Uncommon Dinkytown, Minneapolis

Minneapolis offers many types of student housing to match different preferences and budgets. Whether you want to live alone or with friends, you’ll find something that works for you. Here’s a quick guide to the common room types for students in Minneapolis:

1. Ensuite Rooms

Ensuite rooms come with your own private bedroom and bathroom. You’ll still share the kitchen and living room with other students. It’s a great choice if you want some privacy but also like being part of a shared living space.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms

Non-ensuite rooms give you a private bedroom, but you’ll share the bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. They’re usually cheaper than ensuite options, which helps if you’re on a budget. It’s a good way to meet people and save money.

3. Studio Apartments

Studio apartments are completely private and include a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen in one space. These are great if you like living alone and need a quiet space to focus on your studies. You get total independence and full control of your routine.

4. 1-Bed and 2-Bed Apartments

These apartments have one or two bedrooms and shared spaces like the kitchen and living room. They’re perfect for roommates or friends who want to live together while still having their own rooms. You get both privacy and companionship in one place.

5. Shared Apartments

In shared apartments, each student gets a private bedroom, and all other areas are shared. These include the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. They’re very popular with new students because they’re budget-friendly and make it easy to make friends.

6. Private Rooms in Shared Flats

These rooms offer a private bedroom with shared access to a kitchen and bathroom. It’s a mix of privacy and shared living that works well for students who are new to the city. This option is also usually more affordable than living in a studio or 1-bed apartment.

Living in Minneapolis as a student is manageable, especially when compared to larger cities like New York or San Francisco. With smart budgeting, students can enjoy a balanced lifestyle that covers all essential expenses without feeling stretched. The city offers a mix of affordable eateries, student discounts, and budget-friendly transportation options. On average, students should plan for a monthly budget of $1,100 to $1,500, excluding rent. This estimate includes food, utilities, local transport, and personal expenses. Here's a general breakdown of what students can expect to spend each month in Minneapolis:

1. Food: $200 to $400/month
2. Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water): $70 to $120/month
3. Internet & Mobile Phone: $40 to $75/month
4. Eating Out: $120 to $220/month
5. Laundry: $15 to $30/month (if not included in rent)
6. Stationery & Textbooks: $25 to $60/month
7. Clothing & Miscellaneous: $60 to $110/month
8. Public Transportation (Bus/Light Rail): $40 to $70/month

Getting around Minneapolis is simple and affordable, making it ideal for student life. Whether you're heading to campus, downtown, or local parks, the city offers multiple transport options that are safe, accessible, and budget-friendly.

1. Buses

Minneapolis has an efficient bus network operated by Metro Transit. Buses run frequently across the city, including major student areas like Dinkytown, Uptown, and Downtown Minneapolis. Students can apply for a College Pass which offers unlimited rides on buses and trains during the semester for around $85–$140 depending on the university.

2. Cycling

The city is extremely bike-friendly, with over 90 miles of on-street bikeways and 100+ miles of off-street paths. Students can rent bikes from the Nice Ride Minnesota system. They can also store their own bicycles in secure racks found at most campuses and accommodations.

3. Light Rail

The METRO Green and Blue Lines connect Minneapolis to St. Paul and other key areas. It’s great for exploring the Twin Cities, reaching airport terminals, or commuting to internships. A regular ride costs around $2–$2.50, with discounted student passes available for frequent use.

4. Walking

Minneapolis is easy to walk around, especially near places like the University of Minnesota. Wide sidewalks, skyways, and crosswalk signals keep students safe. They can easily walk to class, cafes, or events. Most Minneapolis student housing options are just 10–20 minutes away.

Minneapolis offers students a great balance of academic life and entertainment. With cozy cafes, lively music spots, scenic parks, and year-round events, there’s always something to do after class.

1. Dining & Nightlife

Minneapolis has tons of student-friendly restaurants. For comfort food, check out Al’s Breakfast in Dinkytown or grab a sandwich at Potbelly’s. If you're into global eats, World Street Kitchen and Zen Box Izakaya serve everything from Korean BBQ to Japanese ramen. At night, head to First Avenue, one of the city's most iconic music venues, or hang out at The Pourhouse and Up-Down Arcade Bar for a fun evening.

2. Cultural Events & Festivals

The city celebrates art, music, and diversity year-round. Enjoy events like the Minnesota Fringe Festival, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, and Art-A-Whirl. Students can explore art at the Walker Art Center, catch indie films at Trylon Cinema, or attend live performances at Guthrie Theater, all within student-friendly distances, and for sports lovers, there’s plenty to cheer about with some of the most popular sports in the USA happening right here in Minneapolis.

3. Adventure & Green Spaces

Love the outdoors? You’re in luck. Minneapolis is known as one of the greenest cities in the U.S. Minnehaha Park, with its waterfalls and bike trails, is perfect for nature breaks. The Chain of Lakes, including Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun, offers kayaking, jogging, and summer festivals. These spaces are great for hanging out, exercising, or simply recharging in nature.

4. Shopping

Students can shop big brands and grab food at the Mall of America, just a short train ride away. For everyday needs, head to Target (born in Minneapolis!) or browse vintage finds in Uptown. The Midtown Global Market is another go-to spot for international foods and unique gifts.

Minneapolis hosts some of Minnesota’s top universities, drawing students from the U.S. and worldwide. The city has great academic programs in business, healthcare, liberal arts, and technology. It also offers a vibrant student life. Here are the top universities in and near Minneapolis:

1. Capella University

Capella University, based in downtown Minneapolis, leads in online education. It serves over 35,000 students with flexible, career-focused programs in business, IT, psychology, and healthcare. It offers self-paced and guided learning. This is great for working students or anyone getting advanced online degrees in Minneapolis. It also has some of the best student housing, like The Grandmarc Seven Corners, which offers modern amenities and a convenient location for students.

2. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University, located in St. Paul with Minneapolis sites, enrolls over 10,000 students yearly. It serves adult and non-traditional students. They can earn affordable degrees in criminal justice, education, business, and liberal arts. Community ties and evening classes make it great for students juggling work and studies. Many students look for housing that’s both close to campus and budget-friendly. One popular choice is University Commons Minneapolis, known for its convenient location and student-friendly amenities.

3. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the state’s main university, has over 50,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. This top public research university excels in engineering, business, health sciences, and agriculture. Minneapolis has great research facilities, sports venues, and student groups. Many students enjoy a lively community and modern amenities during their college years. A great example is Identity Dinkytown, a popular student housing option near campus that blends comfort with convenience.