<p>I'm gonna probably live off campus next year, and was wondering the average rent for an apartment (3-4 bedrooms, most likely 3). I'll go looking later but got way too much work this week and wanted to keep it on the back of my mind.</p>
<p>Probably between $500-600 per room, probably you pay the utilities also.</p>
<p>Remember to include internet and cable TV in your budget. Most people think it's going to be cheaper than the dorms -- but it's usually not when you figure in utilities, internet, cable TV and 12-month lease.</p>
<p>Not to mention buying and cooking your own food.</p>
<p>With that said, I have found that I much prefer off-campus living to the dorms. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. After being in a house for two months, I can say that I will not go back to the dorms, nor will I move into an apartment over the next two years.</p>
<p>If you are looking to spend as little as possible, dorms are probably the cheapest total package...but if you are willing to share a room with someone in a house, that could probably be cheaper. I have friends who split a pretty big room in a house on South U. for $300/month each. With them paying utilities, food, etc. that is probably a good deal cheaper than the dorms. I am pretty jealous...that would save me $240/month in rent, and I wouldn't mind sharing a room that size with one of them.</p>
<p>I think my rent is like $540/month for a large room in a house right by the union. So far, I think my total expenses are probably about $620/month. My rent, $20/month for utilities, $12 for cable+internet, the rest on food and beer. Utilities will jump up a LOT in the winter for heating. I am also lucky enough to have a chest freezer in my bedroom that my mother has stocked with burgers, steaks, chicken, italian sausage, etc - and she offers to bring up more food every time I talk to her on the phone.</p>