Student Housing to Leasing

Woman moving into new off-campus apartment stretching in living room

Making the leap from student housing to your first apartment is an exciting step toward independence. Whether you’re already searching for a place or just thinking ahead, it’s smart to stay informed about what’s in store. Dorm life has its perks—like a 24-hour dining hall and close proximity to campus—but the freedom of having your own apartment is hard to beat. Here’s what you can expect when making the transition.

Things to Consider

New Responsibilities

With independence comes more responsibility. Here are a few things to prepare for:

  • Paying Bills on Time: Rent, utilities, and other monthly expenses need to be managed responsibly.
  • Cooking Your Own Meals: No dining hall means learning how to grocery shop and cook.
  • Keeping Things Clean: Without dorm janitorial services, you’ll need to handle chores yourself.

Budgeting is Essential

Living off-campus means managing expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries. To avoid financial surprises, create a budget that includes essentials like food, school supplies, campus fees, transportation, and leisure. Use the Apartments.com rent calculator tool to get started.

Adjusting Your Morning Routine

Living off-campus often means a longer commute to class. Set your alarm a little earlier and plan your transportation—bike, bus, rideshare, or car—so you’re always on time.

Finding a Place

Transitioning to apartment life comes with new responsibilities, starting with the search process and signing a lease. For a head start, check out the Suggested Questions to Ask Your Landlord guide below. This checklist will help you ask the right questions before committing to a lease, ensuring you’re informed and prepared for the move.

(Click to enlarge or download)

List of important questions to ask a landlord before signing your lease.

Perks of Living Off Campus

More Space (Finally!)

Let’s face it: dorm rooms feel more like broom closets than bedrooms. Sharing that tiny space with a roommate doesn’t help. Moving to an apartment means more square footage—possibly double or even triple what you had before. With more room comes greater comfort and opportunities to decorate and organize your living space.

A Chance to Adopt a Pet

Most dorms don’t allow pets, but your first apartment might! Many pet-friendly communities on Apartments.com offer amenities like dog parks, pet washing stations, and even pet-sitting services. If you’ve always wanted a furry friend, this could be your moment.

Privacy, Sweet Privacy

Dorm life means constant company, whether you like it or not. Even when you’re alone, it’s temporary. In your own apartment, privacy is a given. You’ll have your own space to unwind—even if you share your apartment, shutting your bedroom door creates a sanctuary.

Amenities Galore

Off-campus apartment communities often come with perks that student housing can’t match. Think swimming pools, fitness centers, sports courts, BBQ grills, private study rooms, and even in-home washers and dryers. These extras can make apartment living feel like a big upgrade.

Transitioning to your first apartment is a big step, but with the right preparation, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

Embrace the change, and enjoy the perks of having a place to call your own!