First Apartment Checklist for U of U Students: 17 Things They Don’t Tell You
Renting your first apartment near the University of Utah is exciting, but it is also where a lot of students make expensive mistakes. Listings look simple. Leases look standard. Everyone assumes they will “figure it out later.”
Later is usually when the problems start.
At Find My Place, we see the same issues every year. Students forget key details, underestimate costs, or misunderstand how apartments actually work. This checklist covers the 17 things most students are not told before signing their first off-campus lease so you can move in prepared, not stressed.
1. Rent is not the total monthly cost
Base rent is only the starting number.
Your real monthly cost may include:
- Utilities
- Internet or technology fees
- Parking
- Amenity fees
- Renter’s insurance
Always calculate your total monthly housing cost, not just rent.
2. “Near campus” can mean very different things
Listings often use vague language.
Before signing, confirm:
- Actual distance to campus
- Walking time versus driving time
- Public transportation access
- Winter commute conditions
What looks close on a map may not feel close in real life.
3. Utility caps matter more than “utilities included”
Many student apartments advertise utilities included, but with limits.
Important details to ask:
- What utilities are capped
- The dollar amount of each cap
- Average student overages
- How overages are billed
Going over caps regularly can add unexpected monthly costs.
4. Parking is rarely guaranteed
Even if a property has parking, it may not be automatic.
Check:
- Whether parking costs extra
- If spots are assigned or first-come
- Guest parking rules
- Street parking restrictions
Parking surprises are common near U of U.
5. Furnished does not mean fully equipped
Furnished apartments usually include basic furniture, not everything you need.
Often missing:
- Lamps
- Trash cans
- Kitchen supplies
- Shower curtains
- Storage solutions
Budget for move-in essentials beyond furniture.
6. Lease length affects flexibility
Many student leases are 12 months, even if you only need housing during the school year.
Understand:
- Lease start and end dates
- Early termination options
- Subleasing or lease takeover rules
Flexibility matters more than most first-time renters expect.
7. Individual leases and joint leases are very different
Lease structure affects your risk.
Individual leases:
- You are responsible only for your portion
- Roommate issues affect you less financially
Joint leases:
- Everyone is responsible for full rent
- One roommate’s mistake can affect all
Know which one you are signing.
8. Roommate behavior impacts your costs
Shared housing means shared consequences.
Things that increase costs:
- High utility usage
- Damages in common areas
- Missed rent payments on joint leases
Choose roommates carefully and set expectations early.
9. Security deposits are not guaranteed to come back
Deposits are refundable only if conditions are met.
Before moving in:
- Document the unit with photos
- Note existing damage in writing
- Understand cleaning expectations
Many students lose deposits due to poor documentation.
10. Move-in fees add up quickly
First apartments often come with multiple upfront costs.
Common fees include:
- Application fees
- Administrative fees
- Security deposits
- First month’s rent
- Utility setup costs
These can equal several months of rent upfront.
11. Maintenance response times vary widely
Not all maintenance is equal.
Ask:
- Average response time for non-emergencies
- Emergency maintenance procedures
- How requests are submitted
Slow maintenance affects comfort and safety.
12. Internet quality matters more than you think
Internet speed and reliability are critical for students.
Confirm:
- Who provides the internet
- Whether speeds are capped
- If upgrades cost extra
“Internet included” does not always mean reliable.
13. Noise levels change after move-in
An apartment that seems quiet during a tour may not stay that way.
Noise sources include:
- Thin walls
- Nearby roads
- Other students
- Construction schedules
Reviews often reveal noise issues that tours do not.
14. Renters insurance is usually required
Most leases require renters insurance, even if it is not emphasized.
This covers:
- Personal belongings
- Liability
- Some damage claims
It is usually affordable, but it is still a required cost.
15. Renewal terms affect next year’s budget
If you plan to stay longer than one year, renewal pricing matters.
Ask:
- When renewal offers are sent
- Average rent increases
- Penalties for late decisions
Students often get surprised by renewal costs.
16. Move-out charges are common
Many students focus only on move-in, not move-out.
Possible charges include:
- Cleaning fees
- Carpet replacement
- Paint touch-ups
Know what is considered normal wear versus damage.
17. You need a paper trail for everything
Verbal agreements do not protect you.
Always:
- Communicate in writing
- Save emails and notices
- Keep copies of your lease and payments
Documentation protects you if issues arise.
First apartment essentials checklist
Beyond paperwork, here are items students commonly forget:
- Photo documentation of the unit
- Emergency contact information
- Utility account details
- Trash and recycling rules
- Mail and package procedures
These small details make daily life smoother.
Why first apartments feel overwhelming
Most U of U students are renting for the first time. That learning curve is normal. Housing systems are not built to educate first-time renters. They are built to fill units.
Knowing what to expect turns confusion into confidence.
How Find My Place helps first-time renters
Find My Place focuses on transparency for student housing.
- Clear cost comparisons
- Lease structure explanations
- Student-focused housing insights
We help students understand what they are signing before it becomes a problem.
Final takeaway
Your first apartment near the University of Utah does not have to be stressful. The key is knowing what questions to ask and what details matter.
This checklist exists because most listings and leases do not explain these things clearly. If you plan for them early, you avoid surprises later.
A good first apartment experience is not about luck. It is about preparation.
