Many students who are off to college are excited to look for an apartment and live on their own. They are ready for the time when they can enjoy the sense of freedom that comes with living independently. They want to be away from the watchful eye of their parents and enjoy more full freedoms than they could if they were living in a dorm. As wonderful as full independence may sound, be warned that it also comes with many new responsibilities.

You might have enjoyed a good life during your time in high school when you efficiently juggled school and home, but when you are in college and living alone, you’re going to be responsible to do all of the home chores on your own. You will be crammed with school assignments, social gatherings, extracurricular activities, and a job. If it’s your first time living on your own, here are some apartment hunting tips - including a guide to living off-campus, dealing with roommates, and more.

You can get more information about living off-campus at ForRentUniversity.com. This website provides options and information about apartments offered near universities and colleges nationwide. You only need to provide your college’s name in the search field. Once you are there, the staff will help you get the most out of off-campus living and will answer questions you want to ask.

Looking for an apartment near the school campus will require you to choose options. Some of these options are: if you prefer an individual lease or a joint lease, a furnished apartment or unfurnished apartment, utilities included or you pay your bills, walking to campus or taking a shuttle, parking in a lot or on the street, and if pets are allowed or not. Of course, you also need to know the monthly rent. Fortunately, ForRentUniversity.com can help provide you with details of an apartment near your campus based on all of the above factors.

Every apartment renter, regardless of age, should not take this task lightly. A lease is a legally binding agreement between two parties that sometimes requires a co-signer or guarantor such as a parent or guardian. A renter needs to know all of the details, obligations, rules, and regulations of your lease agreement before signing. If you want to understand more about the lease, your rights and obligations, visit the student legal services at your college.

The individual lease allows two or more people to live in the same apartment, but to sign separate contracts and also pay different rents. In some cities, you might see individual-lease apartments that have several bedroom-bathroom suites with a shared kitchen and living room. With joint leases, every roommate is going to sign a single lease and collectively pay the rent. The main benefit of an individual lease is that each of you has separate financial responsibilities and you are only accountable for yourself. The main advantage of the individual lease is that you don’t need to find a replacement when one moves out, it’s up to the landlord to replace the roommate.

If an apartment manager or a landlord refuses to rent to you based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, or sexual orientation, you have the right to speak out. Contact the student legal services office of your school if you have experienced discrimination while trying to lease an apartment.

As an apartment renter, you have responsibilities:

· Follow apartment rules and regulations and adhere to your lease obligations.

· Don’t hesitate to ask your landlord if your unit needs some repairs.

· Try to know your neighbors and respect them. Lead by example to encourage neighbors to avoid noise and maintain calmness in the community.

Crime can happen anytime or anywhere. So, no matter how heavily fortified your place is, you should think about your safety. Always be aware and observant of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night. Keep your windows and doors locked at all times. Don’t try to open the door without looking who is there first. Don’t announce to the world that you are leaving for an extended period.

If you are on your way to college and plan to live on your own, you will find your new independence exciting! Take heed of the suggestions mentioned here and make sure you understand the responsibilities that will come with these new found freedoms.