Housing

Off-Campus Housing

• Living in the Community
• Off-Campus Expenses

• What is my budget? (Refer to the budget information on the Residence Life website for specific ideas.)
• Will I rely on the shuttle or do I have my own vehicle? How will shuttle service interruptions in the winter affect my ability to attend class?
• Are there ways that living off campus could impact my academic and cocurricular involvement?
• Am I prepared to handle the time commitment of cooking my own meals and taking care of household chores? Would fulfilling these responsibilities be likely to interfere with my ability to complete all of my schoolwork? 
• Decide if you will live alone or with roommates. If you will have roommates, how many? This will determine the number of bedrooms your apartment should have as well as the price range you can afford.
• Determine a budget, consider costs for rent, groceries, utilities (which may include water, trash, heat, electricity, etc.), and transportation.
• Talk with friends and peers who live off campus and see how they like the area, their landlord, and if they have any tips for finding a good place to live.
• You and your roommate(s) should discuss the price, approximate location and amenities of an apartment before you even start looking. If air conditioning or pets are a must, ask about this before you make an appointment to view the apartment.
• Consider transportation challenges. Keep in mind that if you rely on the Bard shuttle, disruptions in service will occur throughout the year due to maintenance and weather. Students should have a back-up plan for getting to campus in the event that the shuttle is not running. 
• Know your rights. Make sure you are familiar with the New Laws Protecting All Residential Renters in New York State (PDF).
• Carefully review your lease and ask questions before you sign. It is often best to have someone with legal experience review the lease prior to committing to it. Remember: once a lease is signed, it is a legal, binding document.