You already know what home feels like here. Here's why so many residents choose to stay.
Renewal season brings the same question every spring: stay put, or start the search all over again. If you're weighing your options, here's what another year at boötes actually gets you, plus how move out works so you know exactly what to expect either way.
Quick answer: why residents renew at boötes
Returning residents skip the apartment hunt, keep their roommates and routines, and stay in a place they already know works for them. All while getting another year of the amenities, location, and community they signed up for.
First, a quick note on moving out
Here's the one thing every student renter in Bozeman should know: if you do not renew your lease, at the end of the lease term you have to move out of your apartment. Apartment communities in the area typically have a move out in late-July and a move in of early to mid-August. This means that you may need to find somewhere to stay between those two locations.
Renewing means skipping the move out headache and new apartment search and instead staying in a place, and a community, you already know.
The case for renewing
Skip the rental hunt
Bozeman's rental market moves fast during leasing season, and searching for a new place near MSU means touring units, comparing floor plans, and coordinating move-in timing all over again. Renewing at boötes means one less thing competing for your attention during finals and summer plans.
Keep your people
If you've got roommates you actually like, renewing together keeps that group intact. No re-matching, no adjusting to new people, no starting over on the group chat.
You already know what you're getting
No surprise showings, no guessing whether photos matched reality. You know your floor plan, your private bathroom, your in-home washer and dryer, and how the smart home tech works. That's one less unknown during a busy semester.
The amenities you already use
Another year means another year of:
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The year-round spa, cold plunge, and infrared sauna
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The 24-hour, two-story fitness center
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Private study pods and group study rooms
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The gourmet demo kitchen and outdoor pizza oven
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The game lounge with pool tables and corn hole
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Bike and ski storage, right where you left it
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The dog park and pet wash station, if you've got a pet in tow
Location you've already dialed in
You already know the walk or drive to MSU, where to park, and how close you are to Bobcat Stadium and campus. That's a head start every fall semester after your first.
Fewer moving parts during a busy season
Renewing means fewer decisions. You're not touring other properties, submitting new applications, or coordinating a new move-in date.
What to do if you're ready to renew
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Talk to the leasing office about renewal timelines, floor plan options, and any current renewal offers.
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Confirm your roommate situation early if your group is staying together, or ask about roommate matching if you need a new one.
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Mark your renewal deadline so you're not deciding at the last minute during a busy part of the semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I renew, do I still have to move my stuff out? No! That is the best part about renewing; you do not have to move out.
Does renewing save me money? Yes! It costs money to move apartments. From truck rentals to moving boxes to application fees and security deposits. Renewing requires none of those expenses. Ask the leasing office about current renewal pricing and any offers available for returning residents.
Can I switch floor plans when I renew? Talk to the leasing office about availability if you want to move from a 2-bed to a 3-bed, or into a 4-bed townhome with a garage, for your next lease term.
When should I decide whether to renew? Check with the leasing office for your renewal deadline. Deciding early gives you the best shot at your preferred floor plan and roommate setup.
Do I need to reapply if I renew? No! There is no need to reapply. Simply contact the leasing office for your community's specific renewal process and paperwork.