<p>just heard from my sophomore son that he will be applying for off-campus housing next year with several friends. Kind of surprised me, as I envisioned him staying on campus, but he sounded excited at the prospect and we’re glad he has friends to do this with. Any tips or advice on the topic, assuming he gets permission? Thanks.</p>
<p>My daughter is a senior and is currently off-campus, as she was last year. She loves it and loved it last year. I think it’s a good thing for upper class students because it is another step in preparing them for the real world. I would suggest that all of the kids he plans to live with sign the lease, not just one of them. That way they are all responsible for paying the rent, not just one of them. Although in the event of a problem, I suppose a landlord could come after individuals. It just makes them all know that they have to remember to pay the rent. Also, my daughter had a bit of trouble with one of her roommates backing out at the last minute. That girl needed to find a sublet because she signed the lease. It was somewhat of a problem, but it did sort itself out. Utilities should be in the name of the most responsible because that person will be the one paying them and asking for checks from the rest. Sorting out how to deal with food is also important, even if they are not off the meal plan.</p>
<p>thanks, franglish–very helpful tips.</p>
<p>also, how difficult is it to find off-campus housing that close enough that a car is still not required? Thanks.</p>
<p>Not. Both of my one bedroom apartments have been closer to campus than some dorms and I saved money (certianly when considering the savings in food since I had a kitchen).</p>
<p>Definitely agree with Modest (welcome back, BTW-- I thought you’d find it hard to stay away! 
). It has been less expensive than the dorm. Also, if Financial Aid is an issue for you, as it has been for us, we have found it advantageous. Brown feels that students need to live somewhere, so the FA awards are the same as they would be if the kid were in a dorm with a food plan. Their thoughts are that if you get a deal, and the FA goes more towards your tuition and eating expenses, then good for you. That has been the case for us.</p>
<p>Students are now looking at and signing leases for apartments that start on June 1. While there are exceptions, often the closer you are to campus the more you pay. Even the houses that are further away, on Ives or Governor streets, are still within easy walking distance. And of course, remember that the total cost includes utilities, which also means internet.</p>
<p>Also – you have to figure out what to do with the place over the summer. If your son is planning on being in Providence over the summer then it’s not an issue. But if he’s not, then he either sublets or you have to eat the cost of 3 months rent. And subletting is not necessarily easy, because tons of kids are subletting. My daughter had problems finding a subletter and ended up renting for a lot less than the monthly rent – which was better than nothing. In the end, I think we paid about the same as Brown housing, maybe less by a little.</p>
<p>thanks all–lots to think about. The whole subletting thing seems tricky–when you have several kids sharing the place, how do they decide how to handle it if some would rather find renters and others would rather just hold on to it? Majority rules I guess or perhaps just a function of whether or not you can even find subletters. </p>
<p>I hope they have an organizer or two in the group who will be on the lookout for a good apt. that’s close by. Not the usual role I see my son in, but anything’s possible I suppose!</p>
<p>In my daughter’s apartment, each renter made his or her own decision – some sublet and some didn’t. </p>
<p>If you sublet, don’t make the same mistake we did – get a deposit and rent up front.</p>
<p>this just in–he’s looking at a house with 10 bedrooms to share with 9 others! Yikes! thanks to the good advice here, each would sign their own lease. We are trying to stay supportive while pictures of Animal House run thru our head…part of me hopes the deal falls thru while the other is happy for him because he’s so excited at the prospect.</p>
<p>(and PS, he’s the one of the group who found it on Craigslist…who is this kid, anyway?)</p>