What to Consider

Types of housing

• What kind of residence (house, townhome, apartment) do you want?
• Do you need to provide furniture for your residence?
• Will you have apet?

Roommates

• How many people do you plan to have live with you?
• Are your lifestyles compatible?

Location, location, location

• Can you walk, bike, or bus to campus?
• Will you need acar?
• Is the neighborhoodsafe?
• Does the neighborhood have other students living in proximity?
• Is it a family neighborhood?

Budget and expenses

• Will you get a mealplan?
• Will you cook foryourself?
• What utilities are included in the rent?
• What utilities are you responsible for?

Renting in North Carolina – link: http://www.ncrec.gov/Brochures/Print/Renting.pdf

Here are some safety considerations prior to making the commitment:

• Are the doors to the apartment SOLID CORE wooden doors or METAL? Do these doors have good dead-bolt locks or at least shielded door knobs to deter access to the locking mechanism. Ask the landlord if the locks have been re-keyed since the last tenant moved out. (If allowed, consider installing your own locks)
• Do the doors have a “peep-hole” so visitors can be observed without opening the door?
• Do shrubs and trees allow places for concealment near entrances and windows?
• Do windows and accessible fire escapes have good locking mechanisms?
• Good lighting deters crime. Is the lighting adequate near entry doors and around walkways?
• Do outer doors of the apartment stay locked at all times?
• Are good working smoke detectors in place? There should be at least two emergency escape routes in case of fire.