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5 Graduate Housing Options for Yale Students

5 Graduate Housing Options for Yale Students

May 24, 2024

Updated 5/24/24

If you’re a Yale Graduate student and you’re looking around for housing options, it’s all about location. You want to find a place that’s not too far from campus so you’re not trekking across town, especially when the traffic is crazy. If you can find a place within walking or biking distance, that’s a major bonus! Most grad students live on or near campus, with some having a larger commute on their hands because they choose to call neighboring cities home.

While location is a top priority, so is safety. You want to do your homework about the neighborhood around you so that you feel safe. As you start your search, ask about the people living around there. Are there other grad or undergrad students around? You don’t want your housing choice to make you socially isolated either. It’s always a bonus if other students are bouncing around. It creates a better vibe, plus there’s a good chance you’ll meet new people.

So here’s your little checklist as you search for graduate housing:

Location
Safety
Strong Sense of Community

Keeping all of those things in mind, check out this list of graduate housing options we’ve compiled for you.

On-Campus Housing

For some Yale grad students, on-campus housing is the easiest choice. But, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach if you choose to go this route. Yale offers different housing options. There are dorms, suites, and apartments with a different number of bedrooms. If you have a friend you’re looking to room with, you may want to look into a suite or apartment.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering on-campus housing. Dorms are typically furnished while apartments are not. When you choose to live in a dorm, you’re likely going to have to share a bathroom and you won’t have access to a kitchen. That means you’ll be depending on dining halls or local restaurants when you want to eat.

On-campus apartment living is going to give you more options because you’ll have your own bathroom and kitchen (these are major, trust us). Plus, you’ll have a living room where you can chill when you don’t want to be in your room.

The location of any on-campus housing choice is obviously going to be convenient. Be sure to ask about building security and the general safety around the building.

You also want to ask about the proximity to the police station. New Haven’s main police station is located at 1 Union Avenue, which is closest to the Downtown area and Wooster Square. There are several police substations throughout the city. Always be aware of your surroundings!

Economics of On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing

When it comes to the cost of living on-campus versus living off-campus, it’s really going to depend on where you live. On-campus costs can run the gamut, as well as the cost of off-campus housing. One of the benefits of choosing off-campus housing is that you can split expenses with roommates. This can drive down costs, making it more affordable.

The best thing to do is to weigh your options when it comes to location and your budget. This can help you to decide whether on or off-campus housing is the best option for you.

Yale offers assistance for graduate housing as well as the options as well as several resources you’ll find for off-campus housing options here. You’ll find Yale-owned apartments as well as listings for home and apartment rentals.

New Haven Towers also provides housing for grad students looking for safe and convenient housing off campus. There are several affordable options that also offer excellent amenities.

Off-Campus Transportation

No matter where grad students choose to live, there is ample transportation to get around. Yale Shuttle Service is available 7 days a week. There is also public transportation with the CT Transit buses that can take students around New Haven as well as to area towns. Students always have the option to grab an Uber or a Lyft as well!

Graduate Housing Options

Downtown New Haven

Be where it’s at. Downtown New Haven is the most popular option for Yale grad students. Living a short stroll away from Yale is not just convenient, it’s the epitome of urban living. Yale’s Psychology Department is close to the downtown area and can be a good choice for graduate students pursuing this field of study. Yale’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is also nearby, which makes Downtown housing a great option.

With a vibrant cultural scene, delicious dining options, and plenty of opportunities for entertainment and nightlife, there’s never a dull moment in downtown New Haven. Whether you’re looking to catch a show at the Shubert Theater or sample the latest menu offerings at a local restaurant, you’ll find everything you need to make your life in New Haven truly exceptional.

New Haven Towers

New Haven Towers offers some great housing options in downtown New Haven. Apartment living can be convenient AND fun with different buildings to call home. Madison Towers, Crown Court, and Crown Towers are all conveniently located near Yale.

All of the New Haven Towers housing options are located near Yale New Haven Hospital and the Yale School of Medicine which is an excellent location for any graduate students who may need to access that area. They are also close to other different schools of the Yale University campus which can be convenient depending on which buildings you need to access. Besides being close to all of the academic spots you need, you’ll find that this downtown area is a hotspot for excellent restaurants and nightlife. Yale Shuttle Service is also available, making getting to campus that much easier.

18 High Apartments

Seeking luxury living? Don’t sacrifice luxury for location. The recently constructed 18 High building, provide plenty of housing options for graduate students. Community amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop BBQ terrace, movie theater, game room, yoga studio and more.

