College itself is an amazing experience, full of novelty and adventure. Yet, there’s a certain excitement about renting your first apartment — a combination of both joy and uncertainty. Along with it, you’re taking your first steps toward adulthood by learning how to manage your finances, take care of a home, and address issues like signing a binding contract and learning about insurance.
However, renting your first place can also be a little overwhelming, which is why having a checklist with all of the things you need can be helpful. Fortunately, the team over at RENTCafé put together the ultimate college apartment checklist that covers it all — creating your moving and renting budget; finding an apartment and reviewing the lease; understanding your needs as a renter and finding roommates; and everything in between. Below are some highlights from the checklist, but be sure to see the full guide for its complete information and resources.
Budgeting & Apartment-Hunting
When you begin your search for an apartment, it’s important to know how much money you have to spend on rent and an approximate budget for utilities. You should also be prepared for all of the upfront costs associated with moving, which typically include your security deposit and the rent for the first (and sometimes last) month, as well as any processing fees and application fees.
After determining your budget, research the area where you want to move. Specifically, analyze the market and see how much New Haven apartments cost and how rent varies by neighborhood, space, and amenities.
Then, after you have an idea of the prices, start working on a priorities list: Figure out how much space you need, if you want to rent with roommates, and what amenities are must-haves — as opposed to those that are simply nice, but not deal-breakers. At the same time, consider how long you want to rent an apartment. Sometimes, you can get better deals on longer-term rentals, but there may also be penalties for breaking the lease early.
Next, begin your apartment search. To get the best deals, it’s a good idea to get started before the peak renting season, even if there might not be as many units on the market at that time. While you’re at it, be sure to use websites that verify their listings to ensure that you steer clear of potential scams.
Reviewing the Apartment & Lease
After you’ve found an apartment you like, visit it in person before signing anything or making any payments. Even with the restrictions in place due to the pandemic, you can still request virtual and/or self-guided tours to ensure everything is appropriate. Then, bring a checklist with things to look out for and check on in the apartment, such as whether the appliances work, if there are any signs of mold, if the windows open properly or if there are cracks in the walls, etc. If you do decide to rent the apartment, take pictures of the condition it’s in prior to moving in so you have them in the event of a misunderstanding. By doing so, you won’t risk losing your security deposit if there are any disagreements related to the initial state of the apartment.
As for the lease, have all of your documents ready and easily accessible when you go in to sign. Create a checklist with all of your questions and any issues that should be discussed, as well. For example, find out whether the utilities are included in the rent, the method for making payments, any late fees or additional costs you should know about, how maintenance requests are handled, if there any guest policies, and so on. It’s never a bad thing to be over prepared, and doing so will give you a sense of order, control, and more security.
Moving In & Living a Renter’s Life
To prepare for the move, start by getting the supplies you need and deciding whether you’ll need a moving company or if you can do it with the help of family and friends. Additionally, consider whether you want to rent a furnished apartment or bring in/buy your own furniture. As a first-time renter, it may be easier to select a furnished apartment to reduce your upfront costs, even though the rent will be a little higher every month.
Next, check whether all of the utilities (including internet) are set up, and look for alternatives to any subscriptions you may have previously had. While you’re at it, change your address on any important documents, and make sure that everyone who needs to reach you has your new address.
Then, start thinking about which of your belongings are essential and which you don’t need or could purchase at college. Make a list and organize your items by room rather than type. Separately, pack an essentials bag with all of the items you’ll need for the first few days, which will be especially helpful before you have a chance to unpack and set everything up. Finally, before you move in your items, deep clean the apartment yourself or hire a cleaning company to do so. Especially nowadays, it’s best to get a fresh start and disinfect all of the areas before you move in.
There are many aspects of a renter’s life that you’ll figure out as you go. If you need more information on other rental topics — such as pets, insurance, and roommates — there are lots helpful articles online, as well as plenty of resource lists and tools. During this transition, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and life. Nonetheless, it’s also important to remember to have fun and enjoy your college experience. Good luck!
