You can get in contact with landlords through trusted platforms such as amber.
Through amber, you can follow the easy booking steps after reviewing property details while looking for Bellingham student housing.
Bellingham is one of the top cities for student employment. Students also get to access world-class mountain biking at Galbraith Mountain and snowboarding at Mt. Baker.
Yes, the city has a welcoming and small-town atmosphere, has a dedicated campus shuttle, safety networks, and highly active, well-maintained student residential corridors.
Living in student housing in Bellingham puts you directly on Whatcom Transportation Authority lines, with free regional transit included in your student fees.
Yes, platforms like amber include high-speed internet, water, electricity, and gas in the utility bills for student housing in Bellingham, reducing additional expenses for students.
Yes, with amber, you can find and secure the best student housing Bellingham apartments in most preferred and in-demand areas of Bellingham, which also require early booking.
Amber offers fully furnished and verified student apartments in Bellingham. They also offer top facilities that make student life easier.
The peak rental rush starts early, so start applying in January or February to secure Bellingham student apartments for the upcoming autumn quarter.
The top universities in Bellingham are Western Washington University (WWU) for four-year programs, Whatcom Community College (WCC) for transfer and cybersecurity pathways, and Bellingham Technical College (BTC) for vocational training.
Bellingham is a coastal city in Washington located near the Canadian border. The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with ample green space, a bustling downtown, and a supportive community. Bellingham is home to Western Washington University (WWU), Bellingham Technical College (BTC), Whatcom Community College, and many other prestigious educational institutions. The city has a lower cost of living than other major US cities. Students choose this city for a safe environment, part-time opportunities, and efficient public transport
Choosing off-campus housing is often stressful for students because on-campus options fill up quickly. With demand rising, amber, a global student housing platform, offers a range of verified, modern, 1B to 5B student apartments. These student housing in Bellingham apartments are close to campus and offer great amenities such as laundry, garage, parking, and more. You can browse, choose, and compare student housing in Bellingham apartments by price, amenities, lease terms, and availability. Amber provides a smooth booking process, letting you use easy filters to select and book your apartment.
With Pacific Northwest scenery, Bellingham offers many outdoor activities, craft beer, and a strong local food culture. Being one of America’s most beautiful college towns, it features evergreen trails and panoramic views of Bellingham Bay. Top universities are nearby, fostering a strong community and giving students quick access to modern laboratories and shared library networks. The city has a growing population of more than 99,000. (Washington State Office of Financial Management )
The city has a high quality of life, with immediate access to extensive trail systems, parks, and water activities. It offers a healthy and safe environment by prioritizing clean energy initiatives and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. You can find job opportunities in healthcare, education, environmental science, and local retail. The monthly cost of living for students is around $ 2353 (Livingcost.org), depending on housing and lifestyle preferences. Bellingham has a 67/100 score for quality of life (Livingcost.org). The crime index is 34.88, and the safety index is 65.12 (Numbeo).
Students enjoy Bellingham for its eco-friendly culture, outdoor leisure, live music scenes, and cafes. Bellingham stands out for its stunning natural landscapes and coastal vibes. The local climate is mild and features pleasant summers and wet winters. Students must have a high-quality waterproof jacket, water-resistant boots, and woolen clothes to live through frequent rain and colder months.
Amber’s platform provides a very simple and transparent process to book student housing apartments in Bellingham. It has verified property listings like Stateside, an off-campus housing near Western Washington University featuring 3B and 5B rooms. All the amber-listed properties start from $899 per month, depending on the apartment you choose.
There is also a 24/7 team that will guide you throughout the whole booking process for first-year students, international students, or those new to the area. Whether you want fully furnished studios or budget-friendly apartments, amber makes it easy to find Bellingham student housing by filtering for your preferred price range. This platform also supports you through the documentation process, moving in, and after-booking care, ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation to Bellingham.
Bellingham offers neighborhoods featuring the iconic Pacific Northwest lifestyle. You can experience a bustling downtown social scene or a peaceful coastal retreat.
