Thinking about making the move off-campus? Before you ditch the dorms, there are a few things you need to be considering!

What can you afford?

Before you start your search for a student apartment or a new roommate, you need to figure out what you can afford to pay. In the dorms, the cost of utilities, and likely your meals, was included in the cost of housing. You’ll need to make a budget for yourself to determine how much you can pay for rent.

Budgeting? Learn to live by the 50/30/20 rule

Download an interactive budget worksheet

What type of off-campus housing is right for you?

Once you know what you can afford to pay, it’s time to think about what type of a living situation would be the best fit for your social, economic and academic needs. Most college students choose to live with roommates in a shared house or apartment. Sharing the cost of rent, utilities, and household needs will help keep costs down. If you’re someone who prefers a quiet place to study and unwind, living alone in an apartment might be better if you are able to afford it.

Off-Campus housing typeConsider this if you…
Studio apartmentPrefer a quiet space to study and relax
Living with roommatesWant to save money
Enjoy living with others
Living with your parentsAre going to school near your home
Want to save money
Renting for services (au pairs, live-in housekeeper, etc)Want to make money

Searching for your first rental

Once you know how much you can spend and what you're looking for, it's time to find the perfect place for you! Keep these tips in mind while you're apartment hunting:

Everything you need to know about roommates (including how to find them!)

Having a roommate is a great way to save money on rent and utilities while living off-campus but it's important to make sure you find a good match.

Applying for an apartment or rental

Finding an apartment you like is often just the first step in the process. Make sure you're ready to fill out the application once you find the right place!

Signing a lease agreement

This is the most important step in the process so make sure you understand your lease and are comfortable with the rules and requirements it contains. Remember that breaking your lease early may mean you lose your security deposit and can be costly. Breaking the rules in your lease can lead to serious consequences, even eviction.

Moving in to your new home

Congratulations! You've found your next home now it's time to move into it. Moving can be stressful and tedious at times but it's totally do-able if you take it step by step.

Living off-campus

A crucial part of successful off-campus living is learning how to manage your relationships with your landlords and roommates.

Moving out or renewing your lease

All good things must come to an end some day. Right? Make sure you tie up all loose ends at the end of your lease to ensure a good reference from your landlord.

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