September brings the peak search season for rentals in Bucharest. Demand driven by undergrads and postgrads temporarily pushes up prices for studios and one-bedrooms, especially around campuses (Regie–Leu, Grozăvești, Romană–Universitate, Timpuri Noi, Pallady). From March to July 2025, average asking rents rose about 5–6% versus 2024 citywide, with clear differences by sector.

What it costs right now: budget markers

• Studios (city average): ~€350–385/month; in premium areas they climb to €400–450. In June–July the market was broadly flat month-to-month, but above 2024 levels.
• One-bedroom apartments (city average): ~€550–600/month; by sector: S1 ~€670, S2 ~€620, S5 ~€593, S4 ~€500.
• Two-bedroom apartments (city average): ~€750–800; S1 can exceed €1,100–1,200 in Dorobanți–Aviatorilor.

Seasonality is real: in August–September pressure is highest on studios and one-bedrooms.

Dorm vs. private rental: real numbers for 2025

• University of Bucharest (UB): ~4,500 places across 15 dorms; official fee grids published for 2025.
• Politehnica (UPB/UNSTPB): about 13,000 places in the Regie and Leu dorms. For October 2025, approved fees are 350 lei/month for most dorms and up to 720 lei/month in modernized buildings. UPB is also building a new dorm with around 700 places.
• ASE (University of Economic Studies): housing managed monthly, with a mixed (fixed + variable) fee set by the board; the 2025–2026 calendar is public.

Subsidies & alternatives: there are housing subsidies for students who don’t get a dorm spot, under the Education Ministry’s methodology; universities may grant support (hundreds of lei/month depending on rules). A registered lease contract is usually required to qualify.

Public transport: what to budget

• STB + Metrorex integrated monthly pass: 160 lei. STB only: 80 lei/month. Metrorex only: 100 lei/month.

Areas and routes that work for campus life

• Regie–Leu / Politehnica: strong access on M3 (Grozăvești, Politehnica), STB 601/336; cheaper rents in Crângași–Giulești, higher up on Virtuții.
• Romană–Universitate (ASE/UB): limited supply; consider Timpuri Noi – Tineretului – Mihai Bravu (easy M1/M2/M3), where one-bedrooms price more reasonably.
• Timpuri Noi – Pallady (UB – Letters/Chemistry; SNSPA within reach): newer blocks and parking, but check building dues and utilities; winter bills can lift the total budget. In practice, utilities & HOA fees can add 300–900 lei/month depending on insulation, central system vs. individual boiler, and season.

How to find fast without overpaying (practical checklist)

1. Start with realistic ranges: studio €350–400, one-bedroom €520–620 in non-premium areas. Add €50–100 if you target S1/S2.
2. Deposit & commission: standard 1 month deposit (sometimes 2 in new builds). Agencies often charge ~50% of one month; direct-from-owner = 0 commission.
3. Lease & paperwork: sign a fixed-term contract, attach an inventory and meter readings at handover. Ask the owner to register the lease (their obligation; you’ll need it for residency paperwork, subsidies, deductions).
4. Avoid cash “reservation” fees: never pay any advance without a signed contract and keys handed over with a handover report.
5. Quick viewing checks: damp in corners, water pressure, windows, true winter costs (ask for 2–3 winter HOA bills), insulation and noise (test in the evening).
6. Negotiate smart: offer immediate move-in or a 12-month minimum; propose taking over cleaning/minor fixes for €20–30/month off.

“Hot” markets and cheaper look-alikes

• Expensive: Dorobanți–Aviatorilor, Kiseleff, Floreasca, Aviației (premium; expat & corporate demand).
• Mid-range: Tineretului, Vitan–Dudești, Dristor, 1 Decembrie–Pallady, Ștefan cel Mare–Obor, Drumul Taberei (by M5).
• More affordable with metro nearby: Crângași–Giulești (Tram 41 + M4), Lujerului–Gorjului (M3), Nicolae Grigorescu–Titan (M1), Apărătorii Patriei–Berceni (M2). The north/south split persists: S1 is priciest, S4 friendliest for one-bedrooms.

If you didn’t get a dorm spot

• Apply for the housing subsidy (where your university offers it): submit the registered lease + application at the start of the academic year.
• Compare total cost: rent + utilities/energy + transport pass (160 lei integrated or 80 + 100 lei separately for STB + metro). For many, a modern UB/UPB dorm is still 3–6× cheaper than a studio rental.

What to expect in September 2025

• High demand in the first two weeks; good listings vanish in 24–72 hours near metro stations.
• Firm asking prices in S1–S2; room to negotiate in S3–S4–S6, especially for immediate move-in.
• Clear budget bands by sector: studios €350–450, one-bedrooms €500–670 depending on area; two-bedrooms for flat-sharing €700–900.

One-day mini-guide for students

Morning: set alerts on 2–3 major platforms; line up proof of income/guarantor + deposit funds.
Midday: view three options along the same metro axis; ask for recent winter HOA/utility bills.
Evening: compare door-to-campus times (M2/M3/M5 help most); choose the option with the lower total cost, not just the lowest rent.