Shared apartments are one of the most common housing choices for LSU students, and for good reason. They're affordable, practical, and usually come with just enough privacy to feel like your own space—without the isolation. In most cases, you'll have your own bedroom, often your own bathroom too, while sharing the kitchen and living areas with others. Whether you're looking for convenience, cost savings, or a built-in social circle, shared apartments near LSU can offer all of that and more. But like any living arrangement, there are some details worth thinking through before you sign anything.

What Shared Apartments Typically Include

Most shared apartments near campus follow a fairly consistent setup. You’ll have a private, lockable bedroom and usually a private or semi-private bathroom. The kitchen, living room, and sometimes a dining space are communal, which makes things like cooking dinner or watching TV a group experience by default. These places often come fully furnished, especially if they're tailored to students. That means couches, a TV stand, basic appliances, and sometimes even a kitchen table. Storage might be limited in common areas, but bedrooms tend to offer at least a closet and a few drawers. A nice bonus? Many complexes include in-unit laundry machines. No need to haul baskets across the complex or hunt down quarters.

Lease Options: Per-Bedroom vs. Entire Unit

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when renting a shared apartment is how the lease is structured. Some properties offer per-bedroom leases, meaning you’re only responsible for your own rent—even if someone else moves out unexpectedly. This kind of lease often includes roommate matching, which is great if you're moving in without a crew already in place. Then there are entire unit leases. These usually cost a little less, but come with joint responsibility. If one roommate doesn’t pay or leaves early, the rest of you have to cover their share. Each lease type has its own risks and rewards. Think about your comfort level and your living situation before deciding.

The Pros and Cons of Shared Housing

Living with others has its benefits. Shared costs are the obvious one—you’re not just splitting rent, you’re splitting utilities, internet, maybe even groceries. Socially, it’s also a plus. Having someone around when you need to vent after a long day or cram for finals can be surprisingly reassuring. But it isn’t always seamless. Privacy takes a hit, especially in shared kitchens or if walls are thin. Schedules might clash. Roommates might have different definitions of “clean” or “quiet.” The occasional disagreement is pretty much inevitable. Even with solid planning, there will be moments of tension. It helps to go in expecting that.

Amenities That Support Student Living

Shared student apartments near LSU are designed with convenience in mind. Look for places with individual locks on bedroom doors, multiple bathrooms, and common areas big enough for everyone to coexist comfortably. Internet is usually included, and fast enough to handle multiple devices. Complexes near campus often provide study lounges, printing stations, and community Wi-Fi in shared areas. It's little things like that that make everyday life feel smoother. Some properties even have fitness centers, pools, or game rooms. These can be a welcome escape when you need a break from academics or want to socialize beyond your apartment walls.

How Rent and Utilities Are Handled

Before moving in, figure out how the financial side of things will work. If you’re on an individual lease, rent is straightforward—you pay your share, and that’s it. But if you're all on a joint lease, the rent total is split among the roommates, and everyone’s on the hook for the full amount. Utilities vary. Some leases include internet and trash pickup, while others leave that up to the tenants. It’s smart to talk early about who’ll set up which accounts, how costs will be divided, and how payments will be tracked. Apps like Splitwise or Venmo can help keep things fair. The goal is to avoid the awkward tension that builds when someone forgets—or delays—their part of the bill.

Where to Look for Roommates

If you don’t already have roommates in mind, LSU offers matching services through the housing portal, and those can be a good place to start. You'll usually answer some lifestyle questions to help find compatible housemates. Social media groups for LSU housing are also helpful, though you'll want to be a bit more cautious with people you meet there. And there are apps like Roomster and Roomi that focus specifically on roommate connections. Don’t skip the intro call. Even a short video chat can help you gauge someone’s vibe and whether you're likely to get along. Ask about things like study habits, sleep schedules, and noise preferences. Better to have those conversations early than regret not having them later.

Safety, Maintenance, and Community Support

Safety should be high on your list when evaluating shared housing. Make sure the apartment has working locks, good lighting in outdoor areas, and visible security measures like cameras or gated entry. Most properties near campus also offer 24-hour maintenance, which becomes important faster than you’d think. Even something minor—like a leaky pipe or faulty outlet—can disrupt everyone’s routine if it’s not fixed quickly. Some communities host resident events or offer courtesy officer services. They’re not just perks; they also help create a sense of community, which makes it easier to settle in.

Conclusion

Shared housing near LSU isn’t just about affordability—it’s about finding a rhythm that fits your life as a student. When it works, it offers stability, connection, and convenience all in one. Still, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Tour a few properties, get a feel for the neighborhoods, and talk openly with potential roommates. A little planning upfront can make a big difference once the semester kicks in. And if you’re looking for something to do between apartment tours, Baton Rouge has plenty of offbeat attractions worth exploring too.