Moving off campus for the first time is exciting. You get more independence, more space, and a chance to create a place that actually feels like home.
But there's also a lot more to think about than just finding an apartment.
Between your lease, groceries, cleaning, utilities, roommates, and everything else that comes with living on your own, it's easy to forget the basics.
Here are 10 off-campus living essentials every college student should have before moving in.
1. A Budget
Before you start buying furniture or decorating, figure out what you can actually afford.
Your monthly housing budget should include more than rent.
Your monthly housing budget should include more than rent.
Remember to account for:
- Utilities
- Internet
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Parking
- Renter's insurance
- Household supplies
- Entertainment
If you're living with roommates, decide ahead of time how you'll split shared expenses.
Pro tip: Make a budget tracker that accounts for all your fixed costs and plan to have some extra budget for any unexpected events. Remember. if you're living with roommates you might end up sharing costs such as utilities or even toilet paper. Have a plan on what you will share and don't be scared to have open conversations and set ground rules. Things tend to get sticky when money gets involved, so communicate clearly and share your expectations from the beginning.
2. Basic Kitchen Supplies
You don't need a fully stocked kitchen on day one, but you'll want enough to make basic meals.
Start with:
- Plates and bowls
- Cups and mugs
- Forks, knives, and spoons
- A frying pan and saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Cutting board
- Kitchen utensils
- Food storage containers
- Dish soap and sponges
- Trash bags
Stores like Walmart and Target have great deals for students, so check out our Apartment Move In Checklist for our kitchen supply recommndations. If you're living with roommates, talk about what you already have before everyone buys the same things.
3. Cleaning Supplies
Your apartment won't clean itself!
Keep a basic supply of:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant
- Paper towels or reusable cleaning cloths
- Sponges
- Broom and dustpan
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Laundry detergent
- Toilet cleaner
- Trash bags *
Create a cleaning schedule with your roommates so one person isn't stuck doing everything. Make it clear so that everyone knows that they have a responsability and so you can keep your roommates and yourself accountable.
Pro tip: Don't spend all your money on expensive, brand-name products. The Dollar Store (and similar stores) have great products for half the price of a regular grocery store and they will last you a long time!
* Some cities require specific trash bags, recycling rules, and have a specific day to take out the trash. Worcester, for example, requires official yellow trashbags sold by the city and maintains a schedule based on neighrhoods and holidays for when the trash needs to be taken out.
Pro tip: Don't spend all your money on expensive, brand-name products. The Dollar Store (and similar stores) have great products for half the price of a regular grocery store and they will last you a long time!
* Some cities require specific trash bags, recycling rules, and have a specific day to take out the trash. Worcester, for example, requires official yellow trashbags sold by the city and maintains a schedule based on neighrhoods and holidays for when the trash needs to be taken out.
4. Bathroom Essentials
Your bathroom may look ready to use when you move in, but you'll quickly realize how many little things you need.
Don't forget:
- Towels
- Shower curtain and liner
- Bath mat
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries
- Plunger
- Toilet brush
- Shower caddy
- Hand soap
A plunger is one of those things you probably won't think about until you really need one.
5. A Reliable Internet Connection
For college students, internet isn't really optional, it's a must.
Between online classes, assignments, streaming, gaming, and studying, you'll probably use it every day.
Before moving in, find out whether internet is included in your rent. If it isn't, talk with your roommates about choosing a provider and splitting the bill. Some cities, neighborhoods or landlords may require you to use a certain provider, so do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions. If possible, ask the past renters of your apartment what they recommend and take it from there.
Also check whether the apartment already has a router or whether you'll need to provide one.
6. Basic Tools and Emergency Supplies
You don't need a giant toolbox, but having a few basic items around can save you a trip to the store.
Keep:
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Duct tape
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Extension cords
- Basic first-aid supplies
It's also a good idea to know where your circuit breaker, water shutoff, and fire extinguisher are located.
7. A Way to Keep Track of Your Lease
Your lease is one of the most important documents you'll have as a renter.
Keep a digital and/or physical copy somewhere you can easily access it.
Pay attention to:
- Rent due dates
- Security deposit rules
- Lease length
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Utility responsibilities
- Guest policies
- Subletting rules
- Move-out requirements
If you don't understand something in your lease, ask before signing. You don't want to be stuck in a lease you don't agree with and regret it later.
8. Renter's Insurance
Your landlord's insurance generally protects the building—not your personal belongings.
Renter's insurance can help protect your belongings and may also provide liability coverage depending on the policy.
Before moving in, check whether your landlord or university requires it and compare policies to find one that fits your situation.
It's another small expense that can be worth having if something unexpected happens. Check out the JumpOffCampus lowdown to renters insurance.
9. A Plan for Living With Roommates
Living with friends can be one of the best parts of going off campus.
It can also create problems if everyone has different expectations.
Before moving in, talk about:
- How you'll split rent and utilities, like mentioned previously
- Cleaning responsibilities
- Groceries and shared items
- Guests
- Quiet hours
- Parking
- Overnight guests
- Shared spaces
You don't have to create a 20-page roommate contract. Just make sure everyone knows what they're agreeing to and write it down for later reference.
If you still need roommates, JumpOffCampus has a roommate matching section where students can connect with other students looking for housing and roommates.
10. An Emergency Plan
Hopefully you'll never need it, but it's important to know what to do when something goes wrong.
Save the numbers for:
- Your landlord or property manager
- Maintenance
- Campus security or public safety
- Local emergency services
- Your roommates
- Your neighbors
- Your utility providers
Know where the exits are, check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and make sure you know what to do if you lose power, have a plumbing issue, or get locked out.
Your Off-Campus Move-In Checklist
Moving off campus for the first time can feel like a lot, but you don't have to figure everything out at once.
Start with the essentials:
☐ Create a budget
☐ Read your lease
☐ Set up utilities and internet
☐ Buy basic kitchen supplies
☐ Get cleaning supplies
☐ Stock your bathroom
☐ Get basic tools
☐ Consider renter's insurance
☐ Set expectations with roommates
☐ Save important emergency contacts
☐ Read your lease
☐ Set up utilities and internet
☐ Buy basic kitchen supplies
☐ Get cleaning supplies
☐ Stock your bathroom
☐ Get basic tools
☐ Consider renter's insurance
☐ Set expectations with roommates
☐ Save important emergency contacts
The goal isn't to have the perfect apartment on move-in day. It's to have a safe, comfortable place where you can focus on school and enjoy living on your own.