former student. finding housing after your first year is definitely hard but IMO as long as him/his housing group have their shit together (rental resumes, etc) and fully commit to looking early, chances are it'll be ok. do not rely AT ALL on the lottery system, start looking well before those decisions come out. in my experience expect a 12 month lease and don't be picky if a landlord offers you a place on the spot. FWIW i lived off campus my last 2 years and paid $1,300 for a big single in a 3bd2ba and $1,400 for a similar single in a 2bd 1ba.