Moving into off campus housing is an exciting milestone for many college students. Whether you’re leaving the dorms after your first year or choosing to live independently from the start, renting your own place can bring a new level of freedom (and responsibility!). Off campus housing can give students more privacy, flexibility, and space than traditional college housing options.
At the same time, renting a college student apartment comes with practical considerations. From budgeting and lease agreements to making the most of your space, there are several steps that can help make the transition smoother.
If you’re preparing to move into off campus housing, here are some essential renting tips that can help you feel more confident and prepared for your next chapter.
Smart Budgeting For Your Living Expenses
Before signing a lease, it’s important to understand the full cost of living in off campus housing. Rent is often the largest expense, but there are others to keep in mind when you create your budget.
Some common living expenses to consider:
Monthly rent
Utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet
Groceries
Household supplies
Transportation costs
Furniture and tools
Apartment essentials
Wondering how to afford these things? Many college students share apartments with roommates to help reduce costs. Splitting on rent and utilities can make college housing more affordable while still allowing everyone to enjoy some independence. It can also create fun opportunities for socialization, from roommate movie nights to pizza nights and more!
Before you move into off campus housing, creating a simple monthly budget that outlines fixed expenses and flexible spending is a good place to start. Tracking your spending early in the semester can help you adjust your habits before small purchases start to add up.
Finding the Perfect College Home
Now that you know your budget, where should you live? The process of finding off campus housing may take time, so starting early can help you expand your options. Some college student apartments near campus fill quickly, especially in popular student neighborhoods.
As you start to browse listings, consider factors such as:
Distance from campus
Public transportation access
Safety of the neighborhood
Lease terms and rental policies
Included amenities such as parking or laundry facilities
Visiting potential apartments in person can also give you a clearer picture of the space and surrounding community. Photos online do not always give a full picture of the condition or layout of the property, so seeing it in “real life” is important.
Essential Renting Tips
Once you’ve chosen your off-campus housing, a few key steps can help you set yourself up for a successful renting experience:
Walk throughs prior to move in: Schedule time to walk through the property with the landlord or property manager to help you identify existing issues like scuffed walls, appliance damages, or carpet stains. This helps you avoid misunderstandings later when you move out.
Measure for furniture to maximize your space: College student apartments often have limited space. Measure things like doorway width/height, bedroom dimensions, closet space, and kitchen storage areas to help you avoid overcrowding.
Obtain Renters Insurance: From laptops to gaming consoles, many students bring valuable items with them into off campus housing. Consider renters protection to help you cover these items, like GradGuard’s Renters Protection Plan* which could cover a wide variety of risks from theft to fire.
Always obtain permission before making any renter-friendly changes: Before you paint walls, install shelves, or mount TVs, make sure you get the permission you need. Look over your lease to make sure you’re approved to make these changes as well.
Respect your neighbors: A key part of living off campus is becoming part of a larger community. Keep noise levels reasonable, especially at night, park only in designated areas, and make sure you manage your trash and recycling properly.
*Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply
Don’t Forget To Go Over An Essentials Check List Before Moving
Moving into off campus housing can involve a lot of small details. These things can be easy to overlook! To help make sure you’re covered, consider creating a moving-in checklist ahead of time to help you prepare. Don’t forget things like:
Cleaning supplies
Laundry supplies
Power strips and extension cords
Kitchen basics
Shower curtains and bathroom essentials
A checklist can help you avoid headaches come move-in day, not to mention unexpected trips to a hardware or appliance store.
Moving into off campus housing is an excellent step in your college journey. Taking time to prepare before moving in is worth it, as it helps you avoid unexpected situations and truly enjoy the experience!
