Off-Campus Housing

Naropa University offers several resources to assist you in securing housing, whether it be on- or off-campus. Our on-campus housing options include everything from private one bedroom apartments with 12 month leases to more economical shared housing options on academic year leases. If you are interested or have questions about on-campus housing, please email inquiries to Stephan Fitzgerald Taylor, the Director of Campus and Residential Life. However, if you would like to explore off-campus housing options, check out the resources below.

NEW Naropa Off-Campus Housing Website

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Naropa Off-Campus Housing Website at offcampus.naropa.edu!

The new site offers a powerful, map-based search tool with a full spectrum of off-campus housing options in the Boulder area and beyond. Property listings can include hi-res photos, 3D tours, HD videos, searchable amenity/features list, and real-time pricing and availability. The service is FREE for Naropa students, faculty and staff—just sign up with your MyNaropa login to get started. Already have a place, but need a roommate or subletter? Browse and connect with other Naropa University students—as well as University of Colorado Boulder students—in the site’s roommate finder and link your profile to your roommate/sublet listing with details about the place to help you find a good match! Be sure to check out the homepage announcements and resources section as well, for valuable on- and off-campus living information.

The Naropa Off-Campus Housing Website is powered by Off Campus Partners, a member of the Apartments.com Network, so you can expect a user-friendly experience and lightning-fast performance that works on any device. Visit the site today at offcampus.naropa.edu!

Average Monthly Rental Costs in Boulder County (Excluding Utilities)

Studio apartment:  $1,100+ 1 Bedroom apartment: $1,500+ 2 Bedroom apartment: $1,900+ 3 Bedroom apartment: $2,500+

It may be beneficial to cut down on the cost of a rental by renting with others, finding roommates, or subletting spaces from others.

Landlords, in general, require references and more than likely a credit check. If you have not rented before they may also require a co-signer on the lease.  Boulder has “pre-leasing” which means most apartments are leased in January-March with move in date in August. Most landlords also require a one year lease (typically August–July).

On-campus housing is located near the Arapahoe campus (2130 Arapahoe Avenue) and near bus stops that will take you to Nalanda within 10–20 minutes.

Tips for an Effective Housing Search

• Check online for listings at a reputable site like MyNaropa (must be logged in to view) or Housing Helpers. Do not rely on Craigslist alone; about 20% of all listings on Craigslist are scams.
 
• The Boulder Creative Housing Facebook page has posts all of the time with people looking for housing and people with housing available. You can put your ad in there too!
 
• Marpa House is an urban residence in Boulder based on the Shambhala vision of enlightened society. They warmly welcome residents—from a variety of disciplines and lineages—who are committed to the path of meditation. Through living together and supporting each other, the Marpa House community creates a training ground of social transformation, uplifted household and group practice. Contact marpahouse@gmail.com for more information.
 
• When you find a listing you are interested in, call or email immediately – don’t wait. In fact, email AND call. Leave a courteous message or send a courteous email, do not wait for the landlord or agent to get back to you; there is a lot of competition, and they usually don’t respond. Persistence is key in finding housing in Boulder. Keep calling or sending new emails until you get a response.
 
• Have copies of your housing references to give out. Some people write a paragraph “bio” of themselves and their rental history. For example, “Tom S., 30 years old, works at a small college, Boulder resident for eleven years. Lived in previous apartment three years, house before that, four years. Responsible, quiet, no pets.” If you have skills they might desire, then list them. Writing a bio not only helps you put your best foot forward, it gives the agent a way to remember you. When they get fifty calls a day, that’s important.
 
• Don’t get discouraged. Check all your listing sources (websites, boards, etc.) as often as they are updated for new listings.
 
• If you have a service pet or emotional support animal AND paperwork to prove this, property managers and apartment complexes cannot charge you extra nor deny you occupancy because of the animal. (The law is a bit vague with independent landlords.) However, you cannot be denied housing because of your support animal.
 
• Drive/bike around neighborhoods; some landlords do not advertise other than putting a sign in the yard.
 
• If the price seems too good to be true, it is. Generally speaking, the farther out from the center of town, the less expensive the housing. The surrounding communities of Broomfield, Lafayette, Superior, Gunbarrel, Niwot, Longmont, and Louisville typically have less expensive housing.

Disclaimer

Naropa University takes no responsibility for individuals seeking or offering housing. This responsibility is placed solely on the individual. It is highly recommended that you ask for references from those who call in search of housing. Similarly, it is suggested that you screen individuals offering housing situations.