1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Insurance
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat
  • TOEFL Testing

What to Know When Renting a Student Apartment in College

What to Know When Renting a Student Apartment in College

Sep 8, 2021

By Ginger Abbot

Living on campus might seem great when you’re still learning your way around as a freshman. After your first or second semester, you could feel ready to move off-campus and live more independently. This guide explains what to know when renting a student apartment in college, since many young people find themselves surprised by certain steps in the process.

Don’t jump into a lease just because it’s the first one you find. Compare rental communities and use these tips to prepare everything you need before your housing arrangement ends.

1. Prepare your first month’s rent

When you moved into your on-campus dorm room or apartment, you didn’t have to put down your first month’s rent. Most universities require the semester’s housing payment in full or divided into two deadlines. Off-campus leasing managers will need your first month’s rent when you move in or a prorated rent payment to finish your first month.

You could have to pay a few hundred dollars or the full rent, which gets expensive in pricier communities. Once you have a few apartments in mind that you’d like to rent, talk with the leasing managers about how much you’d have to pay upfront on your move-in day.

2. Look into pet deposits

Fish and gerbils that live in tanks or cages may not require a pet deposit. They won’t run around on the carpet or scratch permanent fixtures. Anyone who owns other animals like cats and dogs will have to pay a pet deposit. It covers damage caused by your pet when you move out, but it differs from pet fees and monthly rent.

Your pet deposit could be $250, but you might have to pay a $50 fee to bring your animal with you. Additionally, you may pay $20-$50 with your rent every month to keep your pet in your home. It’s a complicated part of renting a student apartment in college that many young people don’t expect.

3. Research renter’s insurance

When people talk about what to know when renting a student apartment, they may forget about renter’s insurance. It will replace your belongings, grant liability if someone gets injured, and cover your living expenses if repairs force you to move out. It’s another monthly bill you’ll need to pay, although many companies offer student discounts.

Some students get this through their parents’ names, but that won’t give you complete coverage. If someone steals your stuff, insurance won’t replace it unless you start a policy in your name. Discuss the details with insurance companies to find the right plan for your needs. Activate your insurance after finalizing your move-in date and send a copy to your leasing manager for their records.

4. Save your security deposit

Saving up for your security deposit is one of the most helpful student apartment tips. These deposits often cost another couple hundred dollars and take new renters by surprise. Leasing managers will consult you about how much their security deposit costs so you can save it weeks or months before it’s due.

You might get your security deposit back when you move out, but that’s not guaranteed. Landlords set it aside to cover damage repairs and carpet replacements between tenants. 

5. Budget for utilities

Utilities are a big part of renting a student apartment in college and after graduation. Some communities include your water bill in the rent, but others will make you pay the utility companies directly.

After you know when you’ll move into your new apartment, contact the local electricity and water company to activate both on that date. Note their monthly due dates and write them into your budget so you never miss a bill after paying rent.

Read your lease carefully

As you discover what to know when renting a student apartment, don’t forget to read your lease carefully. There are some significant differences between on-campus and off-campus housing arrangements.

University housing offices offer move-out periods every few weeks so students can switch buildings if their roommates are terrible or the arrangement isn’t what they wanted. When you sign a lease, you have to stay there for the agreed period — typically six months, one year, or 13 months.

You may be able to move out halfway through in some situations, but you’ll also have to pay a hefty fee for breaking your lease.

You also won’t have the luxury of multiple deadlines to pay for your housing. Rent will come due on the same date every month. Missing it will cost penalty fees or possibly eviction, whereas a university might work with you to update your payment schedule.

Renting a student apartment in college can be easy

These are just a few things to know about renting a student apartment in college. Take notes and remember to research everything while comparing available units. When you have enough time to save for your initial payments and understand what you’re signing, living off-campus will be a great experience.

Ginger Abbot is a lifestyle, learning and career writer with a passion for studying abroad. Read more of her work on Classrooms.com.

Follow us:
Written by

Ginger Abbot

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Molecular Biology Student Turns “Beautiful Disasters” into Lifelong Call to Service
Molecular Biology Student Turns “Beautiful Disasters” into Lifelong Call to Service
Main image for the article titled Studying English at the University of Texas at Austin
Studying English at the University of Texas at Austin
Main image for the article titled NYU Through Malene's Eyes: A Day in the Life of an International Student and the Key Role of TOEFL
NYU Through Malene's Eyes: A Day in the Life of an International Student and the Key Role of TOEFL
Main image for the article titled Rei Nakatani: Finding the best place to study aboard
Rei Nakatani: Finding the best place to study aboard
Read more

Check Out These Schools

University of the Pacific – International Program

University of the Pacific – International Program

$50,000—$60,000 Year

Masters Bachelor Degree Undergraduate
Contact
Mission College

Mission College

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree Summer
Contact
University of Minnesota Minnesota English Language Program (MELP)

University of Minnesota

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Certificate/Short Term Summer English Programs
Contact

Featured Programs

Foothill College / De Anza College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Summer English Programs
Learn More

Berkeley Global

Typical cost per Semester: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

Mohawk Valley Community College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Certificate/Short Term English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

Cash or Credit? Credit Card Culture in the USA

Main image for the article titled Cash or Credit? Credit Card Culture in the USA
Moving to the USA? Learn why building credit is vital in the USA.

Main image for the article titled Moving to the USA? Learn why building credit is vital in the USA.
Choosing a College or a University in the USA

Main image for the article titled Choosing a College or a University in the USA
Do I Need a Car While Studying in the USA?

Main image for the article titled Do I Need a Car While Studying in the USA?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming event!

There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming...

Ready to make your MBA dreams a reality? Register now for a virtual or in-person event with The MBA Tour! Don’t miss your chance to speak directly with leading business schools, such as Harvard University, Boston University, Columbia University, UC...

Read more
Partner service logo for A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

Join over 6 million people and businesses who get a better deal when they send money with the real exchange rate.

Read more
Partner service logo for STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com is the world’s leading marketplace for international student housing, helping students find their perfect home abroad. We have the widest and most carefully selected range of rooms that were built and are managed specifically for students...

Read more

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Insurance
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • TOEFL Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.