Student Living Guide in Salt Lake City

Your Ultimate Student Guide to Living in Salt Lake City

Housing, budgeting, food, study spots, jobs, and student life—all in one place. Whether you’re starting at University of Utah or just looking to make the most of student life, this guide will help you get your footing in Salt Lake City. College comes with a lot of new experiences—this guide breaks down the essentials so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying where you live.

Looking for housing now? Find a place that keeps you close to campus, your friends, and everything SLC has going on.

See Our Student Floor Plans

Things to Do

Food

Saving Money

Shopping

Jobs & Career

Fitness

Studying

Mental Health

Moving

Housing

Transportation

Things to Do on a Student Budget

One of the best parts about being a student in Salt Lake City is how much there is to do without spending a ton. Whether you’re into the outdoors, live music, or just finding new spots with friends, there’s always something going on.

Montaire Student Living Apartments Colorful autumn trees cover a mountain slope, with clouds partially hiding the snowy peaks above.

Outdoor Adventures

Salt Lake is basically built for students who like being outside. You can hit trails like Living Room or Ensign Peak right after class, and Big Cottonwood Canyon is just a short drive away. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding at places like Brighton or Snowbird are a huge part of student life—especially with discounted passes.

Montaire Student Living Apartments Four friends smiling and laughing together; one drinks a blue beverage with a straw, another wears pink sunglasses.

Entertainment & Nightlife

If you’re looking for something to do at night, downtown is the place to be. Think live music, small venues, and casual spots to hang out with friends. It’s less about big clubs and more about laid-back nights, concerts, and exploring different neighborhoods.

Montaire Student Living Apartments Aerial view of Rice-Eccles Stadium, the football field for the University of Utah, surrounded by parking lots.

Sports

Game days are a big deal in Salt Lake. Utah Jazz games downtown bring a lot of energy, and University of Utah football and basketball games are a must—especially since student tickets are often included or heavily discounted.

Montaire Student Living Apartments Two young women smiling and posing together at an outdoor music festival with a crowd in the background.

Events & Festivals

There’s always something happening, especially in warmer months. Farmers markets, outdoor concerts, art festivals, and seasonal events give you plenty of options for low-cost weekend plans.

Food on a Student Budget

Eating on a budget in Salt Lake City is all about balance. Most students split their time between cooking at home and grabbing affordable meals near campus.

Fast-casual spots, food trucks, and campus-area restaurants make it easy to grab something quick between classes. Many places offer lunch specials or portions big enough to stretch into two meals.

Top Restaurants Near Montaire

Saving Money as a Student

Managing money in college doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a few good habits. Most students in Salt Lake City spend around $1,200–$2,000 per month, depending on rent, food, and how often you’re out doing things.

Rent is usually the biggest expense, especially if you want to be close to campus. Transportation and food come next, but both are pretty manageable if you plan ahead.

One of the easiest ways to save? Use your student status. Discounts on things like Spotify, Amazon, Apple, and even local restaurants and events can add up fast.

Student Discounts

Shopping Essentials for Students

When it comes to shopping, think practical. This is about stocking your apartment, not eating out.

Salt Lake has plenty of convenient options for everyday essentials—Target, Smith’s, and Costco are all go-to spots for groceries, cleaning supplies, and basic furniture.

For cheaper finds, thrift stores are a student favorite. They’re perfect for picking up decor, kitchen items, or extra furniture without spending much.

SHOPPING IN SLC

Jobs & Career Opportunities for Students

If you’re looking for a job while in school, Salt Lake City has plenty of options. On-campus jobs are always a solid choice because they’re flexible and close to your classes.

Off-campus, there are tons of part-time roles in retail, restaurants, and coffee shops—especially in busy areas like Downtown and Sugar House.

SLC is also growing fast in industries like tech, healthcare, and business, so internships are definitely worth looking into. Even part-time experience during school can help a lot when you graduate.

SLC JOB GUIDE

Fitness & Staying Active

Salt Lake City makes it easy to stay active without needing a strict routine. Students can use campus recreation facilities or take advantage of the surrounding mountains and trails.

For days when you want something more convenient, having access to an on-site gym can make a huge difference. Montaire offers a state-of-the-art fitness center open 24/7, so you can fit in a workout whenever your schedule allows—whether that’s early mornings, late nights, or between classes.

FITNESS TIPS

Studying & Staying Productive

Staying productive in college comes down to having a system that works for you. Whether that’s studying in the library, your apartment, or a quiet campus space, consistency matters more than location.

The University of Utah offers plenty of dedicated study areas, but having reliable study space at home can save time and help you stay focused. Montaire includes two massive private and communal study lounges, giving you flexible options whether you need complete quiet or a more collaborative environment.

Planning ahead, breaking work into smaller tasks, and sticking to a routine can help you stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed.

Best Coffee Shops to Study

Mental Health & Wellness

College can get busy fast, so it’s important to take care of yourself along the way. That might mean getting outside, taking breaks, or just spending time with friends.

The University of Utah also offers counseling and wellness resources if you need extra support. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Living in a place like Salt Lake helps too—being able to step outside and reset in the mountains or a nearby park makes a big difference.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Moving Out & Your First Apartment

Moving into your first apartment is exciting—but there’s definitely a learning curve. Things like setting up utilities, splitting bills, and keeping track of rent might be new at first.

Having a checklist helps a lot. Make sure you understand your lease, communicate with your roommates, and plan out your budget before moving in.

Once you’re settled, it starts to feel like your own space—and that’s when it really gets fun.

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MOVING

Student Housing Made Simple

Choosing where to live plays a major role in your college experience. The right housing can make your routine easier, your social life better, and your overall experience more enjoyable. Living close to campus can save time and reduce daily stress.

Montaire is designed with students in mind, offering furnished apartments, flexible layouts, and a convenient location that supports both academic and social life.

Dorm vs Apartment

Getting Around Without a Car

You don’t need a car to get around Salt Lake City—especially as a student. Between public transportation, campus routes, and bike-friendly streets, it’s easy to get where you need to go.

With quick access to I-80 and nearby public transit options, getting to class, downtown, or even heading out of the city is simple. Montaire offers a private shuttle to and from campus—cutting down commute time and removing the stress of parking altogether.

GUIDE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Start Your Best Student Life

College is a unique time—and having the right setup makes all the difference. This guide is here to help you enjoy the experience while staying organized, balanced, and prepared. And when you’re ready for housing that supports all of it, Montaire is here for you.

Ready to make your move?

Schedule a Tour