Off-Campus FAQ

The decision to live in an apartment or house off-campus is a big step for many college students nationwide. Living off-campus provides an opportunity for independent living and taking that next step in your life as a citizen. When searching for and visiting off-campus housing opportunities, please keep the following in mind:

Location: How far from campus is the apartment/house? Is public transportation available and nearby? Is there available parking on- and off-campus? How close are services to the apartment/house (grocery store, gas station, movie theater, restaurants, etc.)?

Personal Safety & Security: What are the crime statistics for the area where the housing is located? How does the neighborhood feel? Is there adequate lighting? 

Lease: What is the length of the time of the lease (9 month, 10 month, 1 year)? What are my responsibilities? What are the landlord's responsibilities? If I "break" my lease, are there any penalties? Can I easily understand the lease (i.e. is it written in plain/clear language)? Remember: a lease is a contract!

Budget Your Money: Key items to budget for include rent, utilities (electric, gas, phone, cable, Internet, etc.), security deposit, transportation, renter's/tenant's insurance, pets (if allowed) and food. Don't forget to have some money aside for entertainment and relaxation!

Roommates: They can help defray costs but, as with living on-campus, misunderstandings can arise due to lack of communication or setting mutually agreed-upon expectations. Some items to consider include guests, social events, cleaning the apartment, paying bills and unique lifestyle issues (e.g. smoking/non-smoking).

Tenant/Landlord Rights and Responsibilities: Contact your Borough or Township Office to access information concerning your rights and responsibilities.

The information provided is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have a legal question, please seek out legal counsel. Furthermore, information provided is presented as a service. Delaware Valley College does not endorse any website, realtor, apartment or home. Delaware Valley College encourages renters to be cautious, aware and make informed decisions when searching for off-campus housing.