MOVING GUIDE

Seven Helpful Steps to Off-Campus Living

STEP 1: Figure out the type of housing in which you want to live. The Salisbury area has a wide variety of off-campus housing options. Please take your time exploring different options to find the best selection for you.

Apartment/Condo Duplex/Multiplex	Townhouse/House Shared/Roommates

A list of local landlords and leasing apartment complexes can be found at

	www.salisbury.edu/offcampushousing/ sbylandlords.html

STEP 2: Develop a financial budget.

Consider how much you can afford for rent, utilities, food, transportation, entertainment and emergency expenses.

• Calculate the monthly rent and utilities that are required.
• The average cost of living off campus is approximately $7,050* per academic year. Living with a roommate is usually cheaper than living on your own.
• A good rule of thumb is to not exceed half of your monthly allowance in rent.

	*http://www.stateuniversity.com/universities/MD

STEP 3: Transportation

• Consider your transportation needs.
  Find out more by checking out the Commuter Connections
  On the Go page.
  

	www.salisbury.edu/commuters/onthego.html

STEP 4: Choose the perfect roommate.
The Guerrieri University Center Off-Campus Housing Services offers a “Students Looking for Roommates” service for all Salisbury University students. Information or a form can be obtained at the Guerrieri University Center Information Desk. While deciding on a roommate here are some things to consider.

• Meet the prospective roommate prior to signing the lease to make sure you are compatible.
• Figure out your likes, dislikes, priorities and what you are willing to compromise.
• Discuss all expenses and how you will share them equally.
   

STEP 5: Consider your dining options.
Find out more at

	www.salisbury.edu/commuters/dininginfo.html

STEP 6: Here are a few things to consider prior to signing the lease:

• Safety
  — Make sure all doors and entrances shut and lock properly.
  — Visit the area at night to ensure that it is well lit and secure.
  — For more information on safety tips and neighborhood crime statistics contact the Salisbury Police Department at
  410-548-3163 or

www.salisburypd.com

• Term of Lease
  — Consider the length of the lease and what notice is required to terminate the lease.
  — Make sure the lease is legitimate by having someone knowledgeable look over it with you.
• Renters Insurance
  — Protect your belongings by looking into companies that provide renters insurance.
   

STEP 7: Get Connected!
Before moving in set up all services and utilities that will be needed. Make sure you contact local utility companies at least two weeks in advance to get services turned on.

	Check out the utility services page for more information