The Complete Student Housing Checklist: Finding Your Perfect Place

Finding the right student housing can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're looking for your first off-campus apartment or upgrading from last year's place, knowing what to prioritize helps you make a confident decision that sets you up for academic success.

Start With Your Non-Negotiables

Before you start browsing listings, identify what matters most to you. Is it proximity to campus? Living amongst students? Access to transit or grocery? Having a clear list of must-haves helps you filter options quickly and avoid getting distracted by places that look great but don't meet your core needs.

Another important consideration to make early in your housing search is whether you want to live in a classic university house, or go for a premium apartment. Houses provide a timeless university experience and are cheaper, but are usually a bit older and don't have many premium amenities. Houses are also typically larger, and are better for bigger groups of students looking to live together. Apartments on the other hand, are typically more expensive but come with high quality amenities that will upgrade your living experience. Apartments are typically smaller, and are better for students looking to live alone or with one other roommate.

Pro tip: Residen lets you rank your priorities so you're only viewing properties that match what you're actually looking for, saving hours of scrolling through mismatched options.

Location & Transportation

Residen's map helps you get a quick snapshot where listings are

Your housing location impacts your daily routine more than anything else. Make you you're thinking about:

• Walking distance to campus - Can you really make that 8am class on foot, or will you need to figure out transportation?
• Public transit access - Check how close you are to bus routes
• Neighborhood essentials - Proximity to grocery stores, pharmacies, cafes, and study spots
• Close to friends - Living near your friends in a densely populated student area, or in a less populated, quieter area

The goal isn't just finding a place close to campus, it's finding a place that fits your lifestyle.

Amenities That Matter

Different students value different things. Focus on what makes you most productive and comfortable:

For studying:

• Reliable high-speed internet (non-negotiable for online classes and research)
• Quiet spaces or good sound insulation
• Proper lighting and desk space in bedrooms

For daily living:

• In-unit or building laundry (vs. trips to a laundromat)
• Kitchen size and appliances
• Storage space (especially if you have sports equipment or extra gear)

For wellbeing:

• Natural light and ventilation
• Welcoming, well-lit common areas and entrances
• Gyms or lounge spaces in apartment buildings

Remember: a slightly higher rent for amenities you'll actually use daily often beats a cheaper place that might force you to change your routines.

Understanding Lease Terms

Understanding your lease terms is key to aligning with your landlord

Lease agreements can be dense and frankly a bit boring, but a few key items deserve your attention:

• Lease duration - Does it line up with your academic year, or will you need summer sublet arrangements?
• Included utilities - Know exactly what's covered (heat, water, electricity, internet) and what you'll pay separately
• Deposit and payment schedule - Understand upfront costs and monthly due dates
• Maintenance responsibilities - Who handles repairs, and what's the response time?
• Subletting policy - If you might study abroad or do summer internships elsewhere, know your options (posting your sublet on Residen is free!)

Landlords provide clear lease terms upfront. Reviewing these carefully will help you plan your budget accurately and avoid surprises.

If You're Going the Roommate Route

Living with friends or roommates can be one of the best and most fun parts of the student experience, when everyone's on the same page. Before signing together:

• Determine your group size - How many roommates are you looking to have?
• Discuss expectations openly - Study habits, guests, cleaning, noise levels
• Align on budgets - Make sure everyone's comfortable with the rent and utility split
• Plan logistics - Who's bringing what furniture? How are you splitting common items like cleaning supplies?

If you've found your roommates, skip the headache of making sure everyone's on the same page. Residen's Housemates groups help you search together as a group, complete with built-in coordination tools so everyone's aligned before you even tour properties.

Questions to Ask During Tours

Asking questions on tours can help remove guesswork and uncertainty, so you can confidently move forward

When you're viewing a property in person or over video, go beyond the listing's photos:

• How's the water pressure and hot water availability?
• Are there enough outlets in each room?
• What's the noise level like? (Visit at different times if possible)
• What's the ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms, and can you make it work?

Landlords welcome these questions! They want you to feel confident about your decision too.

Trust Your Gut

After checking all the boxes, pay attention to how you feel in the space. Can you picture yourself studying there? Does it feel like somewhere you'd genuinely want to come home to after a long day of classes? The right place should feel like it fits your life, and not somewhere that feels forced.

Ready to Start Your Search?

Finding great student housing is about matching your priorities with what's available in your budget. With the right approach, you can find a place that elevates your university experience and becomes somewhere you can make great memories.

Browse hundreds of listings, filter by what matters to you, and connect directly with landlords. All of this and more on Residen, where thousands of students have already found their perfect place.