Living Off Campus
Know What You're Taking On
Moving off campus can provide greater independence, more housing choices, and a different college experience.
It also means taking responsibility for a lease, monthly bills, transportation, groceries, household expenses, and other costs that may have been included in campus housing.
Before signing a lease, make sure you understand both the financial commitment and everyday responsibilities.
Check Your College's Housing Requirements
Before searching for off-campus housing, find out whether your college requires certain students to live on campus.
Policies may depend on your year in school, age, family situation, or other factors.
Build a Housing Budget
Don't compare apartments using rent alone.
Consider:
- Rent
- Security deposit
- Application or other required fees
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water and sewer
- Internet
- Trash service
- Renter's insurance
- Parking
- Transportation
- Groceries
- Laundry
- Furniture and household supplies
Compare the total cost with what you're currently paying for campus housing and dining.
Consider Location & Transportation
A lower rent farther from campus may come with higher transportation costs.
Consider:
- Distance to campus
- Public transportation
- Parking
- Walking or biking options
- Travel time
- Distance to work
- Access to groceries and other services
Think about both cost and convenience.
Understand Your Lease
A lease is a legal agreement.
Before signing, understand:
- Monthly rent
- Due date
- Length of the lease
- Security deposit
- Fees and penalties
- Utilities you're responsible for
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Guest policies
- Parking
- Subleasing rules
- Renewal terms
- What happens if you move out early
Read the entire agreement before signing and keep a copy.
If you don't understand something, ask questions before agreeing to it.
Choose Roommates Carefully
Sharing housing can lower costs, but roommates also share responsibilities.
Before moving in together, discuss:
- How rent and utilities will be divided
- Household chores
- Groceries and shared supplies
- Guests
- Noise and study schedules
- Parking
- How you'll handle someone moving out
- How you'll resolve disagreements
A good friend isn't automatically a compatible roommate.
Protect Yourself During Your Housing Search
Use reputable housing resources and be cautious when communicating with unfamiliar landlords, property managers, or potential roommates.
Don't send money or sensitive financial information until you've verified the property and understand what you're agreeing to.
When possible, visit the property before signing a lease.
Your college's housing office or student services may have information about local rentals and tenant resources.
Plan for Everyday Responsibilities
Off-campus living may mean taking responsibility for:
- Grocery shopping
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Maintenance requests
- Utility payments
- Transportation
- Household supplies
Include both the time and cost of these responsibilities in your decision.
Stay Connected to Campus
Living off campus doesn't mean disconnecting from college life.
Continue using campus resources, participating in activities, meeting with classmates, and taking advantage of academic and career opportunities.
Your address may change. Your connection to your college community doesn't have to.
Make the Decision Based on the Whole Picture
Before moving off campus, compare:
Cost — What will you actually spend?
Convenience — How will you get to class, work, and other responsibilities?
Responsibilities — Are you ready to manage a lease and household?
Experience — What kind of living environment will support your college goals?
The lowest monthly rent isn't necessarily the lowest-cost—or best—housing option.
