<p>My kids both moved into apartments. D from when she transferred & S after freshman year. Most of the apartments had varying lease terms, with differing start & end dates that would generally overlap (meaning you were paying rent on two different places at the same time). It worked out OK for them–we had them handle most of it & we just signed if ABSOLUTELY necessary, otherwise it was all up to them to negotiate. They preferred cooking on their own to the dorm food anyway. </p>
<p>If you’re concerned about food, many times students can buy a meal plan and live in an apartment, if that is what they are interested in; there are often varying prices, depending on how many meals they want.</p>
<p>Landlords vary a great deal, so it’s good for them to talk to folks who have experience with the housing unit they’re considering and see what compliments/complaints others have about the landlord(s). For the most part, I think it’s a very good experience for them to learn how to deal with things. Our kids had 4 people share a 2 bedroom ONE bathroom place. Both S & D managed OK. SR year, each had a one bedroom, one bathroom place with 2 people. It works fine, as long as they continue to get along well.</p>
<p>Good luck! Many leases have each person sign that they will be responsible for their proportionate share for the entire term of the lease. We have no idea what terms D’s lease has as she & her room mate managed it. It is the same building S lived in for his SR year & very close to campus. No complaints so far & very reasonable LA rent.</p>
<p>My daughter is a sophomore and is living in an off campus apartment this year after being in the dorms last year. It is an older 3 bedroom/1 bath apartment. So far no complaints about only 1 bathroom. It is about a 10 minute walk to campus (in good weather, have to see the difference in the snow). There is a student run safe ride system that they use in the evening and at night, so we feel safer about that. The neighborhood is mostly students as one might expect so near a college. </p>
<p>Daughter is the world’s pickiest eater, so dorm food wasn’t the best for her. Sounds like she skipped quite a few meals and then just snacked a lot. They all seem to like to cook, so the food situation is much better. </p>
<p>She is on the east coast and we live in SoCal, so getting furniture was a hassle. Some major running around in a rental van after checking Craig’s list and then to IKEA to complete the day. We’re hoping she keeps this apartment for a while so we don’t have to move. But if she doesn’t, at least she’s got her furniture and the move would be easier. Her two roomates live nearer, so they got the living room and kitchen furniture and they all split the cost.</p>
<p>My son also only lived in the dorms for a year. On campus apartment for sophomore year and rented a house way across town for the rest. House was in a quiet residential area with no other students that we saw, just families. House was a little cheaper, but then he had to get a parking pass so the cost was probably a push. He did like getting away from the hustle and bussle of the college campus and said he could relax more.</p>
<p>So, I belive that it is very beneficial to be out kind of on your own. The kids figure out all the utilities/rent/whatever things pretty fast. They’re quite adapable at this point.</p>
<p>Find out whether subletting is permitted. They may be able to find people who would want to live in the apartment for at least part of the summer while taking summer courses at the university.</p>
<p>Be aware that in many instances, all of the “permanent” residents of the apartment must agree (in writing) to a sublet, not just the person whose room the subletter would be occupying.</p>
<p>The fact that your daughter has a car is a big plus. Both of my kids did not have cars at college, and their food costs went way up when they moved off-campus because they were relying heavily on overpriced takeout food. There was no supermarket within walking distance in either case.</p>
<p>At S college, freshman live in the dorms , then most move off campus for sophomore year. We really liked his dorm last year, but his apartment is equally nice and has turned out fine.</p>
<p>S signed his housing contract before Christmas break last year. By doing so, they waived the security deposit.</p>
<p>He said his dorm was loud, kids always in the halls. It was hard to study late sometimes if the roommate was trying to sleep, etc.</p>
<p>Most of the apartments have ‘individual’ contracts at S’ school. There are 4 boys in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath apartment. If one moves or doesn’t pay their rent, it’s between them and the management. Their rent includes their utilities and a bus pass.</p>
<p>He has lived there since mid August now and loves it. The shuttle bus runs smoothely. He hasn’t missed it. Even if he did, he could drive to class. He has a meal plan so he can eat lunch each day there and then buys groceries for his supper & breakfast.</p>
<p>For us, the cost is the same as last year’s dorm. The dorm $$ was for the 9 months of school, his apartment is a 12-month contract. Both cost the same.</p>