Getting Started: Are you ready to live off campus?

• Do you fall under the College’s housing requirement or have you been granted permission to live off campus?
• Do you have a reliable mode of transportation to get to campus, or if not, do you feel comfortable walking or taking the bus?
• Are you prepared to pay monthly bills like rent, electricity, gas, water, cable, internet, cell phone bill, insurance, etc.?
• Are you prepared to buy and cook all of your own food?
• Are you ready for the responsibilities of living in an off-campus house or apartment?

Budget: When looking for a place to live, there’s more than just the price of rent to consider.

• How much can you realistically afford to pay each month on rent?
• What are your estimated costs for utilities (water, trash, electric, gas, cable, internet, etc.)?
• How much do you expect to pay on groceries and food each month?
• How much money do you spend each month on going out to eat, to the movies, or to socialize?
• Deal Breakers: What are your deal breakers – what qualities do you absolutely have to have in a place you are living?

Deal Breakers: What are your deal breakers – what qualities do you absolutely have to have in a place you are living?

• How far are you willing to walk? Does it matter to you how long it takes you to get there?
• Do you want a pet?
• Do you want your own bedroom or bathroom?
• How important to you is it that your house/apartment is safe?
• Do you want to live in a neighborhood that is all students?
• How close do you want to be to grocery stores, restaurants, etc.?

Amenities: What amenities would you like in the place you are living?

• Air conditioning
• Dishwasher
• Washer/dryer
• Covered parking
• Fitness center
• Free internet
• Furnished or unfurnished

Roommates: How many roommates do you want?

• Does everyone agree on budget and search criteria?
• Do you care if a roommate is a smoker?
• Do you care if a roommate has overnight guests?
• Do you care if a roommate has as parties in your home?
• Do you plan to split the cost for bills, groceries, cleaning supplies, etc.?