Living Off-Campus

Students in Reeders Alley

Welcome to Helena

Your New Home for Learning and Living

Whether you’re returning to college or starting fresh, Helena offers more than just a place to study—it offers a place to thrive. As Montana’s charming capital city, Helena combines small-town warmth with big opportunities. From quiet residential neighborhoods to modern apartments near campus, you'll find a variety of housing options that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Life Beyond the Classroom

When you're not in class, enjoy Helena’s vibrant community life. Explore locally owned shops, coffee houses, and boutiques downtown, or discover a rich culinary scene ranging from casual comfort food to locally sourced fine dining. With accessible amenities, scenic hiking and biking trails, and a welcoming community, Helena makes it easy to feel at home while you pursue your goals.

Downtown Helena

Find your home at Carroll College

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Living On-Campus

  • Convenience & Proximity
    • Easy access to classes, labs, library, dining, and campus events—no commute, no parking stress.
  • Built-in Community
    • Instant connection to other students and campus life—ideal if you're looking to get involved or meet people quickly.
  • Simple Billing
    • Rent, utilities, internet, and sometimes meals are bundled into one payment—no need to manage multiple bills or set up accounts.

  • Limited Independence
    • More structured environment with set rules, including quiet hours.
  • Less Privacy
    • Shared living spaces (roommates, bathrooms), and limited personal space compared to an apartment.
  • Age & Life Stage Differences
    • Most residents are traditional-aged students (18–21), which may feel less relatable for transfers or older students.

Click here to view on-campus housing options

Find your home off campus

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Living Off-Campus

  • Independence & Privacy
  • Downtown Helena
    • Live on your own terms—more space, freedom to cook, decorate, and set your schedule.
  • More Adult-Oriented Living
    • Easier to find housing and neighbors who are also working professionals or older students.
  • Options to Fit Your Life
    • Choose your neighborhood, price range, and whether to live alone or with roommates; flexibility if you have a car or family.

  • More Responsibility
    • You manage rent, utilities, maintenance, and possibly furnishing a place—more time and budgeting required.
  • Transportation Required
    • Depending on location, you may need a reliable car to get to campus—especially in winter.
  • Less Connection to Campus Life
    • You may need to put in more effort to stay plugged in to events, activities, and academic support resources.

Life in Helena

Students in coffee shop

Helena is known for it's small yet tight-knit community. Locals are often found outside on the trails, eating a Montana steak, or enjoying live music.

Curated Guides

If you're looking for even more things to do in Helena, take a look below!

Covers essential stops: Capitol tours, Mount Helena hikes, historical museums, and local breweries

Includes outdoor parks, Reeder’s Alley history, the State Historical Society, artisanal shops, and natural beauty

A curated list of parks, museums, trails—ideal for students wanting to connect with Helena’s vibe 

Other Tips and Important Info

In Helena, a typical college student living off-campus can expect utility costs to range between $125–$200 per month, depending on lifestyle, unit size, and the season.

Utilities

Estimated Monthly Cost

Notes

Electricity

$40–$80

Higher in winter due to heating; varies by insulation and usage.

Gas (if separate)

$20-$40

Not all units use gas - many are electric-only.

Water/Sewer/Garbage

$25–$50

Often bundled; may be included in rent.

Internet

$40–$70

Spectrum and CenturyLink are common; split between roommates.

Total (est.)

$125–$200

With roommates, individual costs can be as low as $60–$100.

Take a look at this map to view Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations in Helena, MT