The Complete UK Off-Campus Housing Guide
Everything you need to find, lease, and settle into your apartment or townhome near the University of Kentucky, brought to you by Campus Court Lexington.
How the UK Housing Market Works
With UK's total enrollment reaching a record ~38,700 students in Fall 2025, competition for off-campus housing near campus starts earlier every year. Purpose-built student communities like Campus Court Lexington lease by the bed, which means individual bedrooms, not whole units, can sell out well before the school year is over.
Signing early gives you first pick of floor plan type, the best shot at getting your preferred roommate group placed together, and access to earlier-tier pricing before availability tightens. Waiting until spring or summer usually means a smaller pool of layouts and a longer commute to campus.
Typical Leasing Timeline
| Window | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Early Fall | Off-campus search begins; returning residents get first right to renew; new availability starts posting |
| Late Fall | Most competitive signing window of the year; popular floor plans (townhomes, larger units) go first |
| Winter | Peak signing period for purpose-built student communities near UK |
| Spring | Selection narrows; fewer floor plan types and roommate-matching options remain |
| Summer | Limited remaining availability; contact the leasing team directly for current openings |
Set a calendar reminder to start your search each fall, and give yourself a decision deadline before winter break. If you're heading into your sophomore year or later, start looking about a full year ahead of your target move-in.
Understanding Your Options
Campus Court Lexington sits about a mile from UK's campus and offers a mix of apartment and townhome layouts across 398 beds in 15 residential buildings, so there's a range of floor plan types to fit different group sizes and study habits.
Floor Plan Types
1 Bed / 1 Bath
Classic, renovated, deluxe, and garden-style layouts from roughly 525–600 sq ft. A private, quiet option for students who prefer to live alone.
2 Bed / 2 Bath Apartment
Standard (~850 sq ft) or classic (~1,200 sq ft) layouts. Good for two roommates who each want their own bath.
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath Townhome
~1,200 sq ft across multiple levels, for roommates who want more separation between bedrooms and shared space.
3 Bed / 3 Bath
Classic apartment or townhome layouts (~1,200 sq ft), or the deluxe townhome (~1,400 sq ft), the most spacious option for a larger group.
How By-the-Bed Leasing Works
| Aspect | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Each resident signs | Their own individual lease for their bedroom only |
| What you pay for | Your bedroom, plus a share of the common living areas |
| What you don't pay for | Anyone else's share of rent. You're not financially responsible for a roommate's bedroom |
| Biggest benefit | You don't need a full roommate group lined up before signing; contact the leasing team about roommate matching |
What "Fully Furnished" Includes
| Area | Included |
|---|---|
| Living area (select units) | Sofa, 55" smart TV, coffee table, entertainment stand |
| Bedroom (add-on options) | Full XL bed, desk and chair, dresser, nightstand |
| Kitchen | Stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops in select units, plus an in-unit washer/dryer in every home |
| You bring | Bedding, towels, dishware, and personal items |
A furnished unit and in-unit washer/dryer remove one of the biggest moving costs and headaches, especially if you're relocating from out of state. Confirm exactly which furniture pieces are included in your specific floor plan with the leasing team, since inclusions can vary by unit.
Understanding Your Costs
The rent you see listed is rarely the full monthly picture. Before comparing communities, look at what's already bundled into rent versus what gets billed separately, so you're comparing total monthly cost rather than headline price.
What's Included in Rent
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Included |
| Trash | Included |
| Water & sewer | Included |
| Electric | Billed separately by usage through Simple Bills |
| Furniture | Included on furnished floor plans; add-on options available |
| Washer/dryer | In-unit in every home |
| Parking | $100 one-time sticker fee; no dedicated guest parking (guests park on Horseman's Lane) |
| Renters insurance | Required; auto-enrolled in the community's program unless you provide proof of your own qualifying policy |
Sample Monthly Budget
| Line Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (per bed) | Contact the leasing team for current floor plan pricing |
| Wi-Fi / trash / water / sewer | Included in rent |
| Electric | Varies by usage and season; ask leasing for a typical range |
| Renters insurance | Modest monthly amount if enrolled in the community program |
| Groceries | Budget-dependent; typically the largest variable monthly cost after rent |
Application & Move-In Costs
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Contact leasing for current amount |
| Security deposit (if chosen as your qualification path) | Equal to two months' rent |
| Guarantor Waiver Program fee | Monthly fee; contact leasing for current pricing |
| Parking sticker | $100 one-time fee |
| Pet fee (if applicable) | One-time non-refundable fee plus monthly pet rent |
Always compare total monthly cost, not just the headline rent number. A lower base rent that doesn't include Wi-Fi, water, or furniture can end up costing more per month than an all-inclusive rate once you add everything back in.
