Moving off campus is a major milestone for your student — and likely a nerve-wracking moment for you as a parent. Whether your Aggie is searching for their first off-campus home or looking for a new place as they continue their college journey, the right preparation makes all the difference.
Start With a Realistic Budget
Before your student falls in love with that luxury apartment, help them crunch the numbers. Our off-campus housing budget tool breaks down all the costs they might not have considered: utilities, internet, renter’s insurance, parking fees, and deposits. Whether you're able to contribute to your student's housing costs or they're covering expenses independently, it's important to establish a realistic monthly budget that accounts for all expenses, not just rent.
Separate Wants from Needs
Encourage your student to create two lists: must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Must-haves might include proximity to campus, reliable internet for online classes, or on-site laundry. Nice-to-haves could be a pool, granite countertops or a gym. This exercise helps them stay focused when considering properties.
Use AggieSearch to Narrow Options
Use AggieSearch, Texas A&M's official off-campus housing platform, to build a list of prospects. The site allows users to filter listings based on a range of features, from price range to lease term to Good Neighbor Network membership.
Ask the Right Questions
Before signing anything, your student should ask landlords key questions about lease terms, maintenance policies and neighbor expectations. We have created a list of suggested questions for landlords that covers everything from subletting policies to security deposit return procedures.
The housing search checklist ensures they don't forget crucial details during property visits.
Get Started With Confidence
Ready to start the search? Visit our Leasing 101 page for guidance, or encourage your student to contact our Off Campus Student Services staff at ocss@tamu.edu for personalized support. Together, you'll find a place your Aggie can truly call home.
Skip past news feed