To rent Student apartments in Des Moines, search on amber. Apply on the website, take virtual tours, & submit documents directly through the platform.
Multiple student apartments in Des Moines provide secure entry systems, CCTV, on-site staff, and 24/7 security features, keeping security a priority.
You should check the pet policy of the student housing in Des Moines Iowa, beforehand. Many apartments are pet‑friendly, but policies vary. Check weight limits and pet‑rent details before signing.
Yes, you can extend your lease at the student apartments in Des Moines. Contact amber to check availability & sort out the details. The extensions are subject to availability & might come with extra charges at student apartments in Des Moines.
Some properties bundle water, trash, and Wi‑Fi; electricity is often separate. Read the lease fine print carefully.
Yes, Amber provides virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and photos so you can view your future housing. Viewing your student apartments in Des Moines before booking is important. You can request the same on the amber app.
Ideally, you should start looking for student housing in Des Moines 6 to 8 months before your academic term begins to get the best options. This gives you ample time to explore various options, secure a place that fits your needs, and avoid last-minute stress.
The average commute from downtown Des Moines to ISU in Ames is roughly 40-45 minutes by car via I‑35, or about an hour on the Trailblazer bus service.
You can pay for your student housing in Des Moines using credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or other online methods through Amber’s secure payment portal. For a detailed explanation, watch our video on how to pay for student accommodation.
If your student housing in Des Moines does not meet your expectations contact amber immediately and share your concerns. Depending on the issue, they’ll help resolve it or assist with a potential move or refund.
Des Moines, the proud capital of Iowa, is quickly becoming a student‑friendly hotspot in the Midwest. Each autumn, thousands of undergraduates, post‑graduates, med‑school interns, and research scholars flock here for the high‑calibre programs at nearby colleges such as Drake University, Grand View University, Des Moines University, and Iowa State University. The presence of these universities increases the demand for student apartments in Des Moines. With on‑campus halls filling up months before orientation, most students turn to Des Moines off‑campus housing to find their slice of Iowa comfort. No matter what you are looking for, amber provides you with a wide range of choices near campuses.
Amber makes the entire search simple. Every listing is verified, and the filters like price, lease length, pet policy, and more help in the shortlisting process. Plus, 24/7 human support means you never book blind. From 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom to studio apartments, amber’s catalogue of student apartments in Des Moines covers every budget and lifestyle. The top apartment in Des Moines is Drake West Village.
Located along the banks of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, the city has slightly over 208,000 people residing within its boundaries and nearly 580,000 in the larger metropolitan area, creating a balance of lively big-city excitement and a friendly, neighborhood feel. Des Moines features an active tech industry, a flourishing arts scene, and an unexpectedly diverse food culture. A remarkably low unemployment rate, reasonable living expenses, and well-kept public parks enhance the city’s appeal for both students and young professionals.
When it’s time to unwind, Des Moines more than delivers. Start with classic Midwestern comfort food at The High Life Lounge or treat your palate to farm‑to‑table flavours at The Walnut. Coffee aficionados swear by the pour‑overs at Horizon Line Coffee and late‑night study sessions at Smokey Row Coffee. Sports fans fill the stands at Principal Park for summer baseball or catch college football games at Duke Williams Stadium. For vintage arcade vibes and craft pints, head to Up‑Down DSM; if elevated cocktails are more your style, slip into the retro‑chic ambience of Hello Marjorie. Live‑music lovers can dance the night away at xBk Live, then recharge the next morning with fresh air at Cohen Park or a community event on the green of Cowles Commons. Students have peace of mind knowing UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center sits minutes from campus hot spots. Retail therapy awaits at MLK River Park.
Rent in Iowa’s capital remains refreshingly moderate for a state‑house city, and amber’s curated catalogue puts the best bargains at your fingertips. Toggle the “budget” slider to sort listings starting at a reasonable price on premium apartments loaded with gyms, rooftop lounges, and heated parking. Every property page shows real photos, transparent deposits, and candid student reviews, so you can lock in a lease with zero guesswork. Use amber’s instant chat to negotiate group‑booking discounts or ask about furnished‑unit upgrades. Here are student favourites where value meets comfort:
1. Drake West Village: It is located at 1315 31st St, Des Moines, 50311, United States. This student apartments in Des Moines provides 1B, 2B, 4B & studio apartments near Iowa State University with amenities like foosball and laundry facilities.
Each neighbourhood at the student apartments in Iowa has its own personality. Match your vibe to one of these five student‑approved localities:
1. Drake District: It's a student favorite, only minutes away from Drake University. It's lively, with unique cafés, vintage shops, and food at night to satisfy those late-night study cravings. Plus, it's walkable to campus, as well as student events, that happen year-round.
2. Downtown Core: This is the place for you if you prefer modern living. High-rises with the design of the city in sight, rooftop amenities, and a skywalk to easily access your internships and part-time jobs make living here a no-brainer. You are also right in walking distance from farmers’ markets, nightlife, and cultural venues like the Des Moines Performing Arts Center.
