If you’re moving to Amherst for college and looking for the perfect place to live, this guide to student accommodation Amherst is exactly what you need. Whether you’re attending UMass Amherst, Amherst College, or Hampshire College, you’ll find a wide range of housing options to suit different needs, budgets, and lifestyles.
🏡 Types of Student Accommodation in Amherst
Amherst offers diverse housing options for students who want something beyond traditional dormitories. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from:
- Amherst student housing managed by universities
- Private student apartments Amherst close to campus
- Traditional college housing Amherst in shared or private setups
- Independent student rentals Amherst MA with greater freedom
- Residential dorms in Amherst MA offered by university housing offices
- Flexible off-campus housing Amherst
For those attending one of the Five Colleges (UMass, Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, Mount Holyoke), there are also multi-campus arrangements known as Five Colleges student housing, especially in Pioneer Valley student rentals.
📍 Popular Areas for Student Living in Amherst
Wondering where to live? Here are the best areas for students in Amherst:
1. North Amherst apartments
A popular zone for undergraduates due to its proximity to malls, groceries, and UMass student housing areas. These apartments are relatively affordable and walkable.
2. Amherst Center rentals
Live in the heart of this college town. You’ll enjoy quick access to cafes, student events, and co-working areas.
3. Housing near South Amherst
More peaceful, suburban living ideal for graduate students or international students.
4. Nearby towns like Hadley and Northampton
Excellent for students seeking shared student housing Amherst or quieter environments while staying close to multiple campuses.
These areas also offer great walkable neighborhoods near UMass and are well-known as student-friendly neighborhoods in Amherst, with safe streets, study cafés, and bus connections.
🏫 University-Specific Housing Options
✦ UMass Amherst Dorms
The university offers traditional dorms in Amherst MA with shared bathrooms, security, and meal plans. Students seeking better privacy often opt for nearby off-campus housing Amherst.
✦ Amherst College housing options
The college provides on-campus Amherst College student apartments and halls that promote community living and academic focus.
✦ Hampshire College housing
Known for its alternative approach, Hampshire housing offers apartment-style layouts and cooperative housing.
If you’re planning to apply for housing Amherst College, it’s best to check the application calendar and roommate selection deadlines early.
🏠 Top 25 Student Accommodation Providers in Amherst
1. UMass Amherst North Residential Area
• Location: Eastman Ln, North Amherst
• Description: Traditional on-campus student accommodation Amherst, located within the UMass residential complex.
• Key Amenities: Laundry, communal kitchens, study lounges, internet access
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: Walking distance
• Why Suitable: Affordable option for undergraduates seeking a community atmosphere
• Nearby: Dining commons, UMass Rec Center
2. Amherst College Pratt Dormitory
• Location: 220 South Pleasant St, Amherst, MA
• Description: Historic student accommodation Amherst for Amherst College students with easy access to academic buildings.
• Key Amenities: Furnished rooms, on-site laundry, study spaces
• Nearest University: Amherst College
• Distance: Walking distance
• Why Suitable: Quiet, traditional housing for focused academic life
• Nearby: Frost Library, Amherst Center
3. The Boulders Apartment Complex
• Location: 188 East Hadley Rd, Amherst, MA
• Description: Spacious off-campus student accommodation Amherst popular among UMass students.
• Key Amenities: Fitness center, pool, furnished units, parking
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2 miles
• Why Suitable: Ideal for shared living off campus with access to PVTA bus line
• Nearby: Target, Hampshire Mall
4. Preservation Management (Brandywine Apartments)
• Location: 16 Brandywine Drive, Amherst, MA
• Description: Reliable off-campus student accommodation Amherst with flexible leases and family housing option.
• Key Amenities: Heat/water included, laundry, free parking
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Why Suitable: Budget-friendly living for students and graduate families
• Nearby: Groceries, pharmacy, convenience stores
5. Amherst College Charles Pratt Dorms
• Location: 100 College Street, Amherst, MA
• Description: Classic student accommodation Amherst built for community-themed residential living at Amherst College.
• Key Amenities: Common rooms, kitchens, high-speed internet
• Nearest University: Amherst College
• Distance: Walking distance
• Why Suitable: Offers cultural and academic programming within residence
• Nearby: Amherst Center cafés, arts center
6. Hobart Lane Student Housing
• Location: Hobart Lane, North Amherst
• Description: Privately owned off-campus student accommodation Amherst known for its student-only community.
• Key Amenities: Large bedrooms, on-site management, free Wi-Fi
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2 miles
• Why Suitable: Popular among undergraduates for shared house rentals
• Nearby: North Square, PVTA bus stops
7. Southpoint Apartments
• Location: 266 East Hadley Rd, Amherst, MA
• Description: Multi-unit student accommodation Amherst complex perfect for group housing.
• Key Amenities: All-inclusive rent options, playground, laundry
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Why Suitable: Ideal for students seeking privacy and roommates
• Nearby: Cumberland Farms, Dunkin’
8. Greenleaves Village Apartments
• Location: 24 Greenleaves Dr, Amherst, MA
• Description: Upscale residential-style student accommodation Amherst for mature or graduate students.
