When and where to find housing
After you’ve determined you’re not required to live in UM Housing, the next step is finding a rental that will work for you.
Start your search early
Picture yourself nestled into that new apartment when classes start, and work backwards:
- You want to move in at least a week or two before classes start
- A landlord may take a week or 10 days to approve your application
- You may have to apply with several landlords
With that in mind, you need to start looking earlier than you thought. For a semester starting in August, you might start looking in June or July.
Online resources
There are a lot of rental listing websites, but they show many of the same rentals. Check a couple to make sure you’re seeing a wide swath of what’s out there:
- The HousingFinder. This is the ASUM Renter Center’s web app. The great thing about the HousingFinder is that landlords advertising there are looking to rent to UM students. You can also find roommates there.
- Craigslist. Probably the most popular place to search, but be on the lookout for scams.
- The Missoulian and Montana Kaimin have classified ads online and in print.
- Apartments.com, Zillow, etc. These sites are getting more popular, and offer nice maps and other visuals to help your search.
- Local property managers also have their own websites that can include dozens of listings.
Any sites we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Work your network
It can be difficult to find a rental, especially if you are new to Missoula. Connecting with your peers, even virtually, can really help. There are many Facebook groups and other online communities for University of Montana students, organized around graduating classes, majors, and student groups. Take a look around, see if anyone is breaking their lease or looking for a roommate.
Make a “housing wanted” ad
While you look for a rental, some landlord is looking for a tenant like you. Post a “housing wanted” ad on craigslist that explains why you would be a great renter. Housing wanted ads can be especially helpful for people who have niche needs, like needing a rental for only four months, or having two gigantic dogs.
Offline search channels
Searching online helps you search a lot of listings fast, but you may find a few hidden gems by getting away from the screen. Be sure to check:
- The bulletin board in the University Center Atrium (near the UM Food Pantry).
- “FOR RENT” signs in your desired area.
