Every year, the summer heat fades, pumpkin spice makes its annual cult-like comeback, Canadian geese start flying overhead, and something big happens in college towns across the country: the great fall migration. (Of students, not geese!) Tens of thousands of students flood into college towns each September, transforming quiet streets into buzzing hubs of activity almost overnight.

Population Booms Nationwide

Imagine living in a town of 100,000 people, and suddenly 60,000 students arrive in just one week. Roads clog with packed cars, sidewalks are full of emotional parents, and new students eagerly explore their surroundings. Local businesses thrive with the influx of customers, and the sleepy summertime mood disappears instantly.

Some of the biggest student population surges happen in places like College Station, Texas—home to Texas A&M University with nearly 75,000 students—or Gainesville, Florida, where the University of Florida welcomes more than 60,000 students each fall. Grocery stores become packed, coffee shop lines stretch long, and the buzz of energy is inescapable.

What Are American Students Studying?

• Business: About one in five students choose this major.
• Health Professions: Nursing, public health, and healthcare technology continue to rise.
• Social Sciences: Political science, sociology, and related majors remain popular.
• Biological Sciences: Pre-med, research, and environmental studies draw thousands.
• Psychology: A consistent top-five favorite nationwide.

Fun fact: some of the most unique majors in the U.S. include Enology (grape growing), Fermentation Sciences, Puppetry, and even Bagpiping.

Study Trends by Region

• Pacific Northwest: Pre-Business and Psychology are leading choices.
• California: Engineering, Political Science, and Molecular Biology dominate at UC Berkeley and beyond.
• New England & New York: Healthcare, law, and the arts are top fields.
• Midwest: Computer Science, Economics, and Finance thrive, especially in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Deep South: Agricultural majors remain the most concentrated here.

Are You a Landlord in a College Town?

Students provide landlords with a steady stream of income during the academic year, but success depends on timing and smart marketing. Experts agree the best time to list your property is as early as April or May—well before the fall rush.

Top iROOMit.com Landlord Listing Recommendations

When using iROOMit.com, a leading platform for student housing and roommate matching, landlords can maximize visibility and secure reliable tenants:

• Include a wide range of budgets and clear contract terms (deposits, refunds, due dates).
• Be transparent about extra expenses like utilities or service fees.
• Offer flexible leasing terms, such as allowing subletting.
• Allow cosigners—a must for students who rely on parental support.
• Highlight local amenities that appeal to out-of-town students.
• Upload high-quality photos and respond quickly to inquiries.
• Have trusted contractors ready for maintenance emergencies like frozen pipes or leaks.
• Provide basic maintenance tools (shovels, brooms, salt) so tenants can handle minor issues.

Are You a Student Seeking Fall Housing?

Finding housing can be stressful, but iROOMit.com makes the process easier with tools like verified listings and the Team-Ups feature, which helps students find compatible roommates.

Smart Student Housing Tips:

• Know your budget (including deposits).
• Use iROOMit’s roommate-matching features to simplify the search.
• Prepare finances early—good rentals go fast.
• Always tour the property—check safety, commute, and parking.
• Confirm pet policies if you have furry friends.

Are You a Full-Time College Town Resident?

Permanent residents also feel the seasonal shift. Your favorite café may be more crowded but stay open later. Libraries get busier, and rental prices spike in July and August. If you’re not a student, try to avoid moving during the migration season.

Students—start your housing search early. Landlords—leverage iROOMit.com and these tips to make the most of fall’s student boom!

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