Off Campus or On?

Some students may seek the perceived freedom that comes with living off-campus. While off-campus life has its advantages, it also raises concerns for many parents.

As you discuss housing with your child, you may want to consider what's important to each of you and create an ordered list of priorities. For many students, on-campus housing provides a structured atmosphere that eases the transition from home to college. Others may prefer the independence of living off campus, but will need to be prepared for the additional responsibilities. Parents will want to take cost and safety issues into account. Here are a few things to think about as you and your child consider off-campus living.

Costs

Apartment rental rates can be cheaper than campus housing, but be sure to consider related expenses, such as the costs of commuting, owning a car, and parking.

Renting an apartment requires first and last month's rent and a security deposit. Additional expenses can include utilities, Internet and cable service, furniture, appliances, cleaning supplies, and groceries.

An apartment can end up costing parents a lot if a roommate breaks the lease or drops out of school, leaving you to cover the entire rent. If you sign a one-year lease, you and your child will need to find someone to sublet for the summer.

You will most likely need to serve as the guarantor for your child's portion of the rent, meaning you guarantee that you can cover the cost, since your child is unlikely to have sufficient income. The rental agent will require you to provide proof of your income, such as pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns. Some rental agencies will not approve a guarantor that lives outside the state or region. Be sure to find out the landlord's guarantor policy early in the process.

Safety

Colleges want to offer students safe housing, so they usually provide good security, with locking doors, front-desk attendants, and strict rules for admitting visitors. Off-campus housing comes with no such guarantees. If your child is considering off-campus housing, be sure it meets your safety standards.

If your child is considering off-campus housing, be sure it meets your safety standards. Check that the apartment is in a secure building with locking doors and an intercom system or attendant. If the apartment is part of a house, check to be sure door and window locks are secure and outdoor lighting is adequate. Check with the university's off-campus housing office or talk to other students and parents to find out which neighborhoods are safest.

Lifestyle

Private apartments can be better for studying because they are quieter and offer fewer distractions than dorms. On the other hand, apartments can have a more relaxed atmosphere that may make it more difficult to hit the books. Students who decide to live off campus should have the maturity and self-discipline to make time for their studies.

Your child might prefer the less-crowded conditions of a private apartment with just a few roommates and the freedom to choose what and when to eat. Having to negotiate over grocery shopping and chores may be less pleasant. While these responsibilities can provide life experience, they also can detract from time spent on school. Living off campus could also leave your child feeling isolated from campus life.

You and your child will need to consider carefully whether the independence and experience gained from off-campus living makes up for the added responsibilities and potential burdens. As college expert Charles Fields points out in The College Guide for Parents, "On the whole, off-campus housing involves a lifestyle that most students would never agree to if their parents had suggested it first."

Where to Look

If your child elects off-campus housing, start looking early—at least four weeks before the start of the semester. Competition for housing can be intense. The college may have an off-campus housing office where your child can get listings. Colleges don't inspect the housing options they offer, so don't assume that these are "university approved." You will need to review the apartments yourself. Off-campus housing offices can also provide advice about when and where to search for apartments, what to do if you encounter discrimination in your housing search, and how to resolve differences with a landlord or fellow tenants.

Real estate agents can also provide listings, but they often charge a substantial fee of one month's rent or more. The school off-campus housing office may have arrangements with local real estate agents for reduced fees for students.

The Internet is another good source for finding apartment listings. Some national listing services include:

You and your child can also explore the college neighborhood for posted rental signs. Local newspapers, bulletin boards, and apartment guides often feature apartment listings.

Securing an Apartment and Signing the Lease

Be prepared to put a deposit down on the spot for an apartment you want, or it could go to another renter. Keep the receipt for your deposit; it proves the apartment has been secured for your child. You should also be ready to provide information about your income such as last year's tax return, recent pay stubs, or bank statements. You may also want to provide business references and contact information for previous landlords (if any). Your child may want to bring a list of personal references. You will both need current photo identification. Be sure your child reads and understands all aspects of the lease and any riders to the lease before signing it.

Be sure your child reads and understands all aspects of the lease and any riders to the lease before signing it. The lease is a binding legal contract between your child and the landlord. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. If you have questions, staff at the school's off-campus housing office may be able to review the lease and offer advice.

Get It in Writing

The landlord is only obligated to provide services explicitly stated in the lease and under the housing laws. So be sure to negotiate services you and your child want that are not in the lease—and get the agreement in writing.

Here are some other lease tips to remember: