Clark University has a two year on-campus living requirement for students. Although you have some time before you can move off-campus, don’t wait until the end of your second year to start your search. Although many apartments are available in your area, they tend to fill very quickly, so the sooner you and your roommates search the more likely it is that you find the right fit.

At JumpOffCampus, we recommend that you begin to search for apartment options during the first semester of your second year. Once you have understood your apartment “must-haves” you can start reaching out to landlords so you can tour the apartments, which you can do after winter break. Remember to be presentable and make a good first impression with the landlords you meet. Your landlord can make or break your apartment experience, so keep that connection strong and friendly! Although not every timeline is the same, we at JumpOffCampus recommend you begin your search with enough time to understand your criteria and tour the best apartments available. If this feels to late, start even earlier! It’s never too early to begin searching especially if this gives you peace of mind.

✩ Understand your budget

✩ Decide if you want to live with roommates

✩ Research neighborhoods and distance from Clark

✩ Use off-campus listing platforms promoted by Clark such as JumpOffCampus

✩ Decide if you want to use the public transportation or a car if needed

✩ Save the listings that match what you want

✩ Contact landlords

✩ Look for roommates if needed

✩ Schedule tours

✩ Compare leases and ask as many questions and you possibly need. Ask about utilities, understand move-in dates, rules and expectations within the lease and security deposits.

Don’t wait until you find the “perfect” apartment to start contacting landlords. The housing process moves quick and apartments fill even quicker so don’t leave it until the last minute.

✩ Confirm the address and make sure the listing matches the apartment

✩ Read and understand the lease before signing anything

✩ Understand move-in date

✩ Research and find renters insurance

If you haven’t found an apartment by this timeline don’t panic, but don’t stop searching! Expand your search to other neighborhoods, price ranges and apartment styles. If nothing ends up working out, Clark University on-campus housing is always an alternative, so you can always search next year and learn from what didn’t work the first time around.

Check out JumpOffCampus and begin your search for off-campus apartments near Clark University now!