It's a great way to learn about the local resources. See if the college or university has a Web site. Some maintain apartment rental listings and make them available for anyone to search online. Many colleges and universities require freshmen or even all underclass students to reside on campus. Check your school's policy before you go apartment-hunting.
Underclass students are freshmen and sophomores.
Upperclass students are juniors and seniors. He or she may be a temporary employee, a graduate student who is allowed to teach, or a part-time employee. He or she may or may not have a Doctoral degree, but almost certainly has a Masters. These are usually not meaningful distinctions, but only indicate the length of time that the person has been on the faculty. These people may teach courses at any level.