Settling In

Many international students find it necessary to secure temporary housing for one or more nights upon their initial arrival to Auburn. Making temporary arrangements can allow time to search for more long-term accommodations. Options for temporary housing include the following.

Local hotels: Local hotel options include (but are not limited to) the following

• University Inn 129 North College Street Auburn AL 36830  (Phone: 1-866-599-6674)
• The Hotel at Auburn University 241 South College Street Auburn AL 36830  
• Econo Lodge 2145 South College Street Auburn AL 36830
• Clarion Inn & Suites 1577 South College Street Auburn AL 36832

AU Temporary Housing (HOST) Program:  AU Housing and the Graduate School have established a pilot program for Fall 2018 to offer temporary housing on campus for a limited number of applicants during a designated time frame. Explore our HOST Program pages to learn more about temporary housing.

Placement by international student organizations:  Some international student organizations may be able to assist in placing you in temporary housing upon your arrival. Click here for a list of these organization contacts.

There is no university-based housing for graduate students. Most international graduate students rent an apartment near campus, either individually or with one or more roommates. The following is a list of resources that may be helpful in finding off-campus housing.

The following local realty companies have rentals near campus at multiple sites:

• Northcutt Realty
• First Realty
• Auburn Realty
• Evans Realty

AU Off-Campus Housing Service has postings for available rentals and roommate searches as well as helpful information about being a tenant in Auburn.

Hotpads and Apartment List are sites that allow users to search for rental listings using filters such as location, price range, amenities, etc.

You may also want to contact one of the international student organizations listed here  to ask for suggestions in your search for local housing.

Transit Services:

Tiger Transit is a bus service free to all Auburn University students. Regular day-time lines are designed to provide transport between AU campus locations and local apartment complexes. Night transit and Friday evening shopping shuttle offer specific routes outside of regular daytime hours that students may find helpful.

Lee Russell Public Transit (LRPT) offers “dial-a-ride” service for a nominal fee to any local resident to/from any location in Lee and Russell Counties. (Auburn is in Lee County).

Taxi Services:

Tiger Taxi  is a local business that offers taxi services.

Ms. Sue’s Taxi is a local business that offers taxi services.

Uber uses a smartphone application to allow passengers to hire a private driver for taxi service.  Ride requests and payment transactions are conducted through the Uber app.

Bicycles:

War Eagle Bike Share offers free bicycle use to students. Participants must create and online account and agree to terms of bicycle use.

Personal Bicycles can be a useful and low-cost way to get around locally. If you decide to invest in a new or second-hand bicycle, registration (it’s free) with AU Parking Services is required park your bike on campus.

Personal Automobiles:

Like most cities in the US, Auburn has limited public transportation. Residents often find that owning a personal vehicle provides convenience for daily living and the opportunity to experience more of the local community.  Therefore, some international students decide to purchase a new or used vehicle while living in Auburn. Please note the following when considering this option.

• Review the International Students & Scholars FAQs to learn what is required for you to be eligible for an Alabama Driver License.
• Read this article for basic guidance to international students about purchasing a car in the US.