The best place to start your apartment search across Northeastern’s network is to use Northeastern’s FREE off-campus Housing Database. Northeastern community members can search and post apartment or sublet listings, look for roommates, and find a list of licensed, local realtors and property owners. Parents and family members may request guest access to support their student with their search.
Follow these steps to register and use the Housing Database:
- Go to aptsearch.northeastern.edu.
- Click on Sign Up in the upper right-hand corner; then select Sign in with your NortheasternID.
- Use your Northeastern Student Hub credentials to login.
- Don’t have Northeastern credentials yet, or are a family member assisting a student? Sign up as a Guest.
NU Database FAQs
How do I find a roommate using the Northeastern Housing Database?
- Log into your account on the Housing Database.
- Click on the Roommates tab at the top of the page.
- Make a roommate profile. Select your Northeastern campus location. Add information about yourself, including a photo.
- Search for roommates who Have a Place or who Need a Place depending on what you need. Use Advanced Filters for specific campus locations.
- Message students you think would be a good roommate match for you (other students may also message you or reply to your roommate profile).
- If you have a place, click on My Account; Click on Edit Listings under Housing and create a listing for your apartment.
How do I find an apartment on the Database?
- Review our Get Started guide to outline steps to take to prepare for your housing and/or roommate search.
- Contact a realtor, property, owner, or property manager listed on the Housing Database. Inquire about their cost structure and fees expected before you move forward.
- Alternatively, you may find it helpful to look at Roommate profiles to find students with open rooms.
- Make a list of questions using the Apartment Hunting Checklist as your guide.
- Read and understand what is being expected of realtors/property owners/property managers in the Database Program Policy Statement and Expectations of Good Practice.
- Visit several apartments in person until you find one that meets your needs. Be sure that the realtor/property owner/property manager:
- shows you only actual and available properties
- provides you with honest and timely responses to your questions
- does not misrepresent demand for the property or time restraints to sign a lease
- Visit our Rental Scams page to research your property and the property owner/landlord.
- Tell the realtor which apartment you like and ask about next steps to tour the apartment.
- Ask for copies of all application, co-signer, fee schedule, lease, and other tenancy forms prior to application completion, signatures or making any payments
- Read all application terms and understand the fee payment schedule to know what you are paying and what is refundable/not refundable.
- Use our Lease Genius tools to review your lease before signing.
- Contact Off Campus Engagement and Support with any questions or concerns at offcampus@northeastern.edu or 617-373-8480.
How do I find a sublet on the Database?
- Using the NU Housing Database, filter housing listings using the “Sublet only” filter. This will show you student sublet listings.
- Pro tip: Browse the roommate listings to see who as an open room in their place. Use the filter “Has a Room.”
- Under the Housing listings, you may also filter by “short term” lease for more flexible housing options.
- Need additional options? Consider temporary housing locations in Boston such as hostels, hotels, and residential properties. You must book directly through the company for their current rates and availability.
How do I find a list of local realtors and properties?
Under “Resources” our Agent/Broker tab is updated regularly with local, licensed realtors that have worked with our students and families.