Renting a room in an apartment or house can be an exciting and enlightening experience for students studying in the U.S.A. In addition to those option, the college recently partnered with JC Study Abroad to offer convenient housing for students (click here to see their brochure). Students who intend to rent housing need to consider several factors when deciding where to live. We've included some suggestions below: Transportation For students who intend to rely on public transportation, we recommend looking for an apartment located near Columbia Town Center, where bus service is readily accessible. We especially recommend the following neighborhoods: Clary's Forest, Columbia Mall, Hickory Ridge, King's Contrivance, and Swansfield. Students who have cars must consider the availability of parking. Bus schedule information: www.howardtransit.com, www.corridortransit.com. Cost The average cost for a room in an apartment or house is $600 per month. Lease Before signing a lease or a rental agreement, read and understand everything in the contract. If you are not sure about something, ask for help from a friend or your advisor. Also, always obtain a copy of anything you sign. Do not sign a lease unless you are sure you want to stay the full time specified in the lease (you will need to continue paying rent until your lease expires, regardless of whether or not you still live there). Laundry Facilities It's very important that you are able to wash your clothes! Most apartment buildings provide laundry facilities (washer and dryer), but you still need to make sure. If you plan to rent a room in a house, discuss how you will do your laundry with the owner of the house. Check the laundry facilities to make sure they meet your standards. Security There are many real dangers associated with living alone (or even with a friend) in a foreign country. Protect yourself. If something about a neighborhood, apartment, or landlord doesn't feel right to you, choose to live somewhere else. Resources There are numerous resources available to students who need help finding a room to rent. We recommend the following: Online Listings The Columbia Flier Newspaper: www.columbiaflier.com.
Search under Classifieds for Real Estate, Roommates and Rooms. The Baltimore Sun Newspaper: www.baltimoresun.com.
Search under Classifieds. Apartments.com: www.apartments.com. University of Maryland Residence Life: www.housing.umaryland.edu.
This website has numerous housing possibilities for students in the greater Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. Property Management Companies Henderson-Webb, Inc. www.aptrent.com
The Bluffs at Hawthorn
10401 E. Hickory Ridge Road
Columbia, MD 21044
Tel: (410) 995-5559
Fax: (410) 720-0038
Contact: Ms. Clair Herb, Director of Corporate Housing
Fully furnished apartments, including utilities, linens and kitchenware on short-term leases are available. Real Estate (Central Maryland)
1 Mall North
Columbia, MD 21044
Tel: (410) 730-7400 | 
