What makes Fairfax a top choice for college students? With its winning combination of campus proximity, affordable housing options, and student-friendly amenities, Fairfax earns a student-friendliness score of 85 out of 100. Whether you’re looking for a walkable lifestyle near George Mason University or easy access to DC via public transit, Fairfax delivers.
To help you decide if Fairfax is the right fit for your college years, we’ve put together this complete guide covering everything from monthly budgets to the best coffee shops for pulling an all-nighter. Let’s dive in!
✅ Student-Friendly Amenities Checklist for Fairfax
- 🏘️ Affordable off-campus apartments starting at $1,200/month
- 🚌 Free shuttle to GMU campus + student discounts on public transit
- 📚 Late-night study spots like Starbucks and 24/7 Mason Study Lounge
- 🏋️ Free access to GMU gyms and rec centers with student ID
- 🍕 Student deals at local eateries (hello, $1 slice night!)
- 🎭 Vibrant arts scene with student tickets to Center for the Arts performances
- 🚴♂️ Bike-friendly streets and trails for car-free commuting
- 💼 Internship opportunities at nearby DC offices and Fairfax HQs
Housing Options for Students
One of the biggest perks of student living in Fairfax is the range of affordable housing options. While on-campus dorms are available for underclassmen, many students opt for off-campus apartments to save on living costs. Shared 2-bedroom apartments start around $1,200-$1,500/month, while solo studio living averages $1,400-$1,800/month.
Most apartment complexes offer 9-12 month leases that align with the academic calendar. For those looking to minimize upfront costs, some properties offer low-deposit move-in specials for students. Many GMU students find roommates through the university’s off-campus housing portal or Facebook groups.
Neighborhoods like Fairfax City and Vienna are especially popular with the college crowd, thanks to their walkable streets and easy access to campus via the CUE bus. For a quieter vibe, areas like Fair Lakes and Oakton offer more spacious apartments a bit farther from the undergrad bustle.
Getting Around: Transportation and Campus Access
Fairfax offers solid public transit for students, making it easy to get to class and explore the DC area without a car. GMU students ride the CUE bus to campus for free with a Mason ID. For trips into DC, the Metrobus and Fairfax Connector offer student discounts and convenient routes to the Vienna Metro station.
Biking is another popular (and free!) way to get around locally. Fairfax has been investing in bike lanes and multi-use trails, creating safer routes between student apartment clusters and the GMU campus. For late-night rides, SafeRides provides free transportation to students to prevent drunk driving.
If you do plan on keeping a car, be prepared for the cost of parking passes, gas, and Northern Virginia insurance rates. While many apartment complexes include parking, on-campus spots can be pricey and hard to come by. That said, having your own wheels makes it easier to run errands or take weekend road trips.
Student Cost of Living
Now for the big question: Can you afford student life in Fairfax? The good news is that Fairfax’s cost of living is on par with or slightly lower than other DC suburbs. Assuming you’ll share housing and mostly cook at home, a typical student budget breaks down like this:
| Monthly Expense | Shared Housing | Solo Living |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent + utilities) | $800 | $1,600 |
| Food (groceries + occasional dining out) | $350 | $500 |
| Transportation (public transit/rideshares) | $60 | $100 |
| Textbooks and school supplies | $50 | $50 |
| Entertainment and socializing | $150 | $250 |
| Personal care and health | $75 | $100 |
| Miscellaneous costs | $100 | $150 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $1,585 | $2,750 |
Estimates based on average student spending patterns and local costs in Fairfax.
Of course, your actual monthly budget will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. Eating out frequently, keeping a car, or living alone will increase costs significantly. To stretch your budget, take advantage of student discounts, free campus amenities, and cheap eats around town.
Many Fairfax students offset expenses by working part-time jobs. The university and local businesses are always hiring for roles in retail, tutoring, admin, and more. Typical campus jobs pay $10-15/hour, while tipped positions like serving can earn $20+/hour.
Social Scene and Nightlife
Student life in Fairfax isn’t all about hitting the books. The GMU campus is always buzzing with free events, from outdoor movies to cultural festivals. Joining a student org is a great way to make friends and pad your resume – there are over 300 to choose from, whether you’re into anime or activism.
For nightlife, most students stick close to campus, hopping between house parties and bars along University Drive. Auld Shebeen and Fat Tuesday’s are go-to spots for cheap drinks and dancing. In the mood for something more low-key? Grab a few friends for trivia night at Ornery Beer Company or catch an indie film at the University Mall Theatre.
Fairfax also has a surprisingly vibrant arts scene for a college town. The Center for the Arts at GMU hosts theater, dance, and music performances throughout the year, with free or discounted student tickets. For a creative date night, take a pottery or painting class at one of the art studios around Old Town Fairfax.
Safety and Practical Considerations
Safety is a top priority for students and parents alike. Luckily, Fairfax consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live in the US. The Fairfax City police department partners closely with GMU campus security to prevent crime and respond quickly to emergencies.
When searching for off-campus housing, look for apartments with controlled access and well-lit parking lots. Many complexes also offer safety amenities like security cameras and courtesy officers. If you’ll be walking or biking to class, scout out routes during the day to ensure you feel comfortable.
Academically, GMU offers a wealth of support services to help students succeed. Take advantage of free tutoring at the Learning Services center, writing help at the Writing Center, and career guidance at the Career Services office. Counseling and psychological services are also available to support students’ mental health needs.
FAQs About Student Life in Fairfax
Q: What’s the average cost of student living in Fairfax?
A: Assuming you share an apartment and mostly cook at home, expect to budget around $1,500-$1,800/month for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Living alone or eating out frequently will increase costs.
Q: How safe is it for students to live off-campus?
A: Fairfax has very low crime rates compared to other parts of the DC metro area. Most off-campus apartment complexes have security features like gated access and surveillance cameras. As always, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone late at night.
Q: Are there good part-time job opportunities for students?
A: Yes! Many Fairfax businesses hire students for part-time roles in retail, food service, tutoring, and admin. On-campus jobs are also available in departments like the library, rec center, and IT services. Wages typically range from $10-15/hour for entry-level positions.
Q: What’s the social scene like for college students?
A: There’s always something going on at GMU, from student org events to cultural festivals. The campus is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with frequent theater and music performances at the Center for the Arts. For nightlife, students flock to the bars and restaurants along University Drive or host house parties in off-campus apartments.
Making the Decision: Is Fairfax Right for Your College Years?
For many students, Fairfax checks all the boxes: affordable living, easy access to campus and DC, and a lively social scene. The town’s low crime rates and wealth of academic support services also make it a practical choice for students and parents alike.
Of course, no college town is perfect. Fairfax’s cost of living is still relatively high compared to other parts of the country, and the suburban sprawl can feel isolating for students used to big-city life. And while the university offers plenty of entertainment, some students may find the local nightlife scene lacking.
Ultimately, the decision to live in Fairfax depends on your individual priorities and lifestyle. We recommend visiting the area in person to get a feel for the town and tour a few off-campus housing options. Talk to current GMU students about their experiences and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions about budgeting, transportation, and safety.
For more tips on budgeting and affording college life, check out our guides on Fairfax’s cost of living and planning your monthly student budget. With a little research and preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of your college years in Fairfax!