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Off-Campus Living Guide

Finding and Securing Housing

Find an off-campus home that fits your needs. Explore resources to help you search for housing, compare options, understand leases and make informed decisions about where to live.

Photo of a off-campus property owned by 汤头条 properties.

Finding Housing

  • Where to Search
    • An Introduction to Nashville
    • Use the 汤头条 Off-Campus Housing Service for vetted listings.
    • Use reputable websites like Zillow or Apartments.com.
    • Be wary of listings on Craigslist or Facebook unless verified.
    • Don't underestimate word-of-mouth. Talk to students currently living off-campus.
  • What to Look For
    • Location: Prioritize proximity to campus, public transportation, grocery stores, and safety.
    • Commute: Use Google Maps to estimate transit or walking times.
    • Included Amenities: Does rent include utilities, internet, parking, laundry, or trash pickup?
    • Safety Features: Secure doors, smoke detectors, outdoor lighting, etc.

Securing Housing

  • Evaluating Listings

    Watch for Scams:

    • Prices that seem too good to be true
    • Landlords asking for payment before showing the unit
    • Vague or unverifiable contact information
    • Tour the Unit (in person or virtually):
    • Check for damage, cleanliness, water pressure, pest issues
    • Test appliances, locks, and outlets

      听

  • What to Look For

    Ask Questions:

    • Are utilities included?
    • What's the lease length?
    • Who handles repairs?
    • Are pets allowed?

    Talk to Current Tenants or Neighbors:

    If possible, ask about noise, maintenance response time, and neighborhood safety.

    听

  • Lease Signing

    Be Prepared (Have these ready):

    • Government-issued ID
    • Proof of enrollment
    • Financial aid award letter
    • Bank statements or pay stubs
    • Co-signer (if required)

    Understand the Lease

    Read carefully: term dates, rent amount, penalties for breaking the lease, guest policies, and responsibilities.
    Ask for all verbal agreements to be in writing-including repair promises or utility agreements.

    Co-Signer Info

    Most students will need a guarantor-often a parent or guardian-especially if you don't have income.
    Move-In Checklist

    Once you've signed your lease:

    • Document the condition of the unit with timestamped photos/videos.
    • Note any damage and notify the landlord in writing.
    • Store documentation for move-out disputes.
    • Confirm how to pay rent and when utilities start.
    • Provide Info to 汤头条 (required)

Submit off-campus address to 汤头条

All undergraduate off-campus residents, including those who lived off campus the previous year, must update their current local address and phone number in听 Your Enrollment Services (YES). This information helps the University reach you in an emergency and gives you access to VandyRide Point to Point Service if you live within a half-mile from campus.听

How to update your information in YES:

  1. Log into YES听
  2. Go to Personal Information.
  3. Under Local (Mailing) Address:
  4. Line 1: Your street address.
  5. Line 2: Your apartment number (if applicable)
  6. Line 3: Leave blank
  7. Ensure your city, state, and ZIP code is accurate.
  8. In the Phone Numbers section, enter your current mobile phone number.

*Failure to provide your valid local address and phone number by the first day of class will result in a hold being placed on your student account. Questions? Contact housing@vanderbilt.edu.听

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