single or double rooms, majority are double, especially in new student halls
9 month contract (September - May)
TV cable and phone hook ups
heating, cooling, electricity included
located on campus
furnished bedrooms, no kitchen privileges, on-campus students must select a meal plan (exception: Chesapeake Hall, an upper-class hall, has kitchen facilities so meal plan is optional)
maintenance provided
10 halls, sizes vary from 88 to 300 students
non-smoking

The campus residence halls close for 3 breaks during the 9 month contract: Thanksgiving (late November), Christmas (December 22 - January1), Spring Break (late March). Students must leave for these breaks. Arrangements can be made for international students to stay with local families during these breaks. Please visit Salisbury University's Housing & Residence Life web page for more information.

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Off-Campus Housing:

houses, apartments or rooms
accommodations according to lease
TV cable and phone hook ups arranged, and paid for, by students
heating, cooling, electricity and water arranged, and paid for, by students
located anywhere in Salisbury (no public transportation)
most are unfurnished
students responsible for making arrangements to find housing and are responsible for all costs.

Many foreign students, particularly graduate students, prefer the independence of living off campus. It can be more affordable, since students share some of the costs (electricity, heat, phone). You should carefully choose the right apartment or a house and arrive early to make the necessary arrangements. Keep in mind most landlords require one month's rent and a security deposit (equal to one month's rent) before moving in. Most apartments and houses for rent are UNFURNISHED as well. In most arrangements, utilities such as electric, heat, water, telephone, and cable TV are not included in the rent but are paid for separately by the occupants.

If you chose to live off campus, you will most likely sign a "lease." It is a legal and binding contract between you and the property owner, the "landlord." When you sign a lease, you are obligated to pay the landlord monthly rent for the duration of the lease. Most leases are for 12 months, and once you sign it, it is difficult to change. Therefore, before you sign a lease, make sure you can live with your decision for the specified period of time. Never sign a lease unless you are completely satisfied with the apartment/house - sign it only when you fully understand all the terms in the lease.

When choosing an apartment, you should consider its cost, proximity to campus, and safety. These are other considerations:

Does the building have a fire escape? If not, where is the nearest emergency exit?
Whom do you call for emergency services?
Are the laundry facilities in the building? If not, are they nearby?
Is parking available? Is it free?
How, when and where do you dispose of trash?
Who pays for the utilities? (electricity, gas, water)
How much are the average monthly utility bills?
What are the requirements for a full refund of the security deposit?

Please visit Salisbury University's Housing & Residence Life for more information: http://www.salisbury.edu/housing/

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