Going to college and moving away from home for the first time is a nerve wracking and stressful experience for anyone. While getting used to living in a different situation with people you don’t know is definitely a challenge, what can be even more difficult is initially finding housing. Most universities are usually very helpful in that regard but even they cannot always keep up with the large amounts of incoming students.

One of the most difficult situations that can arise, is when there is no more housing available. On-campus student apartments often fill up quickly, making having a backup plan for a secure living situation very important.

Because of this, it’s always a good idea to prepare financially for these circumstances by setting aside some extra finances that would be needed to cover regular living costs that come with off-campus student housing. Between the need to find furniture, and give the first month’s rent and security deposit to a landlord, there are multiple expenses entailed with off-campus housing.

Once you find student apartments or a house that seems like a good fit, their are still a few steps to take to ensure no problems down the line. It’s always a good idea to perform a thorough check for damages or any existing problems before you sign any sort of lease or agreement. Taking pictures of the housing and submitting them beforehand can add even more security by preventing you from any liability for preexisting damages.

If accused of causing damages without proof otherwise, substantial costs could be taken from a security deposit, which is usually as much as an entire month’s rent. A few simple pictures could end up saving you a few hundred dollars.

Having no luck finding student apartments or housing can put a real damper on the college experience. It’s a time in your life where you can finally be free, so why not take full advantage of it?