The Complete Guide to Renting as a Student

Renting your first place as a student is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. On one hand, it’s your first big step into independence—you finally get your own space. On the other hand, you now have to juggle rent, bills, leases, and still keep up with classes and assignments. The good news? Renting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming once you know the basics. Here’s a simple, no-stress guide to help you make smart choices.

1. Set a Budget That Actually Works

Before you even start looking at apartments, figure out how much you can realistically afford. Rent isn’t your only expense—you’ll also need to cover utilities (electricity, water, maybe gas), Wi-Fi, groceries, and even laundry.

A good rule of thumb is to keep rent around one-third of your monthly income or allowance. If you’re living with roommates, have that slightly awkward money talk early. Who pays what? How are bills split? Getting it out of the way before moving in saves you from awkward “uh, you still owe me” conversations later.

2. Location Really Does Matter

Where you live will shape your daily routine. Living close to campus saves time and stress, but it usually comes with a higher price tag. Living a bit further away might be cheaper, but you’ll need to think about transport costs—buses, trains, or ride-shares add up quickly.

Don’t just think about your commute, though. Having a grocery store, coffee shop, or cheap food options nearby makes life so much easier. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself during finals week when you can grab snacks without trekking across town.

Pro tip: when searching online, include your campus and city in your query to surface student-friendly options (e.g., student apartment in tempe near xyz area, or furnished/unfurnished) student apartment in champaign. Adding “near campus,” “furnished,” or “utilities included” can narrow results even more. 

3. Choose Roommates with Care

Roommates are part of the deal for most students. Sometimes they turn into your best friends, and other times. Well, let’s just say they’ll give you funny stories to tell later.

Whether you’re moving in with friends or strangers, set ground rules upfront. Who cleans the kitchen? How do you split Wi-Fi? Is it okay to have people over late at night? It might feel awkward to talk about these things, but it’s way better than dealing with drama down the road.

4. Check the Place Properly

When you go to see a place, don’t just admire the bedroom size or how cute the living room looks. Pay attention to the details: leaky taps, broken locks, mold, heating or cooling problems, and general cleanliness.

Pro tip: take photos of everything before moving in. If something’s already broken or damaged, you’ll have proof it wasn’t you—super handy when it’s time to get your security deposit back.

5. Don’t Skip the Lease (Yes, Read It)

Leases aren’t fun to read, but they’re important. Look for things like:

• How long the lease lasts

• What happens if you move out early

• If you’re allowed to sublet during the summer

• Who’s responsible for repairs

If anything’s unclear, ask. It’s better to feel a little “extra cautious” now than to be stuck later with rules you didn’t know about.

6. Comfort Counts Too

It’s tempting to just go with the cheapest option, but don’t forget—you’ll be spending a lot of time in your apartment. It’s where you’ll study, relax, and recover from long days.

Good lighting, reliable internet, and a reasonably quiet environment can make a huge difference. Sometimes paying a little more for comfort is worth it.

7. Safety Shouldn’t Be Optional

Cheap rent isn’t worth it if you don’t feel safe. Make sure the doors and windows lock properly, and pay attention to the neighborhood when you visit. Ask yourself: “Would I feel okay walking here at night?” If the answer is no, keep looking.

8. Watch for Hidden Costs

That “perfectly priced” apartment can suddenly become expensive once you add utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry, or parking. Always ask what’s included in the rent. Furnished apartments might seem more expensive at first, but they save you the cost (and hassle) of buying furniture.

9. Ask About Student Perks

Landlords near universities often expect student renters. Some offer discounts, flexible leases, or all-inclusive rent packages. Don’t be afraid to ask, it never hurts, and you might get a better deal than you think.

Renting as a student feels like a big step but once you move out, it is not that easy but it’s still manageable. Start with your budget, choose a location that works for you, and don’t forget to read the lease carefully. Pay attention to the budget, safety and comfort, and always check the place properly before signing anything. 

How can amber help you?

amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.

About author

Kajol. M is someone who’s passionate about sharing stories, ideas, and anything that sparks a little inspiration. When not writing, you’ll probably catch me buried in a book, playing an instrument, or getting lost in a playlist. 

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