Living On Campus Living Off Campus

Proximity - Closer to classes, Newton Gresham Library, Loman Student Center, computer labs, and on campus events.

A unique experience – This time at college is the only time you will live on campus and live in the mix of it all. You can get an apartment at any time in life.

Security – Constant patrol by the University Police Department with escort programs available as well. Also, most residence halls have cameras inside and outside.

Get social – your peers are always close by.

Location, location, location – You can choose where you want to live.

Amenities – Most off campus communities offer a variety of amenities from fitness centers, computer labs, study rooms, volleyball courts, tanning beds to pools and hot tubs.

Privacy – How much privacy is up to you! You can live alone or with roommates; you can even have your own bathroom and lock your bedroom door.

Responsibility – Learn how to live within budget and pay bills yourself. Everything isn’t always included into one bill or the rent.

Meal Plan – Save time by not having to cook and spend less with fewer trips to the grocery store.

Sleep in – Who wants to get up early to get ready and find a parking space or wait on a shuttle when you can roll out of bed and walk to class?

Housing resources – SHSU is equipped with the amenities and resources to make the transition to living on-campus as smooth as possible.

Gain credit – When living off campus and having a good payment record, you can increase your credit score and build a positive rental history.

Potential for better grades – Some Bearkats find that with fewer interruptions, they have more time to study and in return make better grades.

Grow your circle – Living off-campus gives you the opportunity to meet a totally different demographic than you would on campus through getting to know your neighbors and meeting new people at community events.

Looking for Off Campus Housing

Whether you’re a on the SHSU waitlist for housing, transitioning out of a residence hall, a faculty or staff member or an international student, the Residence Life Department is available to assist you in your search. There are several local housing opportunities available to you right here in Huntsville as well as in Conroe or The Woodlands. The question is where to begin? Looking for a new place to live may not seem stressful at first but think about it…you are looking for your new home. There are many options to consider such as location, roommates, Lease terms, security, amenities, floor plans, and most important to many Bearkats, price. Ask yourself…

• What type of housing am I interested in? An apartment, house, a condo, duplex, or a room in a private house?

• What can I afford? Do I need an all-inclusive Lease?

• How many people do I want to live with, if any? Am I okay with co-ed roommates?

• Location: Do I want to live within walking distance to campus?

• Does it make more sense to live in the Conroe/Woodlands area?

• Furnished or unfurnished?

• What amenities are most important? Security, pool, pet park, study room, computer lab, etc.?

• Do I want my own bedroom and bathroom?

• What Lease term do I need/want? Which term can I afford?

• Do I have the means to easily travel back to campus for extracurricular activities and study groups?

• Do I enjoy cooking? Do I even know how?

• Is it more convenient to stay on campus between classes or go home?

The earlier, the better, especially in “student based” or lease-by-the-bedroom housing. Most of these communities in Huntsville begin leasing in October of each year for the next academic year. Normally the earlier you sign at said properties, the better your rental rate and special. At the same time, don’t let someone’s “car salesman” personality get you into a Lease too early. The best time to sign is when you have come up with a budget, done your research on all communities that you are interested in, completely examined the community and Lease, feel comfortable with your roommate(s), and feel that the time is right for you.

Plan Ahead & Know Your Priorities

What is your budget?

How much do you want to pay for rent vs. how much can you pay for rent? We suggest that you use our Off Campus Budget Worksheet я Toiletries я Kitchen items – small appliances, flat ware, cookware, dishes, etc. я Bath rug, shower curtain, towels, plunger я Food я TV я Cleaning Supplies я Lamps, light bulbs, batteries

• Setting a budget is the first step you should take. This will help you determine what you can afford, if you need roommates and if so, how many.

• Plan for different types of expenses such as an application fee, administration fee, security deposit, renter’s insurance, pet deposit, pet fee, monthly pet rent, and your rent.

• Will you be responsible for utilities? What is the deposit and set-up fee to turn the utility on?

• Will you need movers, a moving truck, or packing supplies?

• Do you need to buy or rent any furniture or a washer/dryer?

• What household items do you need to purchase?

