Worcester is home to several colleges and universities, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, and Worcester State University. Because of this, students have several options when looking for off-campus housing, from traditional multi-family homes and shared apartments to newer buildings downtown.
Living Close to Campus
For WPI students, neighborhoods around Elm Park, Highland Street, Park Avenue, and Salisbury Street are popular choices because they offer relatively easy access to campus. Student discussions frequently mention the area directly around WPI as convenient for walking to class, although housing can be competitive.
For Clark University students, Main South is one of the main areas to consider because it surrounds the university and has a large student presence. Students attending Holy Cross can also look around College Hill and surrounding South Worcester, although the area's location on a hill can make transportation an important consideration.
Living Further From Your Campus
Students who don't need to walk to class can expand their search to downtown Worcester and the Canal District, where newer apartment buildings, restaurants, entertainment, and access to Union Station provide a different living experience. The Canal District has increasingly become an option for students looking for newer apartments rather than traditional student houses.
Other areas farther from campus can offer more housing options, but transportation becomes more important. Worcester students frequently discuss the convenience of living within walking distance versus relying on a car or the WRTA bus system. The bus system is also free of fee, so this is a great way for college students to save some money and transportation in case they live far from school.
Whether you're looking for a room in a shared house, a multi-bedroom apartment with friends, or a newer apartment downtown, JumpOffCampus makes it easier to explore off-campus housing options throughout Worcester and compare properties based on your budget, location, and lifestyle.