New Off Campus Housing Website
Find your ideal house or apartment using Duke's New Off Campus Housing Website! Access resources to support your housing journey and local life in Durham.
Learn what's available for rent.
Find your ideal house or apartment on the Duke Off-Campus Housing Website, Duke’s central resource for off-campus living. Explore a wide inventory of rental listings, connect with fellow students in search of off-campus roommates, post your own sublet, and access essential tips and resources to support your housing journey and local life in Durham.
Create an account using your Duke NetID and Password to get started.
New to Duke?
If you have not received your Duke login credentials yet, you can create a guest account. Once you receive your login credentials, you can upgrade your account to access features like the Roommate Finder (students only) and create a sublet listing for free.
If you're searching for a place to live and know you won't be able to visit before renting, ask the rental agent of any properties you are interested in to set up a Skype, Whatsapp, or Facetime tour. Ask if there are photos or videos they can send you of the properties that are not available on their website.
University-Provided Housing
Lancaster Commons
Lancaster Commons is an apartment complex reserved entirely for Duke graduate & professional students. Graduate housing information will be updated in March. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available on April 1st, 2025.
300 Swift Apartments
300 Swift Apartments is another option for on-campus housing for graduate and professional students. Graduate housing information will be updated in March. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available on April 1st, 2025.
Please note: Only Duke graduate students are eligible for housing at 300 Swift. If you have family members you wish to live with you, you will only be eligible for housing at Lancaster Apartments.
Things to consider...
- Setting a realistic budget for your expenses and housing is important. Be forewarned, the least expensive options may have downsides associated with safety, noise, or lack of amenities.
- Use a check list to plan your budget and make sure you’re considering different factors like rent, utilities, and transportation costs.
- The average rent in Durham is around $1,500 -$1,900 per month. Learn more from local market data here.
- Review the Community Crime Map & Durham Crime Statistics in advance of selecting a neighborhood, complex, or house. You can search the Community Crime Map by address.
- Browse apartment or neighborhood reviews (google reviews, apartmentratings.com) or connect with current Duke student residents through your program, department, or school.
- Ask the apartment management or landlord about safety protocols they have in-place for their residents. Ex: Is your apartment community gated? Do you utilize cameras in exterior locations? What type of crime preventative measures is your apartment complex taking?
If you have a car, your off-campus housing search can include places in the broader Durham area. If you won’t have a car, consider living close to campus on a Duke Bus Line and/or in the Duke Vans zone, and understand your options for getting around:
- Duke bus routes – free to all students. If you will not have a car, consider living on or near Duke bus routes.
- Duke Vans – late evening, free rides from campus to nearby apartment complexes
- GoDurham & GoTriangle area bus routes – all Duke students can get a free GoPass
- Uber / Lyft – reliable ride-share in the area
- Bicycles, Scooters, and Walking
- As you’re conducting your housing search, be sure to note the proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and other shops.
Most rentals in Durham are unfurnished. See our page on how to furnish your new place. Includes furniture rental companies, thrift stores, and more.
- Is this a 12-month lease? Is there an option for a 9-month lease?
- What is the security deposit? When will it be returned?
- When is rent due (first of the month, end of the month)?
- How do I/we pay rent (check, online, etc)?
- How much notice do I/we have to give before leaving?
- What happens if we need to break the lease?
- Are any utilities included in the rent?
- Are subleases allowed?