3. East Village: This is the area made for creative minds. Cobblestone streets, local shops and boutiques, indie bookstores, and downright cool street art set the vibe for the area. It's hip, but holds history and is constantly changing.
4. Beaverdale: Will be quieter, with tree-lined streets, and old homes that are spacious. Many homes will be split into multi-room shares, which is cost-effective and allows for group living.
5. South Side: Good for a student to choose if commuting to Iowa State University or easy access to the highway. There are plenty of big box stores and convenient discount shopping, which is perfect for stocking up on bulk items and supplies.
Amber offers a variety of student apartments in Des Moines tailored to different living preferences. Here’s a look at the popular room types at student housing Des Moines:
1. Private Rooms: Great for students who want independence while still being part of a shared unit. Often comes with a private bathroom and study area.
2. Studios: Perfect for solo living. These apartments include a compact kitchen, private bath, and sleeping area in one self-contained space.
3. 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom & 4-Bedroom Apartments: Ideal for those who want more space or plan to live with a roommate. These options often include shared living rooms and kitchens.
4. Shared Apartments: Feature private bedrooms with communal spaces for socialising. Great for students looking to balance privacy and social life.
Des Moines is one of the most reasonably priced college towns in the U.S. Plenty of expenses to consider, it is critical to understand how the cost of living in the USA as a student adds up. The average total expenses per month range from $650 – $950, depending on lifestyle and housing. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Des Moines on a monthly basis:
1. Off‑campus rent: $500 – $800/month
2. Groceries: $120 – $160/month
3. Utilities: $60 – $85/month
4. Internet: $35 – $55/month
5. Transport: $40 – $65/month
6. Leisure/fitness: $70 – $110/month
Getting around is a breeze thanks to multiple transport options tailor‑made for student budgets:
1. DART Buses: The Des Moines Area Regional Transit network links every major university corridor, and the semester passes are unlimited for under $200 (roughly $12 a week). Most are bike-friendly, and all are wheelchair accessible, and real time arrival tracking is available via the DART app.
2. Free Downtown Shuttle: A bright green circulator loops the Central Business District from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., great for internships or runs to the weekend farmer's market. Stops include popular student spots, the library, City Hall, and key transfer stops!
3. BCycle Bike Share: 20+ dock locations near both campuses; memberships starting at 10 dollars a month for unlimited 60-minute rides. Use the BCycle app to locate, unlock, and return bikes. A healthy and eco-friendly option for short trips to class or the grocery store!
4. Rail (to Ames and to Chicago): Amtrak has a station in Newton, and it offers student discounts if your travels home are a bit longer. Newton also has a Park and Ride lot, and the university shuttle services sometimes provide options during peak travel weekends.
5. Ride Share and Carpool: The Lyft Student Monday deals and university postings for carpools help to minimize late-night rides, as well as being safe options for students. Apps such as Zimride and GroupMe allow students to arrange to share rides and split fares with classmates on their trips.
6. DSM International Airport: Just ten minutes from Downtown; some complexes provide free airport shuttles during semester break. Non-stop flights to hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis make it pretty easy to either return home or fly somewhere new.
Des Moines fuses Midwestern warmth with cultural flair. Catch indie bands and open‑mic poetry at xBk Live or test vintage pin‑ball skills at Up‑Down DSM. Foodies queue early on Saturday morning for the Downtown Farmers’ Market, where local growers dish up acai smoothie bowls and maple‑bacon donuts. Art enthusiasts roam the iconic Pappajohn Sculpture Park while shutterbugs chase sunset shots along the Riverwalk’s lit pedestrian bridges.
Outdoor lovers kayak the calm stretch of the Des Moines River or hike the wildflower‑lined trails of nearby Gray’s Lake and Jester Park. Sports fans paint their faces blue for Iowa Cubs games at Principal Park or cheer on college basketball showdowns inside Knapp Center. Winter isn’t dull, either; ice‑skate at Brenton Skating Plaza or sip hot cocoa beneath the holiday lights at Cowles Commons. Add in affordable ticket prices, friendly locals, and campus clubs for every niche (from eSports to urban gardening), and you’ll soon understand why students describe Des Moines as “small city, big heart.”
1. Drake University: Nationally ranked for experiential learning, Drake University is one of the most prestigious private universities. It’s known for its strong academic programmes in pharmacy, business, journalism, law, and education.
2. Grand View University: Offering over 40 undergraduate and graduate programmes, Grand View University provides a well-rounded education with a focus on student success. It’s especially known for majors in nursing, business, education, and graphic design.
3. Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine & Health Sciences: DMU is one of the nation’s most respected graduate medical schools. It offers advanced degrees in osteopathic medicine (D.O.), physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and biomedical sciences.
4. Iowa State University: Iowa State University plays a crucial role in creating demand for the student housing in Des Moines. As a land-grant research university, ISU is known globally for its excellence in engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, business, and design.