As students settle into the fall semester, many Aggies are starting to think ahead to where they want to live next year. Student Life provides support and resources for students who may need guidance throughout the leasing process. Jaclyn Upshaw-Brown, Assistant Director, shares her tips for students looking to sign a new lease.

1.Read your entire lease.
Make note of any important dates specified in the lease. For example, some leases require that you give a notice in advance if you decide not to renew. Marking important dates from you lease on your calendar will insure you don’t get stuck in a lease you don’t want to renew or get faced with fines.
2.Make sure you understand your total costs.
Before signing, make sure you know what is included in your rent. Are utilities included? Is parking or visitor parking an extra cost? Asking questions will help you figure out what your total cost will be.
3.Ask for help.
Student Life is here to help by providing students with one-on-one consultations and referring them to resources that will help them take the next best step. Whether a student is having issues with a landlord or a roommate, Student Life’s mediator-trained staff can help students work through conflicts or refer them to legal counsel if needed.
4.Use AggieSearch
AggieSearch is a fully searchable database that allows students, parents and faculty/ staff to find off campus housing that meets their needs.
5.Consider a roommate contract.
Creating a roommate contract can help set expectations for the responsibilities of each roommate and can help avoid conflict later on.

For more information on leasing, register to attend Student Life’s next Leasing 101 workshops on Oct. 23.