On-Campus Housing | Off-Campus Housing
 

Off-Campus Housing

Accommodations available off-campus include furnished and unfurnished apartments, houses, townhomes, and single rooms within houses for rent. Some of the advantages to living off-campus include saving money by sharing the cost of housing, utilities, and food with roommates; having a kitchen in which to cook your own meals; and staying in your apartment or house during breaks and vacations. We suggest looking at the following resources to search for housing before you arrive.

• Edwardsville Intelligencer classified advertisements
• University Housing Off-Campus Database
• Contact a student representative from one of our country-based student clubs for advice

Tips for off-campus housing:

• Compare prices.
• Do not sign a lease until you have inspected the apartment, house, or room.
• Ask questions of former/current tenants or neighbors if possible.
• Check the deposit policy to see if it is refundable. Landlords will not refund a deposit if the apartment needs major cleaning or repairs at the end of your rental term.
• Check lease duration. Most rental contracts are for 12 months.  
• Negotiate the terms of the lease if you do not agree with all items.
• Get everything you agree on in writing.
• Read the entire lease before you sign it.
• Follow all terms of the contract you sign.
• Buy renter’s or property insurance (optional, but recommended).

Common Housing Abbreviations:

AC: air conditioning
Avail: available
BA: bathroom
BR: bedroom
blks: blocks
DR: dining room
DW: dishwasher
frplc: fireplace
furn: furnished
gar: garage
incl: included
kit: kitchen
lg: large
LR: living room
/mo: per month
pd: paid
util: utilities (gas, water, electric)
w/: with
W/D: washer and dryer