1. Workshop #5 Off-Campus Housing Options
Tuesday March 21, 2017
© 2016 Northern Illinois University

2. Overview In this workshop, we will:
Define off-campus housing vs. on-campus living
Review types of housing styles
Discuss Off-Campus Housing Fair information
Go over a list of questions to ask
Wrap up with any questions/comments
Off-Campus Housing Options

3. On-Campus Living vs. Off-Campus Housing
Off-Campus Housing Options

4. What’s the difference? ON-CAMPUS OFF-CAMPUS
Owned and operated by the university
Residence Halls
Close proximity to classes, campus resources, etc.
Payment and costs are per semester
Room and board fees
Meal plans
OFF-CAMPUS
Run by landlord or management company
Apartments, townhouses, etc.
More chances of having a longer commute to the university
Payments and costs are determined by your lease
Specific time period
Utilities
Cable/internet
Off-Campus Housing Options

5. Pros and Cons of Both Options
ON-CAMPUS
PROS
CONS
Accessibility to the school
Little privacy
Lively social life
Limited space
Simplicity
Lack of options
OFF-CAMPUS
PROS
CONS
Independence
More expensive
Privacy
Transportation
Sense of responsibility
Isolation
Off-Campus Housing Options

6. Off-Campus Housing Styles and Options
Off-Campus Housing Options

7. What are my options for off-campus living?
Apartment
Property within a larger building; multiple units inside building
Single story with 1-4 bedrooms
Townhouse
Free-standing or attached to another townhouse
Typically two-story living arrangement
Rooming House
Privately-owned properties
Rent a bedroom and share common spaces with others
Off-Campus Housing Options

8. How much am I able to comfortably afford?
Do I want a pet? If so, what kind?
Do I need certain amenities/appliances?
Do I plan on having roommates or living on my own?
How frequently will I need to travel to campus?
What questions should I be asking myself when choosing a place to live?
What is my budget for furniture?
How much storage space will I need?
Do I prefer a quiet lifestyle?
What type of transportation will I need?
Do I prefer a quiet lifestyle?
Off-Campus Housing Options

9. 8th Annual Off-Campus Housing Fair
Off-Campus Housing Options

10. Where can I go to get information?
MPTSS OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING FAIR!
Date: Monday April 3, 2017 from 11 AM to 2 PM
Location: Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center (across from the College Grind)
Admission: FREE!
Food will be provided to those in attendance by NIUPads.com
This event will also feature prize drawings
NIU Veterans Association will be showcasing information for those interested in living in their off-campus house
NIU Students Legal Assistance and Campus Safety will be available
Off-Campus Housing Options

11. What questions should I ask before selecting a rental property?
What is the length of the lease?
What are the up-front payments?
What conditions are acceptable for breaking my lease?
How do maintenance concerns get addressed?
What is including in my rent?
What questions should I ask before selecting a rental property?
Do you allow pets?
How much is the rent? Security deposit?
What appliance are included?
Will the unit be painted and cleaned prior to move-in?
How safe is your neighborhood?
Off-Campus Housing Options

12. Is there anything I should know?
You will most likely have to furnish your own living space.
Your rent may increase with each lease you sign to stay in a specific place.
You may have to purchase Renter’s Insurance.
You should always set up an appointment to view the property that interests you with questions in hand.
There may be a guest policy at your property.
Even if a bus route goes by your living space, you should buy a parking pass if you own a car.
There are low-income options available off-campus.
Do your research early and often!
Off-Campus Housing Options

13. Resources for Off-Campus Living
DESCRIPTION
MPTSS Off-Campus Housing Page
Webpage that has helpful links to rental listings, roommate-finding program, and other resources
Rent College Pads
Website that helps you find apartments close to NIU
List of NIU Off-Campus Housing
Document that lists contact information for all rental properties/management companies near NIU
Apartment Checklist
Downloadable, printable document that outlines inquires on lease details, living details, and utilities/maintenance
Apartment Therapy
Website that gives you fun ideas to make your home organized and functional
Off-Campus Housing Options