Moving Off Campus
Ready to make your move? Make sure you know before you go!
Finding the right off-campus residence involves more than just choosing a place to live. It requires careful consideration of several important factors. Take your time, do your research, ask questions and thoroughly read your lease.
Starting Your Search
When searching for off-campus housing, students should consider the following:
- Start early! This can provide you with ample time to explore a variety of options that fit your needs and increases the likelihood you will secure a residence based on your preferences.
- Do your homework. Before signing a lease, take the time to research the residential company or landlord by reading reviews and asking appropriate questions. Be mindful of any off-campus property that claims to be affiliated with University Housing or NC State. While the University may collaborate with off-campus properties for events and to provide ongoing student support, no off-campus properties are officially part of NC State.
- Tour the property. Take the opportunity to visit the residence in person to see it for yourself. Keep an eye out for safety and security features as well as cleanliness and overall condition of the property.
Before You Sign
Once you’ve found the perfect off-campus housing, it’s crucial to review all the details before you sign anything. This includes:
Understanding the Lease or Rental Agreement
What type of leases are provided? Joint or individual? How long is the lease? When are the start and end dates? Can you sublease or break your lease before the established end date? Are there any fees for doing so? Can you get a copy of the lease to review prior to signing?
Initial and Monthly Costs
What is the monthly cost for rent? What is included in the rent price? Are utilities (water, electric, gas), cable, internet, parking, and/or pet fees included? Are there additional costs necessary to move in? Application fees, deposits, advanced rent, pet fee (one-time and/or monthly) Are you required to have renter’s insurance? What payment options does the residence accept? Are there any fees for using a specific type of payment option? Do you have any renting specials at this time?
Parking and Transportation
Is parking available for residents? If so, is there a fee? Where is parking located in relation to the community? Do you get a reserved spot? Is there a garage? Is there visitor parking? Does the residence have a bus stop location? What routes and how often do bus services run? Does the residence have its own bus/shuttle service?
Amenities
What appliances are included? Microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc. Is there a gym/fitness center? Use of a pool? What are the available garbage and recycling services? Can I have a pet? What is allowed?
Safety and Security
How can you report problems with roommates and/or other tenants? How does the residence handle roommate and/or neighbor issues? Are all the window and door locks in good working order? What type of smoke detector system does the unit have? (For residences with gas) Is there a carbon monoxide detector? How do you fill out a maintenance request? Does the residence have 24–hour maintenance? How old and in what condition is the residence?
Location
What is the distance between the residence and campus or other frequently visited places? What types of businesses are in the neighborhood/area? Do you have easy access to things you need (groceries, medical care, etc.)? What is the population of those who primarily live in the residence and neighborhood? Undergraduate students, graduate students, non-students and/or families?
Miscellaneous
Who pays for the cost of pest control treatment if bugs are found? Has this specific unit or any adjacent units had a bed bug infestation in the past year? (For older buildings) Does the apartment or house contain lead paint? Has it been tested for lead paint?
Finding Roommates
Who you live with can be just as important as where you live, so it’s a good idea to consider whether to have roommates. Sharing your space with others can help lower monthly costs and give you an opportunity to build new relationships.
Some Questions to Ask Yourself
How many people could you realistically share your home with? How many people do you think you can comfortably live with in the space you are looking at? What are you willing to pay as your share of the rent? How are you willing to divide the rent cost (evenly, or adjusted according to room size/amenities, belongings, pets, etc.)? What is your policy for sharing items in common areas, such as electronics or living room/dining room furniture? Do you currently have, or would you like to have, a pet? Would you share responsibility for its care?
Some Questions for Potential Roommates
How and when will we split rent and utility bills? What is your monthly budget, and do you have a steady way to pay rent on time? What is your standard of clean (messy, moderate, spotless)? Do you want to set a weekly cleaning chore chart or just clean as we go? Do you have any pets? Are you planning to have any pets while you live here? How often do you plan to have friends, partners, or groups over in this space? Do you want to share groceries and cooking, or keep everything separate?
Moving In
It is important to remember that the start date of your lease may be different from your actual move in date. This should be clarified as soon as possible in order to make appropriate arrangements for your arrival.
Your rental company or landlord may have specific instructions for your move in day. Make sure to review this information and ask appropriate questions, such as:
Questions to Ask
NOTE: The answers to these questions vary based on your residence and the expectations they have set for tenants. Is move-in only one day or over the span of several days? Is there a specific time you can start moving into your residence? Is there an appointment system? Do you need to sign up for a specific time/date? Where do I go to unload my items? Is there a time limit? Will assistance be provided, such as staff or carts? Where can I park after I am done unloading?
Move-in Day
Take photos and videos of your space Ask for an inspection sheet. If not provided, inspect all areas of the residence and document the current condition. Document and report any damages, maintenance issues, etc.
Furnishing Your Place
Moving into a new place is exciting, but making it feel like home requires the right essentials. Here is a list of must-have items to furnish your space.
Furniture
Bed frame and mattress Desk and chair Dresser/storage bins Sofa, futon, couch Dining table and chairs
Kitchen Supplies
NOTE: Check with your rental company or landlord to determine if there are any types of appliances you are not permitted to have in the residence. Pots and pans Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, ladle, etc.) Plates, bowls, cups, and silverware Knives and cutting board Food storage containers Can opener and bottle opener Dish soap and sponges Trash bags and trash can Small appliances (microwave, toaster, blender, coffee maker)
Bathroom Needs
Shower curtain and hooks Towels and washcloths Toilet paper Plunger and toilet brush Bath mat Hand soap dispenser
Bedroom Items
Bed linens (sheets, pillows, blankets) Alarm clock or phone charger Hangers and closet organizers Laundry basket and detergent
Cleaning Supplies
Vacuum cleaner Broom and dustpan Disinfecting wipes and sprays Mop and bucket Sponges and scrub brushes
Helpful Resources
- City of Raleigh Tenants’ Rights Handbook can provide general information about your rights and obligations in Raleigh.
- Student Legal Services can assist in reviewing your lease and providing helpful information and insight
- Student Ombuds Services can assist students as they navigate conflict prevention, management, and resolution.