Off-campus housing presents a ton of advantages for college students, but as a parent, you still get the final word. There are certain things you will want to keep in mind to ensure your child’s safety when they are away at school. Find out what to look for in off-campus housing as a parent with our guide below.
Security Measures
The most important aspect of off-campus housing is safety. For many off-campus apartments, there are safety measures put into place such as scanning your ID at the front door to enter, fire protection, locked doors, and more.
Lease Details
Another important thing to look for when you are searching for off-campus housing for your child lies in the lease. Not reading the lease or understanding it thoroughly is a common mistake many students make. A lease will contain important information such as the price of rent, other bills, services provided, the length of the rent, and more. This will also help you figure out what works with the budget you have in place.
Proximity to Other Locations
You also need to look into how close the apartment is to where classes are located. Will it require your kid to drive a vehicle or take a bus? School is the priority in college, but you also need to see if your child will have easy access to the grocery store, the cafeteria, or a job from the off-campus destination they are considering.
Utilities/Furnishing
The final part of your guide on what to look for in off-campus housing as a parent is the included utilities and furnishing. Some living spaces might come fully furnished, while others may require you to get stuff on your own. You must be aware of what is included and whether these features work will work for your child.
Having an idea of what should be your priority when you are selecting a place for your child to live for the semester is the key to their safety.
