Howard University Housing: On-Campus and Off-Campus Options

For students heading to Howard University, securing suitable housing is a crucial step in ensuring a successful college experience. As one of the top-ranking universities in Washington, D.C., Howard blends education with the excitement of a big city. This article explores the various housing options available to Howard University students, both on and off-campus, to help students find the best fit for their needs and preferences.

On-Campus Housing

Howard University offers a variety of on-campus housing options designed to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for learning and personal growth.

Residence Halls

Howard University has several residence halls on campus, each offering unique amenities:

College Hall South (CHS): Located in the center of campus, CHS offers double and single-occupancy rooms.
Howard Plaza Towers West: Situated on the edge of campus, Towers West also provides double and single-occupancy rooms.

These residence halls typically feature 24/7 controlled entry, laundry facilities, and other amenities to enhance student living. The Oliver and Howard Manor are on-campus options often considered by graduate students.

Eligibility and Requirements

Housing is guaranteed for first-year freshmen and second-year sophomores with continuous enrollment. Transfers are eligible to apply, but not guaranteed housing. All first-year freshmen and sophomores are required to live in University-sponsored housing, unless an exemption is submitted and approved.

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

Meal Plans

All students residing in residence halls are required to have a meal plan. Third-year students and above have the option of block 75 or dining dollars only.

Summer Housing

Howard University provides summer housing accommodations with modern amenities, flexible options, and access to university resources. Facilities include spacious dormitory/apartment-style housing, meeting rooms, and recreation and dining facilities.

Applying for On-Campus Housing

The best months to secure a Howard University student dorm are March and April.
Priority for dorm allotment is based on freshmen status, first-come-first-served basis, students with disabilities, and returning students.
Advance booking without a university offer letter is not possible.

Cost of On-Campus Housing

Howard University student dorms are estimated to average $5,285 per semester, generally including electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi, maintenance, security, and shared building amenities. Additional costs may include meal plans, refundable damage deposits, bicycle parking, discounted bus passes, and laundry services.

Graduate Student Housing

Howard University has a limited amount of university housing for graduate and professional students. Graduate students may consider The Oliver and Howard Manor located on campus.

Off-Campus Housing

Many Howard University students choose to live off-campus, taking advantage of the diverse neighborhoods surrounding the university.

Benefits of Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing offers several advantages over on-campus dorms, including:

Early bird offers and discounts.
More student room types to choose from.
Flexible contract lengths and move-in dates.
Independent social life.
Modern amenities.
Easier cancellation process.

Types of Off-Campus Housing

There are two main types of off-campus housing options:

Purpose-Built Off-Campus Student Housing: Maintained by private student housing providers, these units average around $450 per month. Only students can apply, and early-bird bookings are often available with specific terms and conditions. Recommended options include Bloomingdale, Mount Vernon Square - 304 M, Shaw - 1727, Washington DC - 1315 Clifton Street, Washington DC - 1234 Massachusetts, and Washington DC - 601 24th Street.
Private Student Houses/Apartments: Managed by individual landlords, these options average around $550 per month. Students with families can book rooms, with occupancy terms and conditions applied. Flexible tenancies are available on a weekly, monthly, or semester basis. Recommended apartments include Master Room & Ensuite Bath - Logan Circle, Deluxe Room - Adams Morgan, Bright bedroom at the heart of George Washington University, and Master Room & Ensuite Bath - Adams Morgan.

Popular Neighborhoods Near Howard University

Several neighborhoods are popular among Howard University students due to their proximity, amenities, and affordability:

Columbia Heights: Average rent ranges from $300-$450 per week ($1,200-$1,500 monthly). Popular housing options include Washington DC - 1325 15th Street Northwest, Columbia Heights, Capitol Hill - 1845, Yugo Pullman Hills, and Logan Circle - 1344. Transportation options include cycling (15-20 minutes), bus (10-15 minutes), car (5-10 minutes), and walking (45 minutes).
Adams Morgan: Average rent ranges from $300-$400 per week ($1,300-1,600 monthly). Recommended accommodation options include Logan Circle - 1351. Transportation options include cycling (20-25 minutes), bus (20-30 minutes), car (10-15 minutes), and walking (60 minutes).
LeDroit Park: Adjacent to campus, LeDroit Park offers historic rowhouses and a convenient location.
Bloomingdale: Located adjacent to campus and offers a convenient living situation.
Shaw & U Street: Lively areas south of the main campus with shops, eateries, and nightlife.
Dupont Circle: A popular student hub close to Downtown with strong transport links.
Petworth, Brightwood, and Takoma: More affordable neighborhoods north of campus with a residential feel and metro access.

Tips for Finding Off-Campus Housing

Start Early: Washington D.C.’s rental market moves quickly, so begin your search 3-4 months before your intended move-in date.
List Priorities: Determine your priorities, such as proximity to public transportation, pet-friendly housing, and budget.
Visit Multiple Places: Every area has advantages and drawbacks.
Check for BBL: In the District of Columbia, private owners are required to have a Basic Business License (BBL) to rent to you.
Commute Time vs. Costs: Consider commuting costs in your monthly budget.

Additional Resources for Off-Campus Housing

Howard's Office of Campus Housing and Community Engagement: Provides resources to support students living off-campus, including guidance on finding housing, signing leases, safety and security, tenant and landlord rights, and community membership.
Off-Campus Housing Posting Site: Allows students to connect with potential roommates and explore housing listings.
Apartment Guides: Non-exhaustive lists of apartment guides for housing in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Important Considerations

Noise Levels: The District of Columbia has enacted the Disorderly Conduct Amendment Act of 2010; therefore, loud noises and partying must be kept to a minimum between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Lease Agreements: Leases normally occur in 12-, 9-, 6-, and sometimes 3-month intervals. Shorter leases, including month-to-month options, typically come with higher monthly payments.
Credit Checks: Most properties will conduct a credit check. If a student doesn’t have income, a sponsor (parents, grandparents, or guardian) can submit income.

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