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Factors to Consider When Moving Off-Campus
- What type of environment are you looking for?
- Apartment
- House
- Condo
- Townhouse
- What part of the city do you want to live in?
- Is it near public transportation? How long will you have to commute for school? You can vist TriMet to plan a trip and see how long a commute will take.
- Is the neighborhood safe?
- Is there a grocery store nearby?
- What is your budget?
- Things to consider in your budget may include rent, utilities, security deposit, personal items, food, emergency funds, savings, cell phone, internet, credit card payments, car insurance or other transportation costs such as gas or TriMet pass.
- You may want to calculate an estimated budget.
- Do you want to live with a roommate?
- Pros: Meeting new people, companionship, larger apartment, shared expenses, sharing chores.
- Cons: Less privacy, more noise, unwanted long-term guests, sharing your belongings, keeping track of shared expenses.
- Things you want to consider in a potential roommate may include study habits, pets, are they financially secure? Will you share food or shopping responsibilities? Do you prefer a nonsmoker/smoker? You can search for roommates here.
Information You Might Want to Know
These
websites provide important background information when applying for
housing. Many landlords will want to check your credit to make sure you meet their minimum finincial qualifications. A co-signor, someone who is willing to take responsiblity of the lease if you are unable to, might be needed for students or
young individuals to qualify for some housing. Who can help? Student Legal and Mediation Services is available for free to full or part-time PSU students for
legal advice and representation. To call and schedule a appointment with a SLMS attorney call (503) 725-4556. Their office is located in Smith Memorial Student Union room M340. SLMS walk in hours regarding landlord/tenant issues are Mondays,Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30pm - 3:00pm.
Where to Search For Housing Portland State University has partnered with Places4Students.com, a company that specializes in providing Off-Campus Housing solutions for post-secondary students. This service is free for all PSU students to use as an effective method of finding a place to live off-campus. Landlords can list properties at rates that are very competitive and less than most other mediums of adverstisting. Students can click here to view rental listings. Landlords can visit www.Places4Students.com to place ads or call 886-766-0767 toll free. 
Disclaimer This document is
meant to provide assistance in locating off-campus housing. Inclusion of any
property or rental unit on this website does not constitute, and shall not be
construed or reported as an endorsement or approval by the University Housing
Office or Portland
State University
of the landlord, its properties, or its business practices. The University
Housing Office or Portland
State University
expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any problems that may arise
with regard to such property or rental units or with regard to disputes between
landlords and tenants concerning such property or rental units. All prospective
tenants are encouraged to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating a
prospective rental unit, roomate, or landlord.
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