SJSU rentals under 5 minutes from campus: what's open right now

A short trip to class makes a real difference in a busy semester, which is why SJSU rentals under 5 minutes from campus get so much attention. The current mix in San Jose runs from single bedrooms to a duplex and larger homes, and you can browse the full range on the San Jose listings page. The five below are all listed as under 5 minutes by car from campus.

Prices here vary widely, from a one-bedroom listing to a three-bedroom home. That's useful, because it lets you see what different budgets look like this close to campus. It's late October, so most of these are showing as open now, which could suit a spring-semester move. If you're planning further ahead for next fall, the same questions still apply.

Begin your search at Off-Campus Universe, where you can browse current listings near San Jose.

private bedroom with private bathroom is listed at $1,598/month for 1 bed and 1 bath on a Year Lease (12 Months). It's unfurnished, so budget for a bed, desk and the basics. Lease timing is listed as 6/2/2026, and it's showing as open now. Ask the lister whether the rent covers just the room or a whole unit, and what the shared spaces look like.

Duplex near campus is a furnished 1 bed, 1 bath unit at $2,624/month on a Year Lease (12 Months). Lease timing is listed as 5/1/2026. A duplex usually means you share a wall with one other unit rather than a whole building, which some renters prefer. It's at the top end for a one-bedroom here, so ask what the rent includes.

Room for Rent Across the street SJSU is listed as (contact for price), so you'll need to message the lister for the rent. It's furnished, on a Year Lease (12 Months), with lease timing listed as 5/19/2026. The listing shows 1 bed and 4.5 baths, which is an unusual combination, so ask the lister to explain the setup. Ask which bathroom would be yours and how many people share the house.

Fully renovated 3bed, 1.5miles from SJSU is a furnished 3 bed, 1.5 bath home at $5,500/month. The lease type is listed as monthly, with lease timing listed as 9/1/2026. That's the whole-home price, so if you're splitting it with two others, work out each share and agree on it before applying. A monthly term gives you flexibility, but ask how much notice the lister needs before rent changes or move-out.

453 S 9th St is a furnished 2 bed, 1 bath listing at $2,495/month on a Year Lease (12 Months). The listing is set up to rent by the room, so ask the lister exactly what the $2,495/month covers and whether it's one room or the full unit. Lease timing is listed as May to August 2026, so confirm the actual start date and how long the term runs.

What living this close to SJSU looks like

Being under 5 minutes by car from campus means you can head home between classes, grab something you forgot or get to an early exam without a long commute. It also tends to come with a higher price. Every listing in this set shares that same short drive, so you're really comparing layout, furnishing and lease terms.

The listing types tell you a lot. A private room usually means you have your own bedroom while sharing a kitchen and living area. A duplex or a whole home gives you more space and control, but the rent is higher and often shared between roommates. When a listing is set up to rent by the room, you'll typically be signing for your own space within a larger home.

Furnishing is worth thinking about too. Four of these five are listed as furnished, and one isn't. A furnished room saves you buying and moving furniture, which is especially handy for a mid-year move. An unfurnished place can work well if you already own furniture or plan to stay for more than one year.

Short drives don't remove every cost of getting around, though. Ask each lister whether parking comes with the place, whether it's an extra charge and how guest parking works. If you won't be bringing a car, those questions matter less, but it's still worth knowing before you sign so there are no surprises in your first week.

SJSU rentals under 5 minutes from campus: how to pick the right one

The first step with SJSU rentals under 5 minutes from campus is setting a clear monthly budget. In this group, the listed prices run from $1,598/month for a 1 bed, 1 bath listing up to $5,500/month for a full three-bedroom home. One listing doesn't show a price at all, so reach out before ruling it in or out.

Once you have a budget, decide how much space and privacy you need. If a private bathroom matters, ask about it directly rather than assuming from the title. If you'd like to share with friends, a larger home can bring the per-person cost closer to a single room. Just make sure everyone is comfortable with the lease terms before anyone signs.

Lease terms deserve a close read. Most of these are on a Year Lease (12 Months), but one is listed as monthly. A year lease locks in your rent for longer, while a monthly setup can be easier to leave. Ask each lister about renewal, early termination and whether subletting is allowed if your plans change over summer.

Lastly, think about timing. In late October, places that are open now may suit a spring move. If you're searching for next fall instead, ask listers when they expect their next opening and how far ahead they accept applications. Some are happy to plan months out, and an early conversation can save you a rushed search later.

Keep notes as you go. Write down each listing's rent, layout, lease type, start date and anything the lister tells you about utilities or fees. A simple side-by-side comparison makes it much easier to spot which place actually fits your budget once every cost is counted.

Tips for renting close to SJSU

• Message the lister for the price on any listing marked contact for price before you rule it out.

• Ask whether the rent is for a single room or the whole unit, especially when a listing is set up to rent by the room.

• Check what furniture is included in furnished listings and budget for basics in an unfurnished one.

• Ask about parking, utilities and move-in costs, since none of those are listed and they can change your total budget.

Ready to find your place? Browse all listings at Off-Campus Universe.

This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by San Jose State University.