UB off campus apartments are what most University at Buffalo students move into after their first year, and the reason is usually space. You get a full home to share instead of a room, and the trade is a short commute to North Campus. In Buffalo, that commute is worth thinking about carefully.
Why do students choose UB off campus apartments?
Space and cost-sharing, mostly. A roommate group splitting a larger home generally gets more room per person than the same students would on campus, and everyone gets somewhere to put their winter gear. Block 20 is a student community at 100 Herron Dr in Amherst, close to the University at Buffalo North Campus.
The second reason is quieter but real: your own kitchen. Cooking becomes a genuine cost lever once you’re feeding yourself, and it’s hard to overstate how much that matters by February.
How close to North Campus should you live?
Close enough that weather never decides whether you go to class. That’s the honest test. A fifteen-minute walk in September feels fine and in January feels like a negotiation, so students who live near North Campus tend to keep better attendance than the ones who commute from further out.
Amherst is the practical choice for North Campus students because it’s built around the university. Look at where you’d park, how the bus route runs, and — this is the part people skip — whether the walk to the stop is cleared in winter.
What does a Buffalo winter change?
More than new students expect. Lake-effect snow arrives fast and in volume, and the questions that seemed minor in August become the ones that matter: Is parking plowed? Is there somewhere to leave wet boots? How long is the walk from the car to your door at 8 a.m. in a squall?
- Parking and plowing. Ask who clears the lot and how early.
- Heat and insulation. Older buildings vary widely; ask what winter utility bills actually look like.
- Entry logistics. A short covered walk beats a long exposed one, every time.
- Bus reliability. Check the route in bad weather, not just on the schedule.
None of this is a reason to avoid Buffalo. It’s a reason to ask better questions in August than in December.
How do roommate groups split the cost?
Write it down before move-in. Utilities, internet, and groceries are the three that cause friction, and they’re all easier to divide when nobody’s annoyed yet. Heating in particular varies by month here, so agree how you’ll handle a high winter bill in advance.
Groups of three or four usually land in the best position — enough people to share fixed costs, few enough that decisions still get made. Beyond that, someone always ends up chasing everyone else for money.
When should you start looking?
Earlier than most students do. The places closest to North Campus get claimed first, and by late summer the search is mostly about what’s left rather than what you want. If you’re looking now, move quickly and prioritize location over the wish list. Our floor plans are a reasonable starting point, and contact us with the specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UB off campus apartments cheaper than living on campus?
Often, once costs are split across a roommate group — but compare honestly. Add utilities, internet, parking, and groceries to the base number, then divide by the number of people. That total is the only fair comparison.
How do students get to UB North Campus without a car?
Walking, biking, and the regional bus network all work, depending on where you land. Check the specific route and stop for any address you’re considering, and check what that walk looks like after a snowfall.
What should parents ask about Buffalo student housing?
Winter maintenance, lighting and safety at night, how quickly repairs happen, and what utilities are excluded. Those four questions surface most of the differences between two places that look identical online.
Is Amherst a good area for UB students?
Yes, for North Campus students especially. It’s the area built around the university, which means the everyday things — groceries, transit, other students — are already there.
Key Takeaways
- UB off campus apartments trade a short commute for more space per person, which is why most students move off campus after year one.
- Block 20 is a student community at 100 Herron Dr in Amherst, close to University at Buffalo North Campus.
- Pick a distance that weather can’t veto — winter, not September, is the real test of a commute.
- Ask about plowing, heat, insulation, and winter utility costs before you commit.
- Agree how a roommate group splits utilities and groceries before move-in, not after the first cold month.