Renting for the first time can feel overwhelming in the beginning, and rentals in college towns can fill quickly. However, this doesn’t mean you should rush to sign a lease on the first place you find available. We recommend beginning the search for an off-campus apartment for the next school year in the early spring semester, with a goal of signing a lease by the end or March/beginning of April. Starting the process early helps ensure that you choose the right housemates, find a location that works for you, and sign a lease that fits your situation. Amherst and the surrounding towns are home to a combination of housing complexes and individual homes, in both student-prominent and mixed-resident neighborhoods. Consider the type of environment that best suits your learning and social style. Students applying to large housing complexes may find themselves waitlisted by the property manager if the demand is high. We strongly urge you to continue to apply for other apartments if this is the case. A waitlist is not a guarantee of a place to live. Just like applying for college, you should not rely entirely on a waitlist to make a decision.
- Housing Website Quick Guide
- State Renting Guide for Students
- Tenant's Rights in Massachusetts
- Housemate Agreement template
- Statement of Condition template
- Packing and Moving Checklist
- Get Certified to Live Off Campus
- Security Deposits: What to Know
- Rental Inspection Checklist
- 6 Tips for Finding the Right Housemates
- 7 Tips for Finding the Right Rental
- 7 Tips for Signing the Right Lease
- 7 Tips for Paying the Right Amount Before You Move In
- How to post a sublet on the off campus housing website
- How to make a roommate profile on the off campus housing website