Happy Valley: This neighborhood offers a student-friendly vibe. Students living here can walk to Western Washington University (WWU). They can walk or take WTA buses, which run every 10 minutes. Average rent in this area is around $750 to $900 per month.
Sehome: This is a hillside area, filled with historic homes and modern student apartments. The area is a short walk from the Sehome Village shopping center. Sehome is about 0.5 to 0.8 miles from WWU's main campus. Students need 10 to 15 minutes to walk to campus. The average rent ranges from $800 to $950 per month.
Downtown Bellingham: This neighborhood has many local cafes, thrift stores, and indie music venues. Average rent ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. WWU students require a 15- to 20-minute commute from this neighborhood.
Whether you are looking for complete privacy or a more social environment, you can find a room type in Bellingham student housing that fits your needs perfectly.
1. 1 Bedroom Apartments: The 1 Bedroom apartments provide a private living space, including a private bedroom, bathroom, and a private kitchen or lounge area. These student housing in Bellingham apartments offer more space and independence, while remaining cost-effective. These cheap student housing Bellingham apartments are perfect for those who prefer a quiet study environment, with the freedom to manage their own schedule without interference from roommates.
2. 2 Bed and 3 Bed Apartments: These 2B and 3B student housing Bellingham apartments feature private bedrooms alongside shared living areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and lounges. These 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments in Bellingham are great for students who want a balance of privacy and community life.
3. Studio Apartments: Studios come with a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Studios allow you to study without distractions and have a great lifestyle.
4. Shared Apartments: Shared apartments offer private bedrooms within a larger unit where common areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms are shared. These off-campus housing options are suitable for students who enjoy a social environment and want to build connections while having their own personal space.
5. Private Apartments: Private apartments provide a bedroom with shared communal areas. This affordable student housing in Bellingham is perfect for students who want to make friends while keeping living costs within their budgets.
The average cost of living in Bellingham Washington, for students ranges between $2,100 and $2,800 per month. Students often spend less by sharing apartments, cooking at home, and using student transport benefits. Below are the expenses and their monthly charges.
| Expenses | Monthly Charges |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $700 to $950/month |
| Groceries | $250 to $350/month |
| Transportation | $0 to $30/month |
| Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water): | $60 to $90/month per person |
| Internet | $20 to $35/month per person |
Bellingham has a strong, reliable public transportation network. Commuting around the student housing in the USA is often smooth and cost-effective for students.
Buses: The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) serves all major zones, shopping, and campus in the city. WWU students fund the WWU Active Transportation Fee, which grants them free access to the Starlight Shuttle. This shuttle runs on demand and also offers late-night ride service.
Trains: Students prefer trains due to comfort, Wi-Fi, scenic views, and good schedules. Students choose trains to travel home for holidays, attend out-of-town internships, or embark on weekend city getaways. The historic Fairhaven Station offers Amtrak Cascades service every day, connecting Bellingham to Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, and Canada.
Walking & Cycling: The city has highly walkable neighborhoods around campuses. Cycling options are also very much available here, and there are bike racks along with public buses.
Rideshare Services: Rideshare services include Uber, Lyft, and local taxis. Rates are standard but can peak during winter or late-night weekend hours.
Beyond iconic landmarks, students get access to everyday amenities, starting with affordable grocery options like WinCo Foods, Trader Joe's, and the Bellingham Farmers Market. For healthcare, students can access the on-campus student health centers or the centrally located PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for medical services. The Bellingham Public Library downtown offers extensive academic resources, while local coffee shops like Woods Coffee provide ideal study spaces. Students can enjoy budget-friendly student nights at the Pickford Film Center or explore tourist spots like Whatcom Falls Park, Lake Whatcom, Historic Fairhaven District, and Larrabee State Park.
Bellingham has a few academic institutions that provide top training, hands-on career training, and unique research opportunities.
Western Washington University (WWU is a top public university standing out for environmental science, marine biology, and psychology programs. The university has a strong, active campus community.
Whatcom Community College (WCC) is known for cybersecurity and computer science tracks. WCC offers affordable professional degrees and strong transfer pathways.
Bellingham Technical College (BTC) focuses on specialized and high-demand careers. It also provides training in fields like advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, and nursing.