The college student’s quick guide to off-campus housing

The college student’s quick guide to off-campus housing

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SALT LAKE CITY — It’s that time of year again. The air is cooling off, the days are getting shorter, and the school year is underway. For a college student, that also means textbooks, class schedules and housing.

Many students who rode the on-campus housing train as freshmen (and a few daring first-years) are ditching the dorms in favor of more space, privacy, the lack of an RA and — possibly most exciting of all — in-unit bathrooms and a kitchen.

Whether you’re moving into an apartment, loft, house or duplex, venturing off-campus for the first time is an exciting adventure riddled with firsts. Who should take care of the electric bill? What kind of furniture would match the general aesthetic? Is my new home safe?

Boiling it all down to the basics, there are a few things you should know when considering off-campus housing. A successful off-campus housing experience centers around three things: budgeting, insurance and security.

Budget wisely

Any transition takes some adjustment. When it comes to on-campus versus off-campus housing, the biggest adjustment is figuring out your expenses. In most dorms, utilities are included amenities. Not so with off-campus housing. You'll need to build a solid budget, identifying recurring expenses that either you or your entire household are responsible for. Monthly bills may include:

  • Rent
  • Insurance (including renter’s insurance, should you choose to purchase it)
  • Food/groceries and household items
  • Utilities (may include electricity, gas, water and waste management)
  • Phone
  • Cable or streaming services

If you’re living with roommates, establish a system for paying communal bills such as utilities. It’s typically far easier to put basic utilities under one person’s name (ideally a responsible, dependable individual) rather than several people. Set up a certain day each month to pay the bill point person. Luckily, apps like Venmo, Square Cash, and PayPal make it easy to transfer money instantly.

Insurance is your friend

This old mantra has lasted for a reason: better safe than sorry. Now that you live off-campus, it’s not a guarantee that your belongings are covered under your parents’ insurance policy like they were in the dorms. So, it’s highly advisable to purchase your own renter’s insurance policy in the event your belongings are stolen or accidentally damaged.

Don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Here's how you go about getting that insurance:

  • Find out what’s available to you. Most of the time, you can add a renter’s insurance policy to an existing auto policy. Most insurance companies have affordable options available.
  • Know your coverage limits, and what your covered risks are (damage causes that are taken care of by your policy).
  • Determine if you have liability coverage, which prevents out-of-pocket costs if you are found legally responsible for accidental damage to someone else’s property or their injuries.

Home is where your safety is

The most important thing you can do as a college student is to stay safe out there, especially when you no longer have campus police and security close by. More than 1.8 million Americans were victims of a household burglary in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Victimization report. If you’re unsure about how to assess the safety of your new crib, here are a few points to remember:

  • Be mindful of your neighborhood. While a convenient location is nice, convenience shouldn’t outweigh safety. If you’re concerned about a particular area, do some research to find out how the neighborhood measures up.
  • Some multi-unit housing requires a key or ID card to enter the building and an additional key for your door. If you’re looking for an extra layer of security, this type of housing is a solid option.
  • Keep your doors and windows locked at all times. You might be living in a college town, but that in no way guarantees that your home will be left alone. Thirty-four percent of burglars enter a residence through the front door, and a lock is a better deterrent than you might think to people poking around your property — so always remember to lock up.
  • Install a security system. While it may sound expensive on a student budget, the equipment can start at as little as $20 and have renter-friendly options that you can take with you as you move. According to a study performed by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 60% of the burglars interviewed revealed that a home security system prevented them from burglarizing a home — even the presence of a camera was enough to keep them at bay. Still, with more than 1.8 million people in America becoming victims of household burglary in 2017, you’ll be taking the most proactive step possible by joining those who do have home security systems installed at their residence.

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About the Author: Cassie Tolhurst \---------------------------------

Cassie is a freelance writer, University of Utah graduate, and a wannabe world traveler. She's passionate about the latest technology, what's streaming on Netflix, and the latest rides at Disneyland and loves sharing her tips and insight about online life.

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