Moving off campus for the first time is exciting, and also the first time most students sign a legal contract worth thousands of dollars. Here’s the checklist we wish someone had handed us.

Before you tour anything

• Set a real budget. Rent should generally stay under 30% of your monthly income (including financial aid disbursements or family support). Don’t forget utilities, internet, and renters insurance on top of the listed rent.
• Decide on commute distance. Walking distance to campus costs more. Figure out if you’re willing to bike, bus, or drive, and price that time cost in.
• Line up your roommates first. Searching for a place before you’ve locked in who you’re living with almost always leads to a rushed, worse decision.

While touring

• Test the water pressure and check for water stains on ceilings (a sign of past leaks).
• Check cell signal and internet speed in every room, not just the living room.
• Ask directly: what’s included in rent? Trash, water, internet, and parking are the most commonly excluded items that surprise new renters.
• Take photos and videos of every room, including existing damage, before you move anything in.

Before you sign

• Read the entire lease, not just the first page. Pay close attention to the sublease policy, the early termination clause, and how the security deposit is returned.
• Confirm the person you’re paying is actually authorized to lease the unit — ask for their name to match records on the property, and verify the listing is legitimate before sending any money.
• Get everything verbal in writing. If a landlord says “we’ll fix that before move-in,” get it in the lease or in an email.

After you move in

• Do a walkthrough with your landlord (or on your own, documented with photos) within the first 48 hours and report existing damage immediately.
• Save every receipt and communication related to the unit for your entire lease term.

If you’re still searching, RentNova verifies listings before they go live, which cuts out a lot of the scam-checking work above. Worth a look if you want a shorter list to start from.