3721 Cottage Grove Ave, Apt 3, Des Moines, IA 50311
0 bed · 1 bath · 0.7 mi from campus · 300 sq ft · Apartment
$525/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
Off-campus housing for freshmen near Drake University
Explore freshmen housing near Drake University in Des Moines, IA. This guide highlights live listings, rent trends, and student-focused insights for first-year students.
Average rent
$624/mo
Walk score
76/100
Listings
24
Avg commute
~17 min
Student budget fit
Typical all-in monthly costs near Drake University land around ~$1,290/mo estimated when sharing a 2BR. Use the budget calculator and roommate tools before signing — headline rent is only part of the story.
Safety insights
Treat safety like a student-life decision, not just rent: tour at night, confirm lighting and access control, and compare blocks instead of entire ZIP codes. Areas listed on this hub are ranked for student-friendly walkability and residential stability.
Transportation for students
Transit convenience near Des Moines, IA scores about 58/100 in our model. Undergrads often bike for short trips; graduate students more often mix transit + parking depending on program location.
Best areas for students
Students targeting freshmen housing often start in Des Moines Heights and College Hill before expanding search radius.
Popular apartment communities
Inventory near Drake University includes mix of small complexes and shared houses. Compare 24 active listings filtered for freshmen housing.
Rent trends
Studio trend
$750/mo avg
1 bedroom trend
$900/mo avg
2 bedroom trend
$1,200/mo avg
This topic avg
$624/mo
Housing match score
Unlock full AI analysis →Affordability
93/100
Relative to campus median rents
Safety
81/100
Walkability and residential stability
Convenience
74/100
Commute and daily errands
Nightlife
62/100
Social scene proximity
Transportation
85/100
Transit and bike access
Matching listings
View details
1001 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
0 bed · 1 bath · 1.9 mi from campus · 270 sq ft · Apartment
$525/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
100-5409 Nw Johnston Dr, Johnston, IA 50131
1 bed · 1 bath · 4.3 mi from campus · 685 sq ft · Apartment
$548/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
1351 Sw Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
4 bed · 4 bath · 7.6 mi from campus · 1,568 sq ft · Apartment
$560/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
2419 Cottage Grove Ave, Apt 8, Des Moines, IA 50311
1 bed · 1 bath · 0.5 mi from campus · 500 sq ft · Apartment
$595/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
1501 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
1 bed · 1 bath · 0.9 mi from campus · 572 sq ft · Apartment
$595/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
4215 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
0 bed · 1 bath · 1.6 mi from campus · 450 sq ft · Apartment
$595/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing.
Student essentials for Drake University
Frequently asked questions
How much does freshmen housing cost near Drake University?
Filtered listings average about $624/month. Campus-wide averages run $900 for 1BR and $1,200 for 2BR.
Is freshmen housing good for first-year students?
International students should prioritize transit access, furnished options, and clear utility rules. Many arrivals time housing to orientation week — start early if you need guarantor or proof-of-funds paperwork.…
When should Drake University students start searching?
Peak demand hits before fall term and again in early summer. For Drake University, starting 60 days early improves unit quality and roommate choice.
Explore more near campus
Student housing near Drake
Live listings & neighborhoods
Campus life at Drake
Events & student guide
Neighborhoods near Drake
Where students live
Drake athletics
Sports & recruiting
Student banking near Drake
Budget & accounts
International students at Drake
Visa & arrival tips
Pre-med at Drake
Med school planning
Drake student discussions
Reviews & campus advice
Events near Drake
This week on campus
Weekend guide — Drake
Things to do
Search apartments
Filter by budget
Student deals
Discounts & perks
CollegeFind Premium
AI advisors & match tools
Cheap Apartments near Drake
Housing cluster
Luxury Apartments near Drake
Housing cluster
Studio Apartments near Drake
Housing cluster
1 Bedroom Apartments near Drake
Housing cluster
2 Bedroom Apartments near Drake
Housing cluster
Pet-Friendly Housing near Drake
Housing cluster
Walking Distance near Drake
Housing cluster
International Students near Drake
Housing cluster
Graduate Students near Drake
Housing cluster
Freshmen Housing near Drake
Housing cluster
Clubs & Organizations — Drake
Campus life
Food & Dining — Drake
Campus life
Greek Life — Drake
Campus life
Campus Safety — Drake
Campus life
Transportation — Drake
Campus life
Listings and compatibility scores are for planning only. Verify leases, landlords, and roommates independently. CollegeFind is not a broker or escrow service. Report suspicious posts via our support channels.