LIVING OFF CAMPUS: GUIDE TO RENTING AND LEASING

STEP 1: STEP 3: KNOW YOUR BUDGET REVIEW YOUR LEASE Before you begin your search process, do some Once you find the place you want to live, research and create a budget for yourself. Costs complete a walkthrough and review the details of to consider include: the lease. You must make sure that all occupants Rent: A good rule of thumb is to put no more sign the lease. Be sure to look for each of these than 30 percent of your monthly income things in your lease: toward rent. Lease commitment Security deposit and move-in fees: Some Rent amount apartments will require these fees. As you Security deposit begin your search, seek out what these fees Utilities look like at various properties. Repairs Utilities: Your monthly rent might not include Pets utilities. If utilities are not included in rent, Number of occupants you will need to budget for Omaha Public Extended leave Power District (OPPD) and Metropolitan Utilities List of furnishings and appliances District (MUD). Laundry: Learn how much laundry costs and whether the machines are in your unit, within STEP 4: the property, or not on the property at all. Parking: If you own a vehicle, check to see if the ESTABLISH YOUR TIMELINE property chrages for a parking spot. If you’re looking to live in a house with other Food and groceries: If you have had a meal people, note that: plan for the past two years and do not plan Creighton students typically begin on purchasing one while living o campus, searching for housing in October. be sure to budget for grocery money. Students typically sign leases in December. Leases often begin on June 1, but before you sign the lease, talk with the property STEP 2: manager/landlord about when you can move in. SELECT YOUR APARTMENT If you’re looking to live in an apartment: Use your budget to narrow your property search.  Begin your research between Once you select a few properties that you are October-December. interested in, consider: Take apartment tours in January-February. How much space will you need? Communicate early and often with the What amenities do you want? apartment manager about your intended How close to campus do you want to be? move-in date. FURNISHING YOUR NEW HOME: A CHECKLIST

For the kitchen: Miscellaneous: ☐ Pots and pans ☐ Toolbox (including nails ☐ Cooking knives and hammer to hang your new decor) ☐ Utensils ☐ Snow shovel ☐ Bowls, cups, and plates ☐ Ice scraper (for your car windows, if ☐ Small appliances you drive to school) ☐ Oven mitt ☐ Flashlights, emergency kit ☐ Sponges and dish soap ☐ Batteries ☐ Spatulas, wooden spoons, ☐ Light bulbs and ladle ☐ First aid kit ☐ Strainer ☐ Vacuum cleaner ☐ Microwave ☐ Broom and dustpan ☐ Mop For the dining area: ☐ Table and chairs ☐ Trivets ☐ Salt and pepper shakers ☐ Decor

For the living room: ☐ Couch and pillows ☐ Chairs ☐ Blankets ☐ Coee table ☐ Pictures, paintings, decor ☐ Television ☐ Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or whatever you use to binge-watch your favorite shows ☐ TV Stand ☐ Plants ☐ Bookshelf

For the bathroom: ☐ Trash can ☐ Toothbrush holder ☐ Towels (hand and bath) ☐ Bath mat/rug ☐ Cleaning supplies ☐ Plunger and toilet bowl brush

For the entryway: ☐ Welcome mat ☐ Area rug/mat for wet rain boots, snow boots, and other dirty shoes ☐ Coat rack (to hand cold-weather coats to dry) ☐ Umbrella holder