This week I started my first-ever apartment search, and let me tell you: it was hard. This is my first brush with something that feels really and truly adult, and I was drastically unprepared for it. I quickly figured out that step one is doing research and listing your priorities. Next, make a list of apartments that fit what you're looking for. Once you are satisfied with your research, the fun and stressful part begins: call and schedule apartment showings. When the tour ends, you will want to make sure you have all the information you need, but if you are anything like me, the second someone asks if you have any questions, every thought you've ever had leaves your brain. Thus, here is a list of the most helpful questions I've asked so far, so we can all live happily next year.

What utilities will I have to pay for, and what is the typical monthly cost?

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Something I forget about while living in a dorm is that utilities exist and you have to pay for them on top of your monthly rent. Even if the apartment's website promises certain utilities will be included, double-check with the landlord. One apartment I saw had conflicting information online as to what was included, only for us to realize when speaking with the building manager that absolutely nothing was. That can be a hefty price point, so make sure you are aware of what you'll actually be paying for each month.

What is the monthly rent and how is it paid?

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Once again, you'll want to confirm how much you will be expected to pay to live there. However, what is even more important is to determine how the apartment complex expects that amount to be paid. What is the late fee? How often is rent collected? Is it submitted online or in-person? All of these policies are important to know upfront so that you can financially plan.

What are the community policies?

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You'll want to know as soon as possible if the place you're looking to live has strict communal policies or not. You will be living with neighbors, and it's essential to know how that will affect you. Maybe you're a light sleeper and want to know about quiet hours, or perhaps it's the reverse and your roommate is really loud. Maybe you want to leave a bike in the hallway but don't know if you'll be allowed. Maybe you really like to decorate for holidays, but the apartment charges for hanging lights in windows. No matter what it is, ask this question specifically by tailoring it to whatever will affect you, so you can know before you agree to move in.

What is your policy on subleasing?

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Most leases will be yearly, and even if you don't think you will use this option, many college students will not live all 12 months in their college town. You or your roommate might spend the summer at home or working in another city. It is always a good idea to learn about that policy upfront, just in case you need to use it.

Do you have parking available?

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If you or your roommate have a car, this is a must-ask. Parking is tricky on college campuses, and you'll want to know if you can conveniently park nearby. It's also important to know if parking will cost anything, just so you can weigh your options. Don't have a car? Still ask. Even if you won't be consistently using a parking lot, it's good to know if family and friends will be able to park there if they visit.

Are pets allowed?

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Any pet-owner knows this question is a deal-breaker. The ability to have a pet is important to so many people, and it's worth knowing upfront if you would be allowed to have a four-legged friend in your apartment. Even if you do not have a pet, it's still good to ask in case you ever think of getting one - or in case you really don't want to be around them. This question is equally important to ask for allergy or noise purposes too.

Is there laundry available?

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This is crucial. Everyone needs to wash their clothes (and if you don't, gross), so this question deserves attention. A laundry room in the building is a huge plus - you don't have to venture outside with all of your clothes. Free laundry is even better, so check the price as well. If they do not provide laundry, ask where the nearest laundry center is so you can plan.

What do you do with trash?

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It seems simple enough, but it all has to go somewhere when you fill up a trash can. Some places have trash chutes. Others require you have to take it several buildings away and often there is a trash fee. Such a small thing can easily become a severe inconvenience, so it's a good idea to find out the expectations upfront.

Is it furnished?

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Some college apartments offer furnishings with the purchase of the apartment. This is a game-changer, so make sure to ask if any of the apartments come furnished, so you can plan on whether or not you'll need to buy an apartment's worth of furniture. It's also important to know if that will require an additional fee. Or if there are any options not to use the apartment's furniture.

What does Google say?

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Don't ask this one at the interview, but when you get the chance at home look up your landlord. See what other tenants have had to say about your potential future landlord before you sign any lease or agreement. You don't want to get stuck with someone who doesn't fix problems or is a pain to deal with. Ask the internet and anyone else you can find to be extra safe.