Everything that happens when you’re living off campus

RU excited to be living off campus next year? Excited to branch out, have a place of your own for daging and other college activities? Or did you just miss the lottery and have no idea what you’re in for living off campus next year? Well that’s all great, but if you’ve been living in a dorm for most of your college career,there are many things to be weary of before you sign that lease, and some horrors that you just can’t avoid.

You might get locked out, and it’ll cost you 

We all get locked out once (or four times) from our dorms. Hey, these things happen, but if you’re locked out and you’re off campus, getting that key back is not as easy as strolling over to Clothier for a quick spare to borrow. No more asking your RA to open your door.  You’ve gotta be much more careful  about bringing your keys with you, especially if you leave with your roommates and don’t usually check to make sure you’ve got them.

This can be especially difficult depending on your landlord. Some may be willing to head down to unlock your door when needed, and others may actually charge a fee.

Signing your lease will be overwhelming 

Before you even get your hands on the keys, you’ve got to sign that lease: another process to be weary of. Remember, there is a standard lease for New Jersey that landlords use, and you should be able to find it online. However, not all landlords (especially those dealing with rowdy college kids) will follow NJ standards for the cost of plumbing and repairs, pipe repairs,etc. So what do you do? Research. You’ll want to make sure you’re not being ripped off.

Paying for utilities is a new expense you’ll need to get used to 

Find some roommates who take quick showers and seldom use energy-guzzling appliances. (Suddenly, that high-maintenance friend of yours who blows her hair out every day seems like a less-than-perfect housemate). Most places off campus offer 12-month, standard leases. That means, even though rent is cheaper at a monthly rate than on-campus housing may be, you’re still paying for all the months that school is not in session. Now, this may be great if you’ve got an internship over the summer, but it can weigh on your wallet, too.

You’re pretty much stuck with your roommates, even if they suck 

ResLife can’t help you when your housemates drive you crazy, either. So choose your roommates wisely, because you’re bound together for life. (well, not really).

Welcome to a life where you’ll be cooking your own meals 

You better believe you’ll be missing that meal plan, too. Remember, if you go off-campus and don’t get a meal plan (which is what many students do), you will save money but lose the convenience of the dining halls. Yes, you may even miss Brower when class lets out and you realize that you actually have to put effort into finding your next meal.

You have to actually walk to campus now 

Not only will you put more effort into making your own meals, you will have to expend more energy just getting yourself to class. Suddenly all those people taking buses from the Student Center to Scott Hall don’t seem so lazy.

When it snows, it’s now your problem 

Weathering the weather is certainly different off campus, as everyone who had to shovel their own driveways learned this past week. Take in mind the effect that rain, heavy winds, and snow might have on the place you plan to live in. That will certainly make your experience easier if you know the chances of pipes freezing, drafts making the room colder, and leaks making your place uncomfortable.

Not as much campus safety 

One concern may be shared between you and your parents: safety. When you move off campus, all those crime alerts will become more relevant to you. Be sure to know all the basics about walking to and from class at night, being out alone, etc.

Well, let’s face it. While moving off campus is exciting- and can make your college experience one of real growth, it requires effort and responsibility. Moving on off campus next year? Well then you sure have something to look forward to at Rutgers, as long as you know what you’re in for.