Application
- Complete the off-campus living application. This should have been submitted before March 4. If you were approved to live off-campus, you must inform the Student Development Office whether you will be
living on or off-campus by May 2. Students with automatic eligibility (22 years of age, living with faculty member or with parents) must notify Student Development too and fill out a Commuter Notification form found on the Resident’s Life website.
Place Hunting
2. Looking for a place can be a bit stressful for a student who will be renting for the first time and without a realtor. There is a list on the JBU website with a list of rental units available in the Siloam Springs area for off campus students and there are many other options available. Consider the proximity to campus, the amount of rooms and bathrooms, the lease length and rules like owning pets.
Budget
3. Consider how much to pay for rent. Do not forget to factor in general expenses like the house utilities, cable and gas to get to and from campus. Find out if the place comes with furniture and appliances, because that would be another cost. Take into account the student’s deposit too.
Roommates
4. Roommates are a big part of the college experience. Think about how much space will be shared. The great thing about living off-campus is the fact that people can have their individual rooms. However, with three or four people, you can split the rent, making it more reasonable for other expenses. Find good roommates or make a group with friends to make the individual rent more affordable.
Lease
5. Finish all paperwork and other procedures in a timely manner. Sign a lease that protects you as a renter. Thoroughly inspect the place before signing a lease, so there are no charges that existed prior to occupancy. Check for the policies on refunding security deposits and make sure the stipulations are reasonable. Consider a renter’s insurance, to protect possessions. Completing paperwork in a timely manner will show the landlord responsibility.
Move In
6. Be a good neighbor and live happily. It’s the phase of feeling a little more like an adult by commuting, cooking, paying bills and lining up with the rent. Living off-campus has many advantages and numerous things to enjoy such as privacy, freedom, no open-dorm, better food choices and a sense of responsibility.