Remember that most rent for individual leases are paid by installments. The total contract rent is divided evenly into the total number of contracted months. For example, if you sign a 12-month Lease for $5,700, that amount is divided into 12 equal installments of $475. The installment payment is typically due on the first of each month, including the first installment even if you have not moved in yet. Keep in mind, the first installment will not be prorated.

Off Campus Budget Worksheet

*What is your budget? Before you begin looking for off campus housing, decide on how much you can afford to spend on housing and other expenses. You’ll want to use some sort of budgeting tool or worksheet. Keep in mind which expenses are FIXED (what you can’t change/control) and which are VARIABLE/FLEXIBLE (expenses that are flexible, you can change or remove all together).

Rent

Move In Fees/Deposit

Groceries/Meal Plan

Renter’s Insurance

Health Insurance

Furniture (buy/rent)

Vehicle Payment

Vehicle Insurance

Cell Phone

Books/Supplies

Loan Payment

Organization Dues/ Fees

Utilities (Electric/Water/Cable/Sewer/Trash/Internet/Gas)

Credit Card(s)

Groceries/Eating Out

Clothes/Shoes/Etc.

School Supplies

Entertainment (Concerts/Movies/Etc.)

Gas for Transportation

Public Transportation

Laundry

Hygiene Products

Travel Savings Misc.

Difference (Income-Expenses)

Vs.

House

Privacy

Some Bearkats like living in a house more because of the privacy. Normally houses are separated with substantially more amount of space. Whereas apartments are separated by thin walls which may offer little privacy.

Space

This is probably one of the most important things students consider when looking for a home. You can expect to have more spacious rooms and mostly likely a private outdoor space which is great for grilling and other outdoor activities.

Repairs

You are more than likely have to wait a shorter period of time for repairs versus an apartment community with hundreds of residents.

Lease Flexibility

Write in whatever you like into the Lease such as a month-to-month term, pets, work relocation exception, etc. Making these changes with an apartment community when allowed will cost you!

Utilities

Usually no utilities are included in the monthly rent. This means that you will be responsible for utility deposits and set up fees.

Amenities

Apartment

With perks like a pool, gym, study room, game room, basketball court, valet trash pick-up, volleyball court, and more…who wouldn’t want that?

Location

Location is so important to Bearkats when deciding on where to live in Huntsville or surrounding areas. Many apartment communities are located close to campus, local shopping, and restaurants.

Resident Events

Several communities host monthly if not weekly resident events. These functions allow you to meet your fellow neighbors, make new friends, learn some nifty DIY tactics, hopefully gain knowledge that will benefit your education and/or professional career, and of course free food!

All Inclusive

Many apartments offer all-inclusive rents, meaning all bills paid or at minimum everything except for electricity. This is an added benefit, saving students from utility deposits and service set up fees.

Time

Your time is priceless and not having to maintain a yard gives you just that.

time at SHSU. If you are thinking about getting roommates, choose carefully. You will most likely want to start off by talking to people you already know about possibly rooming together. There are pros and cons to this scenario. Living with someone you know makes for less tension at the beginning because you are aware of what you have in common, the other person’s personality, likes, dislikes and lifestyle. It makes for fewer surprises along the way. You may feel that you “totally know” this person but living with them can be a very different experience and living with your best friend does not necessarily mean you will be living with your “best” roommate.

If you are not able to find a person you already know, consider using a roommate matching system (provided by most student living communities in Huntsville), apps like ZeeMee, social media, or even a referral through a mutual friend or associate. Looking for a roommate to live with can be both fun and scary at the same time. This is the person that you will be sharing your home with for a semester or entire academic year. Take the time to find someone you can get along with as a contribution to your happiness and well being in the long term. When considering someone you don’t know, it’s a good idea to speak to the individual over the phone or virtually. Try out our sample Roommate Questionnaire. If it feels like a good fit, then set up a time to meet in person and discuss some more important matters just to measure compatibility. Consider how you feel about friends and lifestyle preferences, finances, religious beliefs, and what type of housing you want. During the interview, keep the items below in mind.

