from the blog
student housing tips & guides
everything you need to know about finding, choosing, and living in student housing.
Best Neighborhoods for Colorado State Students in Fort Collins
The 5 best Fort Collins neighborhoods for CSU students — Campus West, Old Town, Prospect & Shields, Midtown, and near-campus east — compared on cost, commute, and vibe.
How Much Does Off-Campus Housing Cost Near Colorado State University?
Off-campus housing near CSU runs about $700–$1,050 per person shared. Here's the real per-person math, the on- vs off-campus calendar trap, and how Campus West and Old Town compare.
How to Avoid Rental Scams When Renting Student Housing
Renters lost $65M to rental scams in 2025, and 18–29-year-olds get hit 3x as often. Here's how to spot fake listings, avoid unsafe payments, and protect your deposit.
How Much Do Utilities Cost in a Student Apartment?
Utilities run $150–$300/month solo or $80–$150 per person split with roommates. Here's the per-utility breakdown, what drives the bill up, and what's often included in rent.
First and Last Month's Rent: What You Actually Pay to Move In
First and last month's rent plus a deposit can total three times your monthly rent at signing. Here's what each payment covers, the state caps, and how to protect your money.
How to Split Rent Fairly With Roommates (Unequal Rooms, Utilities & More)
Splitting rent evenly breeds resentment when rooms are unequal. Here's how to split rent fairly by square footage, perks, and income — with a worked example and FAQ.
How Much Is Renters Insurance for a Student Apartment?
Renters insurance for a student apartment usually runs $10 to $25 a month, with the national average around $23. Here's what drives the price and how to pay less.
ESA Letters and Apartments: What Student Renters Need to Know
An ESA letter from a licensed provider has long let renters keep an emotional support animal in no-pet housing without pet fees. A May 2026 HUD memo narrowed federal enforcement. Here's where students stand now.
How to Get Your Security Deposit Back as a Student Renter
Get your full deposit back by documenting the unit at move-in and move-out, cleaning thoroughly, giving proper notice, and knowing your state's return deadline. Landlords can only deduct for damage, not normal wear.
Apartment Application Fees: What's Normal and Can You Get One Back?
Application fees run $30-75 per person and are usually nonrefundable. A few states cap or ban them. Here's what's normal, when you can get one back, and how to avoid wasting money.
How to Write a Roommate Agreement (With a Template You Can Actually Use)
A roommate agreement needs nine things settled in writing before anyone moves in: rent, utilities, the security deposit, chores, guests, quiet hours, shared versus personal, parking, and what happens if someone leaves early. It is a contract between roommates, not a lease — it changes nothing about the deal you signed with your landlord. Here is the full walkthrough plus a fill-in template.
How Much of Your Budget Should Go to Rent? A Student's Guide
The old benchmark is 30% of your gross income, but that breaks down fast for students. Here's how to actually budget for rent when your income is loans, a part-time job, and help from home.