Choose from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom or three-bedroom units, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Some units even have their own balcony. With so much variety, New Haven Towers & 18 High is an optimal choice for Yale graduate students who want a convenient, safe, and cool place to live.

Prospect Hill

The Prospect Hill area is East Rock’s neighbor. This is also a popular area where Yale graduate students call home because of its convenient location. If you’re a graduate student who is also raising a family you may like to know that Prospect Hill is considered the best New Haven neighborhood to raise a family. For this reason, you’ll find many families in this part of the city. It’s also popular with professionals.

Like East Rock, you’ll find housing to be in the form of rented homes. This can run the gamut when it comes to size and price. If you don’t have a car, the Yale Shuttle does stop in this neighborhood, making it easier to get around. There are also convenient CT Transit stops in this neighborhood.

Wooster Square

While it may not be within walking distance, Wooster Square is another option for Yale graduate housing. It does have a neighborhood feel that appeals to many who walk through. Wooster Street is considered “New Haven’s Little Italy”. As you’re strolling by you can’t help but notice the smells coming from several great Italian restaurants and pizzerias. Sally’s and Pepe’s are famous for their pizza in this neck of the woods. So, if you choose to call this area home, you certainly won’t starve.

When it comes to housing, rented homes are the more-dominant option here. This is a generally safe and family-orientated area. One key thing to remember is that if you choose to live in this great neighborhood, you’re likely not going to be able to hoof it to campus. Plan on driving, biking, or taking public transportation.

East Rock Neighborhood

The East Rock Neighborhood is a popular spot for Yale grads to call home. According to niche.com, it is the fourth-best neighborhood in New Haven to live in. It is also known as one of the safest neighborhoods in the Elm City. This includes the Upper State Street area as well as the area south of Humphrey Street. It’s conveniently located near the campus, so depending on exactly where you live, you can walk or bike there. In fact, East Rock has a long city bike lane that runs along its main road, Orange Street. There are also Yale Shuttle stops around the neighborhood when you just want a ride. Many people who live there rent out their homes, so you’ll see that type of apartment living here. You’ll notice a lot of Victorian-style homes in this neighborhood. So, if you’re into that, this could be a spot for you.

Here’s a fun fact about this neighborhood. East Rock got its name from the park that sits at one end. It’s an awesome hiking spot if you’re into the great outdoors.

The Takeaway

When it comes to grad students living close to Yale, you have to consider how near you want to be to the campus and what style of housing you prefer. This will help you narrow down your choices as you decide where you’re going to call home. You want to choose a housing option that will suit your busy life as a grad student while still allowing you to enjoy all that New Haven has to offer.

Most Yale students live in downtown New Haven and the neighborhoods surrounding the university, such as East Rock, Westville, and Fair Haven.

Yale offers a variety of on-campus housing options for graduate students, including apartments, suites, and shared rooms in graduate student housing complexes. Off-campus housing is also an option for graduate students, who can choose from a range of apartments, condos, and homes in the surrounding area.

Yes, on-campus housing is available for graduate students at Yale.

While considering on-campus housing options, it is important to keep in mind the cost, location, and availability. Consider factors such as proximity to campus and local amenities, room type and size, shared common areas, and access to public transportation.

Yes, there are popular neighborhoods near the Yale campus that are popular among graduate students, including Downtown New Haven, East Rock, Prospect Hill, and Wooster Square.

The downtown New Haven neighborhood is a bustling and vibrant area with a diverse food scene, cultural institutions such as the Shubert Theater, and a thriving nightlife. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, shopping centers, and entertainment options.

The East Rock Neighborhood is a historic and culturally diverse neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and a park with panoramic views of New Haven.

Prospect Hill is a family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. It is considered a quiet and safe area, with a number of local amenities such as parks, restaurants, and shops.

Wooster Square is a historic neighborhood located near the Yale campus, with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is known for its well-preserved Victorian homes and park with a fountain.

The Yale shuttle provides convenient transportation to and from the Prospect Hill and East Rock neighborhoods, making it easy to get to campus and other parts of New Haven.

Yes, homes in Downtown New Haven, East Rock, Prospect Hill, and Wooster Square are available for rent, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes.

Yes, it is possible to walk or bike to the Yale campus from the East Rock and Prospect Hill neighborhoods, as they are located relatively close to campus.

5 Graduate Housing Options for Yale Students

On-Campus Housing

Economics of On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing

Off-Campus Transportation