• Always be kind

• Have open and honest conversations

• Discuss financial responsibilities (utilities, food, furniture, etc.)

• Speak about your pet peeves

• Treat others as you would want to be treated

• The people you interview are probably just as nervous and skeptical as you are

• Make a list of the positive characteristics you like

• Do the same for the negative or things you find unacceptable/questionable

• Remember no one will be exactly what you want and that compromises will have to be made

• If you interview more people than what you need to live with, make sure to follow up with everyone on your final decision. Remember these students are in the same boat as you, so it wouldn’t be fair to leave them in limbo. Inform them of your decision as soon as possible.

Once you make your final decision, it would be a good idea to get together with your group and draft up a Roommate Contract. These usually cover how decisions are made about certain things within the household with the intention of eliminating any unforeseen problems. The agreement should cover lifestyle preferences, household rules, etc. This may seem “over the top” but could help prevent problems in the future and will create an environment of respect. Below are a few items to consider while drafting your Roommate Contract. See the Sample Roommate Contract provided by Sam Houston State University Residence Life Office and the one provided by Student Legal and Mediation Services.

• Gather and document contact information on each roommate’s parents and guarantors/ co-signers on the Lease.

• Establish rules on how the rent and utilities will be paid (if not signing individual Leases). If the unit is not all inclusive, it is a good idea for each roommate to have one utility in their name.

• Discuss who will bring what. If the unit is furnished, then no large items are needed. Discuss who will bring dishes, utensils, pot and pans, smaller appliances like a toaster or Keurig, etc. Make sure to note beside each item who will be providing it.

• Food and cooking – How will the food be purchased (together or separately)? How often will you cook? Would it make sense space wise and usage wise to share commonly used items such as flour, sugar, condiments, and such? What about replacement of those commonly used items?

• Household supplies/cleaning/neatness – Will there be a schedule for cleaning the common areas, including taking out the trash? Will the group make a cleaning chart and rotate purchasing supplies or always split the cost of the purchase?

• Other people’s property – To borrow or not to borrow?

• Pets – Any allergies? Do you want pets? Does anyone require an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal?

• Guests – How often is too often? How late is too late? How many is too many?

• Music and television – Set quiet hours within the household. How will you handle noise and time spent in the common areas?

• Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

• Study times and places – Try to stay consistent and frequent on this subject.

• Sleeping times/habits – Be considerate and quiet while others are sleeping.

• Privacy – Always remember to lock exterior doors. Be mindful of the keyless deadbolt/ lock; if you have a roommate that isn’t home, double check to see when they will return. Lock bedroom doors when you don’t want to be disturbed. Remember your roommates and neighbors, be mindful of others.

The above items are very important topics and cover several vital issues that may arise when living with others. It is imperative that everyone be in on the final decision. This process also allows the debatable issues to come up before a contract is signed. Remember if there is a change in roommates (if someone moves out and you get a new roommate), you want to go through this same process before the new roommate moves in.

Living with others isn’t always gum drops and roses. Even with careful dialog and prior agreements, misunderstandings will happen. Here are some steps you can take towards a comfortable living environment.

• Always keep an open line of communication with your roommates. Share your likes, dislikes, or preferences openly. DO NOT put off stressful discussions for fear of confrontation. Sit down and talk things out calmly and honestly.

• Make a commitment to your roommate(s) to work together in making the best living environment. Share in the decision making concerning the household, don’t forget those negotiation and compromising skills of yours. Check out SHSU’s Student Legal & Mediation Services, they provide free training in mediation and more!

• Be thoughtful toward your roommate(s) and their guests, family, and friends. If one of you is going through a particularly stressful time, share the situation so that extra-sensitive safeguards can take place. The amount of detail that is given will be up to the individual, always show respect for each other’s feelings, property, and emotions.

What resources are available to assist me?

Residence Life

Word of mouth: ask friends or classmates about their experiences

Internet Listing Services: apartments.com, apartmentfinder.com, Google, HAR, rent.com, etc.

Community reviews (only view the last 12 months of

Social Media

Local newspaper ads, Craigslist, etc.

– Texas Apartment Association

SHSU Student Legal & Mediation Services