Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Kevin Woodard [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Kevin Woodard [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Kevin Woodard [Click to enlarge]

Living off campus comes with a lot of responsibility. Unfortunately, not many students know how to protect themselves when they decide to rent their own place.

There are things to think about like renter's insurance, an alarm system, location and roommates.

Although some apartment complexes require tenants to purchase renter's insurance, a majority of apartment complexes don't.

Woodlake Village Apartments on Bicentennial Circle requires that tenants get renters insurance. They also provide each apartment with an alarm system.

Senior Shelley McManus, digital communications major, has lived at Woodlake Village for about a year and a half.

Although nothing has happened to where she's had to use the renters insurance, McManus admits that they've just been lucky.

"A break-in happened about a year ago and it happened to our neighbors across the hall, so we've been pretty lucky so far," McManus said. "Our renters insurance is $22 a month and covers up to $1,500, I believe," McManus said.

McManus lives with one other roommate so she splits the bill with her. She said her roommate is reliable and someone who she's known since middle school.

When deciding on moving out on your own, finding a reliable roommate is definitely a good idea to take into account. A lot of students living off campus are either living with family or friends who they've known for a long time. It's always good to live with someone who you can rely on and make agreements with.

Pranav Sheth, a master's student majoring in electronics engineering, said he and his four other roommates can't agree on getting renter's insurance or an alarm system.

"Living with four other people, we have to make agreements on stuff like that," Sheth said.

However, after one of his friends who lived in the same apartment complex as he does got robbed, Sheth is beginning to lean toward getting protection.

"They took his cell phone, laptop, cameras and some cash. He didn't have renter's insurance so none of his stuff got replaced," Sheth said.

Many students don't think they need insurance or an alarm system. With the expense of rent, auto insurance, gas and food, renters insurance and an alarm system doesn't seem like a necessity.

A lot of people just think that nothing bad will happen. The truth is, you would be saving more in the long run if something were to happen to your belongings inside of your home.

Landlords usually have insurance to cover buildings but not to cover personal assets.

Wells Fargo Bank suggests that renters make a list of all their property and see if they can afford to replace them. Items such as jewelry are not included in the insurance. Renter's insurance only covers things that are typical in a home, like a TV or a stereo system. If these items aren't things that are easily replaced, renter's insurance may be a good idea to consider.

Another good idea to consider is choosing a location near campus. Sheth said it takes only about 15 minutes for him to walk to school. McManus said a shuttle is available for students to get to campus but she drives because she has night class.

By living close to campus, students can save on gas or pass on buying a parking permit. The money that is saved on gas can go toward renter's insurance.

There are banks, such as Wells Fargo, that offer renter's insurance for as low as $16.66 a month that will cover up to $10,000 in damages.

"Not only students but everyone should get renter's insurance because of theft. Students have laptops and that's not easily replaced," said Ben Hagen, a Wells Fargo representative.

Wells Fargo's renter's insurance will cover damages that are caused by natural disasters, fire and vandalism.

Another issue to bear in mind when renting an apartment is the lease. Read the lease carefully so that you will know exactly what you can and can't do.

Moving into an apartment is a big step and there are a lot of concerns students can easily look over. Doing homework on the apartment of your choice, finding the right roommate and making sure you are protected will help you in the long run if you are ever in a bind.

Typhani Yang can be reached at tyang@statehornet.com

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