Base Rent vs. Total Monthly Cost
Base rent is the listed price for your floor plan alone. Total monthly cost is base rent plus utilities not already included, renters insurance, and any lifestyle fees like parking or pet rent. Ask for both numbers before you sign.
How to Qualify
Campus Court Lexington offers several ways to qualify for a lease, so students at different stages, with or without established US credit, with or without a co-signer, can each find a path that works for them. Each option below is a neutral business criterion available to any applicant who meets it.
Qualification Pathways
| Pathway | Criteria |
|---|---|
| US Guarantor | Co-signer with 600+ credit score, income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and US residency with a Social Security number |
| Self-Qualification | Applicant has their own qualifying credit (600+) and income (at least 3x rent) |
| Security Deposit | Qualify by paying a deposit equal to two months' rent at signing, in place of a credit/income-based guarantor |
| Guarantor Waiver Program | Third-party program for a monthly fee; instant approval upon verification of student status, with no US credit history or Social Security number required |
Applicants without US credit history or a Social Security number can qualify through the Guarantor Waiver Program. This is an objective criterion available to any qualifying applicant, not a program tied to where you're from. A passport or other government ID is accepted, and leases can typically be signed remotely before you arrive in Lexington. Contact the leasing team to confirm current documentation requirements.
Your Neighborhood
Campus Court Lexington sits at 935 Red Mile Rd, about a mile from the University of Kentucky campus and directly across from the Red Mile / Railbird Festival grounds. The community is also close to Transylvania University, Midway University, and Bluegrass Community and Technical College, if any of your classes or friends take you to those campuses.
Getting to Campus
| Mode | Detail |
|---|---|
| Campus transit | Located on the Red Mile Lextran Route (Route 15), which connects to UK's campus bus network; UK's Blue and White campus routes are free to ride and don't require showing ID |
| City-wide transit | Any Lextran city bus is free for UK students, staff, and faculty who show a Wildcat ID |
| Biking/walking | Roughly a mile to central campus; walkable or a short ride depending on your building |
| Driving | Quick drive to campus; a parking sticker ($100 one-time fee) is required at the community |
Dining, Groceries & Entertainment
You're close to the Euclid Avenue and South Broadway dining corridors, popular with UK students for coffee shops and casual restaurants. Rupp Arena and downtown Lexington are a short drive away for concerts and events, and the Lexington Greenway and Masterson Station Park give you options for outdoor recreation. The Arboretum, UK's own botanical garden and public park, is also nearby for a study break or a run.
Health & Safety Resources
UK's University Health Service (830 S. Limestone) is the on-campus clinic for students, and full-time students get unlimited visits covered through the mandatory health fee. UK also maintains Blue Emergency Towers across campus and a SAFECATS safety escort line (859-257-7233) for late-night walks or rides.
Life at Campus Court Lexington
Community Spaces
| Space | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Resort-style pool | Outdoor pool for warm-weather lounging |
| Fitness center | On-site gym for daily workouts without a campus commute |
| Study rooms | Quiet spaces separate from your apartment for focused work |
| Game room & resident lounge | Shared social spaces with TVs for hanging out with neighbors |
| Coffee bar | Complimentary coffee bar on-site |
| Outdoor grilling area/courtyard | Shared outdoor space for cookouts |
| Dog park | On-site space for residents with pets |
Every Apartment Includes
Interior Features
- Keycard access
- High-speed internet
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Stainless steel appliances (select units)
- Quartz countertops (select units)
- Wood-style plank flooring (select units)
Utilities Bundled In
- Wi-Fi
- Trash
- Water & sewer
Services & Operations
| Service | Detail |
|---|---|
| Office hours | Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, closed Sunday |
| Maintenance | 24/7 emergency maintenance line |
| Package handling | Amazon Hub locker on-site |
| Pets | Pet-friendly; one-time non-refundable pet fee plus monthly pet rent |
| Management | Professionally managed by Coastal Ridge Real Estate |
Reading Your Lease
A lease is a legally binding contract, even when it's your first one. Read it in full before signing, and don't hesitate to ask the leasing office to walk through any clause you don't understand.
