphone safety application. The app allows users to pre-register emergency information, use a virtual trip safety escort feature, and provides a one-touch call button to the University of Miami Police Department (UMPD).

In addition to these safety measures, the University of Miami also provides resources to help students avoid scams and fraud when searching for off-campus housing. The University recommends that students refer to the Federal Trade Commission's site on Rental Listing Scams and take precautions to protect themselves from potential scams.

Frequently asked questions