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7 Steps to Living Off-Campus

Step 1: Prioritize what type of housing you want to live in

  • Apartment/Condo
  • House/Townhouse
  • Room in Private Home – Individual room available for rent in a private home
  • Shared/Roommates – Share room(s) with others in an apartment or house
  • Short-Term/Furnished – Summer and winter sublets
  • Suite/Apartment in House – Each room has its own entrance


Step 2: Develop a budget for expenses

Consider not only rent, but utilities, food, transportation, entertainment, emergency costs, etc. The cost of living off campus without a meal plan is about $6000–$10,000 per academic year (gas, utilities, rent, etc. — not including food). The cost of living in Biola-owned Apartments without a meal plan is approximately $5,222 (add in gas, food, etc.) The cost of living in Biola residence halls with a meal plan is approximately $8000–10,000 per academic year. Generally, living in a house with roommates is usually cheaper than living in an apartment on your own. Decide what you can afford. See OCHS Money & Budgeting Worksheet to help determine your budget.

Typical Area Rents

House

$2,249

Condo

$1,583

1 Bedroom

$1,134

Studio Apartment

$905

2 Bedroom

$1,450

1 Bedroom Apartment

$1,246

3 Bedroom

$2,312

2 Bedroom Apartment

$1,510

4 Bedroom

$2,425+

3 Bedroom Apartment

$1,850+


Step 3: Consider if you will live alone or with roommates

Factors to consider:

  • Know what’s important to you!
  • Take the initiative!
  • Discuss expectations
  • Who will look for a place to live?
  • Decide how financial decisions will be made
  • How many roommates would you prefer to live with?
  • Even “close” friends often find that they cannot live together…

Need a roommate? Check out Biola Classifieds.


Step 4: Consider your transportation needs

  • Walking distance
  • Biking distance
  • Proximity to community resources (shopping, etc.)
  • Use of public transportation
  • Consider the cost of driving & parking on campus.


Step 5: What features are essential?

  • Private room and/or bathroom?
  • Dishwasher?
  • Washer/dryer in the unit?
  • Air conditioning?
  • Private parking?
  • Cable and Internet?
  • Pets permitted?
  • Furnished?
  • Handicapped accessible?
  • First floor? Second? (What's your preference?)
  • Guest parking?

Begin your search using the widest possible criteria... Narrow choices as you go!


Step 6: It's time to begin the search!

Biola Classifieds is great places to start.

  • Look at several possibilities and compare.
  • Check the property well.
  • Take a list of questions with you to ask the landlord.
  • Take notes about each property that you see; observe the surroundings, professional manner of the landlord, willingness to answer questions.
  • Investigate lighting, laundry services, utilities, locks, yard-care, decorating options, parking, guest privileges and fire safety (two exits from the building).
  • Leases are legally binding documents and should be read carefully before signing. Always put your lease in writing!


Step 7: Moving In!

  • Inspect the actual unit you intend to occupy. You don't want to be charged for damages that existed prior to occupancy.
  • Complete a thorough inventory of your new home.
  • Turn in a repairs list to the landlord.
  • Arrange for telephone & utilities to be turned on.
  • Clean unit prior to occupancy.
  • Purchase Renter's Insurance (it is typically less than $20/mo.).
  • Purchase fire safety equipment (fire extinguisher).
  • Always get a receipt for your deposit and rent payments!