Core Lease Terms Glossary
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Lease term | A fixed 12-month lease at Campus Court Lexington, paid in 12 equal installments (not prorated) |
| Individual lease | You're responsible only for your own bedroom's rent, not a roommate's share |
| Security deposit | Refundable amount held against damage; may double as your qualification method (two months' rent) |
| Guarantor | A co-signer who agrees to cover rent if you can't; not required if you self-qualify or use the waiver program |
| Subletting policy | Subletting isn't permitted; if you need to leave early, a lease reassignment to a qualified replacement resident is available for a fee equal to one month's rent |
| Unit transfer | Moving to a different floor plan within the community is possible for a fee, based on availability |
| Renewal notice period | Confirm your specific notice deadline at signing; returning residents are typically given first opportunity to renew |
| Pet addendum | Required if you have a pet; includes the pet fee and monthly pet rent |
| Renters insurance | Required for all residents; auto-enrolled in the community's program unless you show proof of your own policy |
Before signing, review your lease with a parent, guardian, or a trusted adult. Lexington-Fayette County residents can also reach out to Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, a nonprofit that provides free legal help with housing questions to qualifying residents in the area, and the UK Off-Campus Resource Hub for additional guidance.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
- What's my move-in date and how do I get my keys or fob?
- When is my first rent payment due, and how do I set up autopay?
- Which utilities are included, and which are billed separately?
- What's the penalty if I need to end my lease early?
- What's the policy on subletting or reassigning my lease?
- How and when do I get my deposit back at move-out?
- What's the guest and noise policy?
- What's the renewal notice deadline for next year?
- What's the typical maintenance response time?
- What does parking cost, and is there guest parking?
Move-In Checklist
Since your apartment or townhome at Campus Court Lexington comes fully furnished, you don't need to bring large furniture. Here's what to pack instead, and what to do on day one.
What to Bring
Bedroom Essentials
- Bedding & pillows
- Towels
- Hangers & storage bins
- Desk lamp
Kitchen & Bathroom
- Dishware & cookware
- Shower curtain & bath mat
- Toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
Electronics & Study
- Laptop & charger
- Router (if not using building Wi-Fi directly)
- Surge protector
- Backpack & school supplies
Documents to Have on Hand
- Signed lease copy
- Government ID / passport
- Student ID
- Renters insurance policy number
- Emergency contact info
Day One
- Photograph existing condition: document any pre-existing damage before you unpack, to protect your deposit.
- Set up your resident portal account for rent payments and maintenance requests.
- Connect to Wi-Fi using the credentials provided at check-in.
- Test all appliances and report any issues to the leasing office within 24 hours.
- Pick up your keycard/fob and confirm building access.
- Locate emergency exits and note the 24/7 maintenance contact number.
How to Apply
- Schedule a tour: in-person or virtual, whichever fits your schedule.
- Choose your floor plan from the available 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartment and townhome layouts.
- Select your qualification method: guarantor, self-qualification, security deposit, or the waiver program.
- Submit your application online through the Campus Court Lexington website.
- Sign your lease: digital signing is available, including remote signing before you arrive in Lexington.
- Pay any required upfront fees, including your application fee and deposit or waiver program fee if applicable.
- Receive your move-in confirmation and details on picking up your keys or fob.
Leasing Contact
| Phone | (502) 351-8622 |
| Website | campuscourtlexington.com |
| Address | 935 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504 |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, closed Sunday |
Quick Reference
Key Dates
| Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| Start your search | Early fall of the prior school year |
| Ideal signing window | Late fall through winter |
| Latest to sign for full selection | Before spring; confirm current availability with leasing |
| Typical move-in month | Confirm with leasing based on your lease term |
| Renewal notice deadline | Confirm at signing; returning residents get first opportunity to renew |
Useful University Resources
| UK Off-Campus Resource Hub | studentsuccess.uky.edu/off-campus-resources |
| UK Transportation Services | transportation.uky.edu |
| University Health Service | ukhealthcare.uky.edu/university-health-service |
| SAFECATS safety escort | 859-257-7233 |
| Legal Aid of the Bluegrass | lablaw.org |
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