Off Campus Housing Tips for Students

Start Your Search Earlier Than You Think

In college towns, the best apartments near campus are rented months before the academic year begins. Students who start looking in January for a September move-in have far more options than those who start in June.

If you are planning to move off campus for your sophomore year, start researching in the fall of your freshman year. Talk to upperclassmen about which neighborhoods and landlords they recommend.

Calculate the True Cost Before Signing

The listed rent is rarely the full cost of living off campus. Before comparing apartments, calculate the total monthly cost including all expenses.

• Rent (your share if splitting with roommates)
• Electricity and gas (ask the landlord for average monthly bills from previous tenants)
• Internet (typically $40 to $80 per month, split among roommates)
• Renter's insurance (typically $10 to $20 per month and strongly recommended)
• Transportation to campus (bus pass, bike maintenance, or parking costs)
• Groceries (you will no longer have a meal plan covering most meals)

What to Look for When Viewing an Apartment

Never sign a lease without viewing the unit in person. Photos can be misleading, and a walkthrough reveals issues that are not visible in listings.

• Check water pressure and hot water availability in the shower and kitchen
• Test all appliances: stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and laundry if included
• Look for signs of mold, water damage, or pest activity (check under sinks and in corners)
• Check the heating and cooling systems and ask about average utility costs in winter and summer
• Assess the security: working locks on all doors and windows, adequate exterior lighting, and a secure building entrance
• Check cell phone signal and ask about internet provider options
• Visit at different times of day to assess noise levels from neighbors and street traffic

Understanding Your Lease

A lease is a legally binding contract. Read every clause before signing, and do not let a landlord pressure you to sign quickly without time to review it.

• Lease term: Know exactly when your lease starts and ends and what happens if you need to leave early
• Security deposit: Understand the conditions under which it can be withheld and document the apartment's condition with photos on move-in day
• Rent increases: Check whether the landlord can raise rent during your lease term
• Guest and subletting policies: Know the rules about having overnight guests or subletting your room during breaks
• Maintenance responsibilities: Understand what the landlord is responsible for fixing and what falls to you

Location Considerations

Proximity to campus affects your daily life more than most students anticipate when choosing an apartment.

• Walk or bike the route to campus before committing. A 20-minute walk in October feels very different in January.
• Check public transit options and schedules if you plan to use them
• Consider proximity to a grocery store. Without a meal plan, you will be shopping regularly.
• Research the neighborhood's safety record. Your university's campus security office often publishes crime statistics for surrounding areas.

Protect Yourself With Renter's Insurance

Many students skip renter's insurance because it feels unnecessary. It is not. Your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your belongings. If your laptop, bike, or other valuables are stolen or damaged in a fire, you have no recourse without your own policy.

Renter's insurance typically costs $10 to $20 per month and covers theft, fire, water damage, and liability. Many providers offer student-specific plans. Check whether your parents' homeowner's policy already covers you as a dependent.