Moving off campus

This is the time of year when many college students get around to popping the question: Can I move off campus?

College kids can come up with all sorts of reasons why they think they need to get out of the dorm, sorority or frat house for the three-bedroom A-frame 30 minutes from the campus library. It’s cheaper. It’s quieter. All their friends already have their names on apartment leases. And, yep, they really do like to cook and clean.

Apartment living, as students say, is part of the “total college experience.”

Wanting to move off-campus is understandable — especially for seniors ready to experience a taste of post-college life.

But apartment life can come with myriad financial challenges and surprises, from plumbing problems and broken furniture to squabbles over paying for groceries, and roommates who skip out on the rent.

There’s also a less discussed side of off-campus living. If your son or daughter isn’t good with money and habitually misses rent or utility payments or racks up a big insurance claim, it could have negative long-term consequences on his or her credit rating and financial health.

If your college student is clamoring for off-campus digs next fall, here are some areas to consider:

More than economics: Apartment living is as much a lifestyle choice as a financial choice. So before putting a pencil and paper to the numbers, parents need to understand the motivation behind moving. Is there a need for independence? Is it because the campus environment isn’t conducive to studying? How much will travel time increase to and from class, and will finding parking be an issue? What about juggling the demands of studying with grocery shopping and meal preparation?

“A red flag is if the student is moving to escape a situation,” like a difficult roommate, said Susan Fee, author of “My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy!” “If the student doesn’t learn the necessary coping skills, then whatever the situation is, it will follow him wherever he lives.”

The financial responsibilities: What are the total costs, including rent and the security deposit? Who pays the utilities, cable and Internet access — the tenants or the landlord? If it’s an unfurnished apartment, there could be hefty startup costs for tables, chairs, bed frame and mattress — even bricks and two-by-fours for the bookcase and stereo shelving. Is there a yard that requires upkeep, and by whom? Will your student stick with a campus meal plan, or are daily or weekly trips to the grocery store part of the deal? Factor in additional gas money if the apartment isn’t near school or a supermarket.

You’ll also need renter’s insurance — this shouldn’t be optional — in case the unexpected happens, such as a break-in or storm damage. Parents, check your policy to see if coverage can be provided to your college student. If not, consider a separate renter’s policy for your son or daughter.

Once all the line item costs are on the table, do the math to determine whether off-campus housing will be more or less expensive than on-campus housing.

Encourage your student to find the housing and research most of the financials, rather than provide the answers, Fee said. “If kids cannot do this,” she said, “they may not be responsible enough to live on their own.”

Forms, forms, forms: Before signing anything, look over the lease carefully. If your school has an off-campus housing office, the staff might be able to give you advice on the lease and any clauses that raise eyebrows.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the landlord over who is responsible for repairs and general maintenance, and get everything in writing. The Web site for the College Board, at www.collegeboard.com, includes helpful advice on landlord issues. For example, make sure you understand the terms for renewing or terminating the lease and the handling of the security deposit. For yearlong leases, you may need to find someone to sublet your place in the summer.

What if one roommate has a party and trashes the place? Who pays? That’s why Fee recommends having a roommate contract to cover responsibilities and disputes.

Lessons learned: Apartment dwellers also can learn a lot about budgeting and remembering to pay the bills on time. Perhaps the first time they forget to pay the rent on time and are hit with a $50 late fee will make a lasting impression.

Also, having a rental history will make it easier to get a place after graduation.

Another option: An increasingly popular option for some parents is to purchase fixer-uppers near campus where your student can both live in the house and act as landlord in charge of collecting rent and taking care of repairs. After graduation, parents can either sell the house or their son or daughter can stay and rent, or buy it.

Charity: At the end of the year, rather than lugging home the pots, pans, plates, throw rugs and pictures, donate most or all of the stuff to a local charity.