When preparing to live off campus there are many things you should keep in mind. Here are a few things you might not remember when looking and leasing a house off campus.
1. When looking for a house not on campus make sure you start looking in a safe area.
Tip: Get to know some locals and ask them what they think of the area.
2. Don't just think you owe rent.
When a landlord says, "Oh its only $700 a month," don't forget to add in the extra expense of water bills, electrical bills and (sometimes) gas bills.
3. Along with the utility bills, don't forget there is a utility deposit that you will need to pay as well.
Prices change depending on where your house is located and who's name is on the lease.
4. Remember that when you move in, it will be empty for a while, unless you already have everything ready to go into your new house.
Don't expect to walk in and it feel like home.
5. Jot down a list of items you have already and a list of items you will need to buy.
Don't forget things like pots and pans and washers and dryers.
6. Check with your landlord about due dates of the deposit and monthly payment.
You can't skip out on those kind of payments.
7. Make sure you are getting what you pay for.
Don't let a greedy landlord get you into a $800 rent for a one bedroom shack that's rotting from the floorboards.
8. Do not give out your personal information to a possible landlord, unless you know for sure that you are renting from them.
You don't want your information just floating around your town.
9. Make sure you aren't "falling in love" too fast.
Even though time may be cutting it, don't rush into buying or renting a house just because it's somewhere to sleep.
10. Along with impatience house hunting, don't wait until the last minute either.
A backup plan could always be signing up for on-campus housing in advance just to make sure you do have somewhere to go if a house doesn't work.
11. Take into consideration that, when getting a house with a yard, someone will need to tend to the yard.
So, if you don't have a mower or yard tools, invest in some. (Or just pay a yard service.)
12. If you are living on campus and looking forward to moving off, remember to grab a bed.
The twins don't come with you so bringing one from home or buying a new one is the only way you'll have a place to sleep.
13. Also, when you live off campus, unless you're right across from campus, you can't wake up 5 minutes before class and expect to make it on time.
You will need to wake up earlier to get through the traffic, get parked, then walk to class.
14. When moving off campus your meal plan may change too, don't forget to make those Sunday night Walmart runs.
Tip: buy for a week or two so you don't have to run back and forth.
15. Finally, follow the rules and regulations your landlord gives you.
Respect them enough to not trash their home or break the rules; they will find out.
