1. Budget

Before touring apartments, find out how much you are willing to pay. Focus your search according to your budget. If you find an apartment that is outside your budget, make sure it is worth spending the extra money.

2. Where to search?

The most convenient way to search is to use the internet. You will have instant access to hundreds of properties, be able to compare them to each other, and view pictures of the property. This is the #1 way students find their apartment/house to live in. Many have found www.purdueguru.com to be a powerful tool that can guide you in your apartment search.

3. What to search for?

Take a piece of paper and write down the requirements you have. Do you want to live on campus or off campus? Do you need a washer and dryer? How important is parking to you? What other amenities/utilities do you need? Questions like this are good to ask yourself.

4. Inspect the apartment

Some good things to check for are:

• Sink faucets, shower heads and water – make sure both hot and cold work, pressure is decent, and toilets flush properly and there are no leaking pipes
• Electricity and appliances should all be working. Make sure lights are all operational. Check heater and air conditioner to make sure they are working properly.
• Walls and Windows – make sure windows work properly
• Noise – Once inside the apartment, listen and see if you can hear noises from adjoining apartments, traffic, or other neighbors.

5. Find out what’s included

Before signing make sure you know what is included in the rent. Heat? Water? Electricity? If you are paying for utilities, make sure to ask the landlord what the average utility costs are.