Starting Your Search
Transitioning to off-campus living is both an exciting and challenging phase that embodies newfound independence. Navigating the off-campus transition involves a lot of decisions and responsibilities, from finding an apartment and roommates to handling finances and household tasks.
To assist you in commencing your off-campus housing search, the resources outlined below will provide valuable guidance and support as you embark on this exciting new chapter.
Housing Search Basics
- Search the Housing listings and filter by bedrooms, price, neighborhood, and more.
- Sign up for an account to save listings you may be interested in and contact properties.
- If possible, always tour the property before signing a lease. If you aren't in the area, ask if the landlord provides virtual tours.
- Use a Housing Search Checklist to organize your thoughts and notes on the places you're interested in.
- Be on the lookout for scams.
Avoiding Scams & Fraud
When you’re sifting through listing after listing months into your apartment search, you may be tempted to go for the listing that has everything you’ve ever wanted in an apartment (dream location, every amenity imaginable, etc.) for hundreds of dollars under your budget. But unfortunately, when a rental seems too good to be true, it usually is.
However, rental scams can be easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. Watch the video below and review these real-life examples of rental scams for information on what to look out for during your housing search.
Additional Resources:
- Don’t Get Catfished: How to Avoid Rental Scams
- What to Know About Online Leasing
- Here's How to Find Your Perfect Apartment Online
Renting Without Credit
The good news: no credit is better than bad credit. This video shares ways to be approved to lease an apartment before having established credit.
Additional Resources:
- How to Rent an Apartment with No Credit
- What Will Be Reviewed with My Rental Application?
- What to Do If Your Rental Application Is Denied
- Everything You Need to Know About Apartment Background Checks
- Renter Questions: Why Do I Need a Cosigner?
Leasing Lingo
Be sure to read your lease before signing! Watch the video below for helpful information on terms you might come across as you review your lease paperwork.
Additional Resources:
- How to Read an Apartment Lease
- Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease
- Lease Agreement Red Flags You Should Watch Out For
- How to Break a Lease
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease
Consider these key questions to ask your potential landlord or property manager when evaluating a new apartment.
For more important questions to ask before signing a lease, click here.
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