Housing

There’s a lot to consider when you’re hunting for the perfect place to call home. We encourage you to think carefully before making your selection.

Things to think about when apartment hunting

• Budget—How much can you afford to pay in rent and utilities without killing your budget? Make sure to include the cost of any extra amenities (like cable and Internet) in this calculation.
• Location—Can you afford to live downtown? If not, how far out are you willing to look?
• Safety and security—What features, like security cameras, locked building entry, on-site security guards, and emergency lights, are important to you?
• Amenities—What appliances do you hope the place has? What are your laundry facility preferences?
• Transportation—Do you have a car? If so, do you have a place to park it? And if not, how do you plan to get to and from campus? If you need to take the bus, make sure there’s a stop nearby.
• Roommates—Do you plan to have one (or more)? If so, take some time to talk about sleeping, studying, and socializing habits before you sign a lease together. That way, you all know what to expect—and can iron out disagreements ahead of time.
• Lease terms—If you don’t plan on living in your place all year round, look for housing options that have flexible lease terms or will let you sublease in the summer. And make sure you know what your options are if you have to break your lease—just in case.
• Fees—What other costs are associated with renting each place? Is there a security deposit? Application or administrative fees? These can really add up, so make sure you find out up front.