Business School

Five Things to Consider if Your Child Wants to Live Off Campus

By Karen Schweitzer, About.com Guide

-From Parents' Guide to College Life (Random House / Princeton Review Books, $13.95)

Costs: Besides rent, consider security deposits, utilities, and cost of purchasing furniture and household goods.
Housemates: Are they fiscally dependable? Who will sign the lease? Does a parent need to cosign?
Location: Consider distance from campus and availability of nearby parking, supermarket, and laundry facilities.
Maintenance: Ask who will be responsible for shoveling snow and mowing the lawn.
Security: Consider buying renter's insurance and check your homeowner's policy to see if it covers your child's belongings away from home.

Karen Schweitzer
Business School Guide

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