Page 35 - University of Oregon Parent and Family Guide

MOVING OFF CAMPUS
Consider your budget
Work with your student to create a budget. Decide what can be allocated towards monthly living costs and use that figure as a starting point.
Things to research:
• What are typical rental rates in the community? You may need to pay more for a well-maintained property.
• Can your student afford a single room or will they need to share?
• What are typical utility costs? How about “extras” like cable and internet?
• Will there be transportation costs to get to campus?
• How about furnishings and appliances?
• Look closely at food costs. Students who cook for themselves can save money, but for many it’s convenient (and healthier) to keep a partial campus meal plan.
Before going online...
Help your student pin down what they have in mind: How many roommates (i.e., how many bed/bathrooms)? Apartment or house? Do they need storage for bikes, skis, etc.? How close to campus would they like to be? Are there safety concerns?
Next, encourage them to utilize local student housing support services. The college housing office may have information about off-campus life. Some property management firms specialize in student rentals and
can be a helpful place to start.
Meet the landlord and see the rental in person
Encourage your student to take a friend along to meet the landlord and confirm that the property is as advertised. This gives your student a chance to ask questions such as: What are typical utility costs? Is subleasing allowed
and on what terms?
Review the lease carefully
For most students, this will be their
first experience with a detailed legal document. A landlord may require a parent co-signer if the student doesn’t have a rental or credit history. In my son’s case, his father and I insisted he send us a copy of the lease so we could review it.
Be clear about the following:
• What’s required up front in addition to a security deposit? First and last month’s rent?
• What dates does the lease cover?
• What utilities are provided (heat, water, garbage collection, etc.)?
• What are tenants’ responsibilities for upkeep (lawn mowing, maintenance, snow removal, etc.)?
Take photos before moving in
Your student should document the condition of the house or apartment, and in particular their room, when the lease
is signed. Pay special attention to stains on the ceiling, holes in walls, a cracked bathroom sink, etc. so that, if there is
a dispute at the end of the lease, your student can prove their case and get their security deposit back.
Purchase renter’s insurance
In the event of fire, burglary, water damage and so on, renter’s insurance is essential to cover the cost of lost property, including valuable items like laptops and bicycles.
APPROACHING THE MIDPOINT
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Students should check out the
University of Oregon’s Off- Campus Housing website, offcampushousing.uoregon.edu, which includes university- owned and operated housing, private off-campus housing options, and an Off-Campus Living Guide.