Housing for Next Year
During February, it’s common for students to start researching and selecting housing for their upcoming academic year. At VCU there are on-campus and off-campus living options. There are several factors to consider when choosing a living situation for the next year.
On-campus housing
Students who filled out a housing application by noon on Wednesday, February 10 are given priority with participation in the room selection process. Housing applications can be found at www.housing.vcu.edu/.
For other deadlines for room selection and FAQs about the returning student housing process please visit VCU’s Residential Life and Housing website here.
Off-campus housing
VCU assists students with finding off-campus housing service through the off-campus housing website, where property managers are able to list properties available to students. Students can create an account, find roommates by creating a roommate profile and even sublet an apartment.
Students can also attend a housing fair that provides information about off-campus housing options on Thursday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commonwealth Ballroom located on the second floor of the University Student Commons. This is a great opportunity to find out what types of off-campus housing options are currently available.
Some things to consider before signing a lease
For many students, this may be their first time looking for a place of their own. It’s an exciting time to think about branching off independently, but it’s important for students to know what questions to ask before signing a lease. There are several standard questions listed below and more can be found here.
Do I need a cosigner?
Landlords will require proof of income as an assurance that tenants will pay rent. This can sometimes be a challenge for students and a landlord might require a cosigner, when signing a lease. It’s important to talk to any landlord or leasing office about their cosigner policies.
What type of lease is it?
There are many types of leases. Some can be 3-months, 6-months, 9-months, a year or longer. If a student is planning to stay around the university during the summer months as well, it’s a good idea to make sure the lease extends through that time. Some places will offer individual leases, while others will offer joint leases. If there are multiple people on a lease, it’s important for students to recognize that they are all equally responsible for making sure the rent is paid on time.
What utilities/amenities do I really need?
Rent does not always include utilities. The types of utilities included in the cost of rent varies on a place-by-place basis. Some rental agreements will cover water, sewer and trash in the cost of rent, but not electricity and internet/cable. Some will offer no utilities, while some rental properties include all utilities and additional amenities in the cost of rent.
Before you sign on the dotted line find out what’s included with rent and what you need. Will you need a parking spot for a car? Will you use a 24-hour access gym on site? Is there security in the building? If utilities are not included, is there an estimate for the total monthly costs?
What are the additional upfront costs?
Application fees, security deposits and pet deposits are some of the upfront fees students can expect when renting an apartment. Students should ask about the refund policy of security deposits. Can their application fee be applied to their deposit if they get accepted into the building? What would be cause for them not to get their security deposit back?
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