Finding Your Nest: An SUU Guide to Off-Campus Living
Posted: December 09, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 3 minutes
Living off-campus can be an exciting step in your college journey! It’s a chance to find your own space, gain independence, and build a new community. Most SUU students live off-campus, so you’re in great company.
We want you to feel confident and prepared as you search for your new home. Finding a comfortable, safe place to live is key to your success. To help, here are some practical tips for navigating the off-campus housing world.
Before You Sign That Lease
Taking time to do your homework before you sign a contract can save you a lot of stress later. Here’s a checklist of things to consider:
- See the Space: Always try to visit the place you're considering. If you can't be there in person, ask for detailed photos or a video tour of the interior, exterior, and common areas.
- Ask Around: Connect with other students! They are your best resource for finding places with good management and a positive atmosphere.
- Clarify Pricing: When reviewing a lease, it's crucial to understand how amenities like internet and utilities are charged. Some leases bundle these costs into a single, fixed fee included with rent, while others require residents to set up accounts and pay third-party providers, or even split a fluctuating master bill.
- Plan Your Move-In: Is it a fourth-floor walk-up or is there an elevator? Think about the logistics of moving your belongings in and out.
- Map Your Commute: Use a tool like Google Maps to check the actual distance to campus. This will give you a realistic idea of how long it will take to walk, bike, or drive.
- Understand the Rules: Find out what the rules are and, just as importantly, how they are enforced. Rules can be great for ensuring a good living environment, but only if they're applied consistently.
- Know the Community: Ask the landlord about their policy on having non-student or older adult tenants.
- Check Your Dates (Twice!): This is a big one. Double-check that the lease dates cover the entire semester. Trust us, you do not want to be forced to move out on the same day as a final exam.
- Be Wary of Construction: Try to avoid signing a lease for a place that isn't finished yet. Construction delays are common and hard to predict.
- Ask All Your Questions: Don't be afraid to call or email the landlord until you have all the info you need. A good landlord will be happy to answer your questions.
After You've Signed
Once the contract is signed, your focus shifts to being a good tenant and neighbor. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Contracts Are a Big Deal: A lease is a legally binding document. It is generally very difficult to get out of a housing contract once you've signed it.
- If You Need to Sell: If your landlord allows you to sell your contract, be aware that it can be very difficult to find someone, especially after the semester has already begun. However, if you find yourself in this situation, you can list your room on the SUU Off-Campus website. For help with this process, please reach out to thenest@suu.edu.
- Handling Challenges: While these agreements are between you and the landlord, we are still here to support you and can help you find the right resources.
You've Got This!
Finding an off-campus apartment is a new adventure, and you're not alone in it. Many off-campus properties and landlords are wonderful partners in our community.
We hope this advice helps you find a great place to call home.
If you have more questions about making the transition, please feel free to email us at thenest@suu.edu. We're here to help you succeed.
Tags: CurStu Prospective Students