• Key Amenities: Elevator access, central AC, attached garages
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 3 miles
• Why Suitable: Quiet and stylish housing for older students
• Nearby: Walking trails, Big Y supermarket
9. Amherst Motel Student Rentals
• Location: 408 Northampton Rd, Amherst, MA
• Description: Converted motel offering short-term student accommodation Amherst near downtown.
• Key Amenities: Furnished rooms, utilities included, weekly cleaning
• Nearest University: Amherst College / UMass Amherst
• Distance: 1–2 miles
• Why Suitable: Great for international or exchange students
• Nearby: PVTA access, eateries
10. Mill Hollow Apartments
• Location: Cowls Rd, North Amherst, MA
• Description: Renovated mill property offering modern student accommodation Amherst in a scenic setting.
• Key Amenities: Exposed brick walls, modern kitchens, quiet atmosphere
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Why Suitable: Ideal for graduate students and creatives
• Nearby: Atkins Farm, café, Cowls building
11. Amherst Fields Apartments
• Location: 1 Epley Dr, Amherst, MA
• Description: Affordable and private student accommodation Amherst with single-bedroom units.
• Key Amenities: Balcony, on-site maintenance, dog-friendly
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Why Suitable: Excellent for students looking for solo spaces
• Nearby: Trailheads, grocery stores
12. Kendrick Place Apartments
• Location: 57 E Pleasant St, Amherst, MA
• Description: Modern downtown student accommodation Amherst combining urban access with luxury amenities.
• Key Amenities: Rooftop deck, bike storage, large windows
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 1 mile
• Why Suitable: Ideal for students wanting a downtown experience
• Nearby: Restaurants, library, Amherst Cinema
13. Olympia Oaks
• Location: Olympia Dr, Amherst, MA
• Description: Affordable sustainable student accommodation Amherst, popular among families and graduate students.
• Key Amenities: Playground, energy-efficient appliances, green space
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 3 miles
• Why Suitable: Low-income student-friendly housing
• Nearby: Public parks, playgrounds
14. 22 Hobart Lane Student Apartments
• Location: 22 Hobart Ln, Amherst, MA
• Description: Popular off-campus shared student accommodation Amherst home for undergrad groups.
• Key Amenities: Furnished units, parking, close-knit neighbor network
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Why Suitable: Student-only residents, group leases available
• Nearby: PVTA bus stop, McDonald’s
15. Hampshire Village Apartments
• Location: 24 Stagecoach Rd, Amherst, MA
• Description: Community-style family and student accommodation Amherst in a quiet area of South Amherst.
• Key Amenities: Spacious layouts, storage rooms, laundry
• Nearest University: Hampshire College (also near UMass)
• Distance: 4 miles
• Why Suitable: Best for part-time and grad students
• Nearby: Bike trail, Hampshire Mall
16. The Brook Apartments
• Location: 170 E Hadley Rd, Amherst, MA
• Description: Economical and well-maintained student accommodation Amherst, offered in studio and 1-BR layouts.
• Key Amenities: Close to transit, garden areas, snow removal
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Why Suitable: Great for students needing peaceful study zones
• Nearby: Pet store, gas station
17. 86 Sunset Court Housing Co-op
• Location: Sunset Ct, Amherst, MA
• Description: Cooperative-style student accommodation Amherst run by students seeking community and activism.
• Key Amenities: Shared kitchen, garden, community board
• Nearest University: Amherst College
• Distance: 0.7 miles
• Why Suitable: Like-minded student living with responsibility sharing
• Nearby: Downtown Amherst, public park
18. Aspen Chase Apartments
• Location: 615 Main St, Amherst, MA
• Description: Pet-friendly apartment complex offering reliable student accommodation Amherst to undergrads and grad students.
• Key Amenities: Pool, on-site fitness center, roommate matching
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Why Suitable: Service-rich and professionally managed
• Nearby: Shopping plaza, barber shop
19. Townhouse Apartments Amherst
• Location: 50 Meadow St, Amherst, MA
• Description: Split-level student accommodation Amherst townhouses offering ample space for groups.
• Key Amenities: Backyard, parking, laundry in unit
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 2 miles
• Why Suitable: Excellent for friends wanting to share housing
• Nearby: Townehouse Pizza, bus route
20. Gray-James Houses at Amherst College
• Location: 45 College Street, Amherst, MA
• Description: Small-scale student accommodation Amherst houses designed for theme-based student groups.
• Key Amenities: Shared kitchen, communal living room, peer housing
• Nearest University: Amherst College
• Distance: On campus
• Why Suitable: Ideal for specialized housing communities
• Nearby: Campus performance center, campus fields
21. Bangs Community Apartments
• Location: 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA
• Description: Mixed-income residential and student accommodation Amherst in walkable downtown.
