Guide · Renting and leases
Renting as a Student
A friendly, practical guide to a student’s first rental, from reading the lease and cosigners to roommates, budgets, breaks and getting help on campus.
Where to start
- Haven’t signed yet?
See the home first and read every word. Use the smart first renter habits.
- Just got your keys?
Write a roommate agreement in the first week. Our roommate agreements guide can help.
- Something went wrong?
Take a breath. See if something goes wrong.
The short version
A first apartment is a big step, and a little knowledge up front makes the whole year calmer and safer.
See the home before paying, read the whole lease, and check the end date. Many leases run 12 months.
Know that roommates may share responsibility for the full rent, write a roommate agreement, and budget for more than rent.
Do a careful move-in report, share repairs in writing, and use your school’s housing office and student legal services.
Rental rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Read every word before you sign
A lease is a legal contract. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand before signing.
- 2Know what you owe together
Many shared leases make each roommate responsible for the full rent if someone else doesn’t pay.
- 3Budget for more than rent
Utilities, internet, groceries, transportation and renters insurance add up fast.
- 4Use campus help
Many schools have off-campus housing offices and student legal services. They are there for you.
Smart first renter habits
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. Your first home is off to a great start.
Before you leave for break
From Bunkly’s field tip in the guide. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All set. Enjoy your break.
If something goes wrong
- Take a breath. Most problems, like a broken appliance or a roommate dispute, can be worked out.
- For repairs, share the issue in writing with photos, and keep a copy.
- For roommate issues, talk calmly and look at any roommate agreement you wrote together.
- If money is tight, reach out to the owner early, and ask your school about emergency aid.
- Ask your school’s off campus housing office or student legal services for guidance.
- Keep notes, messages and receipts in one place. You did exactly the right thing by asking for help.
Students are often targeted by fake listings. Never pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Move-In Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving in: the move in walk, moving day, your first week, utilities, keys and more.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFMore guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal or financial advice. Bunklow does not approve leases, screen applicants or decide disputes.