Campus Square in Baltimore: Student Housing Near UMBC and Downtown

Campus Square is a 350-unit apartment complex in Catonsville designed explicitly for undergraduate and graduate students, sitting one mile from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus and roughly 20 minutes by car from downtown Baltimore. The property combines student-focused amenities with lease structures tied to the academic calendar, making it a direct alternative to on-campus housing and other student-oriented complexes near UMBC.

What Campus Square actually is

Campus Square operates as purpose-built student housing rather than conventional market-rate apartments. Units range from furnished and unfurnished studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. The complex sits in Catonsville, in Baltimore County, placing it outside the city proper but within the primary service area for UMBC students. The property caters almost entirely to full-time students and does not typically lease to non-students or working professionals seeking standard 12-month leases.

Unit types and rental rates

Furnished units cost more than unfurnished; exact pricing fluctuates semester to semester based on demand. Current furnished one-bedroom rates typically range from $850 to $1,100 per month, with unfurnished units running $100 to $200 lower. Three-bedroom units serve groups of student roommates, with per-person costs dropping to $450 to $650 when divided among three tenants. Most leases run on an academic calendar (August through July or June through May), though some flexibility exists for summer sublets. The property allows month-to-month leases during non-peak seasons. Confirm current pricing directly with the leasing office, as rates change with each academic year.

Utilities are not included in base rent; students typically pay $80 to $150 monthly for electric, water, and internet shared among roommates.

How Campus Square compares to other student housing near Baltimore

UMBC students choose between three main housing models. On-campus residence halls offer proximity to classes and built-in community but charge premium rates (roughly $1,200 to $1,500 monthly per person including a meal plan) and have limited availability beyond first-year students. Off-campus student complexes like the Enclave at Catonsville and Pointe at Catonsville provide similar pricing to Campus Square ($800 to $1,100 unfurnished) but often enforce longer lease terms and less flexibility around summer occupancy. Campus Square distinguishes itself through furnished options at modest premium, explicit summer sublet protocols, and on-site staff trained to handle student-specific issues like warranty disputes and lease transfers.

Students commuting to Towson University or Coppin State University face longer drives (25 to 35 minutes) from Catonsville; those attending University of Baltimore or Morgan State have similar or shorter commutes from downtown Baltimore proper.

Who Campus Square suits and who it does not

The complex works well for UMBC undergraduates seeking off-campus independence in sophomore or junior years, particularly those who value furnished move-in convenience or plan to sublease during summer internships. Graduate students living with other graduate students also find the layout practical. It suits cost-conscious roommate groups; splitting a three-bedroom among three tenants undercuts most on-campus options.

Campus Square does not suit students who want an urban setting; Catonsville is suburban and car-dependent for dining, entertainment, and non-UMBC activities. It does not serve non-students, professionals, or families. Students without cars and without reliable transit to their campus should compare commute times before applying.

Application and move-in process

Prospective tenants apply online or in person at the leasing office with proof of student status (acceptance letter, current transcript, or enrollment verification), income documentation from a parent or guarantor, and a completed application. Most applications process within two to five business days. The lease signing and deposit payment happen four to eight weeks before occupancy. Move-in dates cluster around late July through August for fall semester and late April through May for spring semester. The office handles transfer requests between units and coordinates summer storage for students vacating during breaks.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The leasing office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campus Square provides one unreserved parking space per lease; additional spaces rent for $20 to $30 monthly. Street parking exists but fills quickly during the school year. The complex sits on Rosemont Avenue in Catonsville, accessible by MTA Bus Route 115, which connects to UMBC and Baltimore County Transit nodes, though frequency is limited during evening and weekend hours. Most students drive or carpool; relying solely on transit requires advance planning.

Campus Square's academic-year lease model and furnished options make it a straightforward choice for UMBC students prioritizing move-in ease and summer flexibility over the urban amenities and walkability that downtown Baltimore rental stock provides.