• Key Amenities: Transit access, controlled entry, nearby library
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Why Suitable: Ideal for non-traditional or working students
• Nearby: Amherst Post Office, Amherst Commons
22. Hillside Apartments
• Location: Rolling Green Dr, Amherst, MA
• Description: Clean, suburban-style student accommodation Amherst with open-concept units.
• Key Amenities: Balcony/patio, heat included, wooded views
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 3.3 miles
• Why Suitable: Secluded and quiet for studying
• Nearby: UMass Transit Line, cafes
23. Little Red School House Rentals
• Location: Adjacent Amherst College Campus
• Description: Historic, limited-occupancy student accommodation Amherst in repurposed academic buildings.
• Key Amenities: Vintage charm, upgraded interiors, private rooms
• Nearest University: Amherst College
• Distance: On-site
• Why Suitable: Unique flair perfect for writers and humanities scholars
• Nearby: Theater, library
24. Rolling Green Apartments
• Location: 1 Rolling Green Dr, Amherst, MA
• Description: Large-scale student accommodation Amherst ideal for families or students with vehicles.
• Key Amenities: Playground, laundry center, pet friendly
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 3.7 miles
• Why Suitable: Reasonable pricing for larger units
• Nearby: Trails, community centers
25. Cameron Avenue Graduate Suites
• Location: Cameron Ave, Near UMass
• Description: Graduate-only student accommodation Amherst offering study-focused apartment suites.
• Key Amenities: Quiet hours, research lounges, seasonal leases
• Nearest University: UMass Amherst
• Distance: 1 mile
• Why Suitable: Best for postgrad students and researchers
• Nearby: PVTA stop, research library
💡 Budget-Friendly Options & Rental Costs
Living in Amherst can be affordable with a little planning.
| Housing Type | Average Cost/Month |
|---|---|
| On-campus dorms | $750 – $1,000 |
| Cheap student apartments in Amherst | $600 – $850 per room |
| Furnished student apartments Amherst MA | $850 – $1,200 |
| Student housing with utilities included in Amherst | Helps reduce total monthly bills |
To save more, opt for:
- Shared student housing Amherst
- Short-term student leases Amherst for semester-only needs
- Off-season leasing windows
Need to relocate quickly? You can also rent student apartment Amherst with flexible terms via property managers or through peer listings.
🌍 For International & Exchange Students
Amherst is a welcoming academic hub for global scholars. There are several housing formats catering to Amherst housing for international students, including:
- Private rooms in shared flats
- Student visa housing Amherst MA, pre-approved for immigration purposes
- International student dorms UMass, with language support
- Homestay options for cultural immersion (homestay option Amherst MA)
These accommodations offer easy onboarding, low-deposit contracts, and often include furnishings and basic utilities.
🧭 Transportation & Lifestyle
Getting around Amherst (and between the Five Colleges) is made easy thanks to:
- PVTA bus access from student housing — free for students
- Public transport near student housing Amherst MA leading directly to campus buildings
- Walkable neighborhoods near UMass that reduce the need for vehicles
Students love the lifestyle here — every week there’s something going on in these student-friendly neighborhoods in Amherst including street fairs, open mics, film festivals, biking trails, and more.
🔎 How to Find & Book Student Accommodation
Want to find student accommodation Amherst quickly? Follow these tips:
- Use university housing portals to book student housing near UMass or apply via forms.
- Compare student rentals in Amherst on sites like Zillow, CollegePads, or Roofstock.
- Browse Facebook groups or Reddit threads for personal recommendations.
- Reach out to landlords early if you plan to rent student apartment Amherst off-campus.
- For college-provided options, be sure to apply for housing Amherst College before priority deadlines.
✅ FAQ: Student Accommodation in Amherst
Q1: Is on-campus cheaper than off-campus housing in Amherst?
Not always. You may find cheap student apartments in Amherst that are more affordable than dorms, especially if rent is shared.
Q2: How far are most apartments from UMass?
Most housing near UMass Amherst is within 1-2 miles. North Amherst apartments are extremely close.
Q3: Can I get furnished student housing near Amherst?
Yes. Many listings offer furnished student apartments Amherst MA — ideal for short stays or international students.
Q4: Are utilities usually included in rent?
Check the lease! Some student housing with utilities included in Amherst exists, but not all listings offer it.
Q5: What’s the process for international students?
Choose student visa housing Amherst MA options that help with documentation. Consider homestay option Amherst MA for local integration.
Q6: Do colleges offer summer-only or short-term leases?
Yes! You’ll find short-term student leases Amherst through rentals and college listings during off-peak seasons.
Q7: Where can I live if I attend both UMass and Hampshire?
Explore Five Colleges student housing options or live in nearby towns like Hadley and Northampton for shared access.
🔚 Conclusion
With its vibrant campus life, walkable layout, and many housing options, it’s no surprise that student accommodation Amherst is in demand. Whether you’re looking for traditional UMass student housing, flexible student rentals Amherst MA, or international-friendly options, there’s something for every kind of student.
Start early, use trusted channels, and settle in a student-friendly neighborhood in Amherst that complements your academic and social life.
