Housing Resources for Graduate Students

Finding Housing

Finding an apartment is listed as one of the most common stressors for our incoming students. That’s why we partnered with VeryApt, a real estate technology company, to build a personalized housing portal for our program.Here are the main components and how the housing portal can help you with your housing search:

  • Housing Guide – this is where we will host the housing guide built for Stevens Grad by VeryApt. It showcases top apartments/neighborhoods in Hoboken and the surrounding areas, and it is based on feedback from current students.

  • Discussion Board – you will have the opportunity to interact with other students and ask questions about moving to Hoboken, finding roommates, and anything else related to housing.

  • Marketplace – you can find furniture for your apartment, buy/sell textbooks, and even check out apartment listings. This content is exclusive to our program.

VERYAPT Portal

Please note: 

The contents published by students or individuals are solely the responsibility of the authors. Statements made and opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and not Stevens Institute of Technology. Stevens Institute of Technology does not review, approve, or endorse the contents on the Housing Portal, nor does the University monitor the content of any page except as necessary to investigate alleged violations of University policies, federal, state, or local laws, or the rights of other persons. Individuals posting on the Housing Portal must comply with all University policies.

HOBOKEN & SURROUNDING AREAS

In general, rents are highest in Hoboken and lower in the surrounding towns of Jersey City, Union City, and Weehawken. Jersey City is very large and is commonly broken down into sub-areas including Newport, Journal Square, Downtown, and the Heights. The real estate market in this area moves very quickly, so students should proactive when looking for accommodations.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS & COMPANIES

Real estate agents (also known as realtors) can help you navigate through the process of finding an apartment, but realtors charge a fee for their service. Realtor fees (sometimes called "broker fees") are usually equivalent to one month's rent. If you would like to work with a realtor to find an apartment, we recommend the following agencies: Liberty Realty | Boutique Realty | Dixon Leasing

ONLINE RENTAL LISTINGS

Listed below are some websites that may be useful in the search for non-Stevens housing. This is not a complete list nor an endorsement of the websites listed. Apartment Finder.com  |  ApartmentGuide.com  |  Realtor.com  |  ApartmentList.com  |  Rent.com | GSMLS.com

OTHER RESOURCES

In My Area - A free website that lets students find all of the home service companies available in their neighborhood. Students are able to compare the different internet and cable companies while also seeing what electric, water, and gas companies are available to them. The site is free to use and does not require any personal information.

RENTER'S INSURANCE

In the event a disaster strikes, such as a fire, your landlord’s insurance coverage will take care of damage to the building’s structure. However, to financially protect yourself and your belongings, you may want to consider purchasing a renters insurance policy.

SIGNING A LEASE

  • It is very important to only sign a lease when you are certain that you want that particular apartment and are willing to rent for the entire duration of the contract (usually 12 months).

  • Sub-leasing is typically only permitted if it is in the contract. 

  • If you are sub-leasing from another individual, your ability to contact the landlord may be affected. In those cases, it can be harder to correct issues with maintenance requests, return of security deposits, etc.

  • If your landlord requires a letter certifying that you are a Stevens student, please email Graduate Student Life (graduatelife@stevens.edu). 

BEFORE YOU MOVE IN

  • Make sure to have all agreements with the landlord in writing before you move in, including any repairs that need to be made. 

  • Do a "walk-through" of the apartment with the landlord before you move in to review the condition of the apartment to make sure you are not held responsible for pre-existing damages. 

  • Ensure that you have a proven way to contact the landlord (cell phone, e-mail, etc.) before you move in, in case any problems occur later on. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • Before you sign a lease anywhere, it is very important to consider the safety and security of the apartment, neighborhood, and surrounding area.

    • Visit the area during the day and at night, to make sure you feel comfortable and safe. 

      • Ask your realtor and/or the neighbors what the area is like and if there are any concerns.

      • If you plan on walking to campus from the apartment, make sure you do not need to walk through any unsafe areas.

  • Make sure that the apartment is in a location from which you can safely and easily commute to campus.

    • Living near PATH stations, Light Rail stations, or Stevens campus shuttle bus stops is a good idea. For maps of these locations, visit the individual websites or look on Google Maps.

State of New Jersey Housing Resources

QUESTIONS?

For questions about housing options for graduate students, contact the Office of Graduate Student Life via email at graduatelife@stevens.edu or by calling 201-216-5633.