What To Consider When Moving Off Campus

Moving into a college dormitory is the first step of college life. Before classes begin, students immerse themselves in campus life by getting to know their roommates and settling into a completely new environment. After about a year or so, many students want to live off-campus in an apartment or house.

The rate to stay in a residence hall can add up over time, depending on your grade level, major and where you decide to live. For example, the rate to live in a standard double room with a silver dining plan would be $10,676 for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 school years, according to the LiveOn website.

According to an MSU study, students who stayed on campus their first two years saw a 2.5% increase in graduation rates than those who only stayed on campus for one year. In addition, the university’s neighborhood model and access to resources contributed to a higher graduation rate, from 77% to 81% over the last five years.

For sophomores who didn’t have their first-year on-campus experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Spartan Navigator is a program specifically designed to support them during their time at MSU.

Associate Director of REHS Coree Newman Coronado said the program is in partnership with other resources on campus and it continues to help second-year students build on their experiences.

Here are some things to consider before making the switch.

Financial aid

Financial aid is awarded when students file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students can get applicable grants, scholarships and federal loans to help cover the standard cost of attendance set by the college.

Eligibility for aid does not change whether or not a student lives off campus. However, because students are not billed room and board, which would be included in their cost of attendance, this cost will be refunded to help with rent, food and other expenses.

Students may talk to a financial aid advisor to learn more about off-campus living. The financial aid office is located in room 252 in the Student Services Building.

Signing leases

MSU offers a list of approved landlords and housing that previous students have rented. This would be a great place to start when searching for off-campus housing.

Students should read their lease very carefully and thoroughly before signing. Common questions to ask before signing include:

• What happens if I default on a lease?
• How will rent be divided between roommates?
• What are the rules?

Newman Coronado said paying close attention to things like termination guidelines, late and monthly fees, deposits and other policies is important. If students have questions, they should contact either the property manager or the landlord.

Since it may be students’ first time renting, they might need a cosigner — someone who would be responsible for rent if the student falls behind. Cosigners have to have a good credit score, a solid repayment history and no prior evictions.

If a student doesn’t have a cosigner, they may need to pay a security deposit, which is usually 1.5 times their monthly rent, though this can vary depending on the rental property.

Students are encouraged to visit the Associated Students of Michigan State University’s lease review service, which is provided through their legal services. Students can schedule an appointment with legal services on their website.

Roommates

Another important thing to consider when moving off-campus is roommates.

“Your community includes all kinds of folds from all different walks of life,” Newman Coronado said. “Some that might be connected with MSU (and) some that just live in the same space.”

When they move, students usually have the option to choose their roommates. But, make sure to choose them wisely. Students will want to make sure that they’re compatible. This includes being upfront about study habits, schedules and leisure activities.

Bills

When a student stays on-campus, most expenses are covered in their financial aid along with a dining plan. Repairs and maintenance are covered in this cost. However, off-campus housing can be very costly.

“I think something with on-campus living is our bills, or what they pay for room and board, it’s a pretty all-inclusive fee,” Balks said.

Balks said a first-time renter should really look at the financial piece.

When a student moves off-campus, they can expect to pay for things like repairs, maintenance and utilities, such as electricity and internet service. In some places, these expenses are included in their monthly rent.

Budgeting plays a key role in managing bills. When creating a budget, students should take into account:

• Utilities (i.e., internet/cable, electricity, gas)
• Phone
• Household needs
• Personal needs/wants
• Educational costs

Read Julian Stainback’s full article on The State News here.