Your Guide to Off-Campus Living

Remember to Take Your Time

There are many options in Lubbock and the surrounding area for housing, varying from houses to townhomes and apartments. Don’t feel pressured to sign with the first option you see, especially if it doesn’t have everything you’re looking for.

Determine Your Budget

It is important to identify your budget range before you begin your search. Campus resources such as Red to Black can help with budgeting and finances.

Make a List of Wants and Needs

We recommend touring 4-6 different properties and never signing a lease or contract before you tour the property and have all of your questions answered.

Complete the Application Process

Applications are typically completed online and may ask about your ideal move-in date, pets, and rental history. Some applications may also include an administrative fee.

Read, Understand, and Sign Your Lease

A lease is a legally binding agreement. Fully review and understand what you are signing before doing so. Student Legal Services can assist students with this process.

Track Your Income Sources

• Scholarships or grants
• Student loans, personal loans, or credit cards
• Job earnings
• Savings or family support
• Military or veteran benefits
• Employer education benefits

Review & Track Your Costs

• Tuition and fees
• Parking fees
• Housing, deposits, and dining plans
• Books and stationery

Estimate Monthly Essentials

• Food, groceries, dining, and deliveries
• Academic supplies and technology
• Transportation costs
• Pet care and medical needs
• Home basics and cleaning supplies
• Medical costs and appointments

Account for Housing Expenses

• Rent, deposits, and renter’s insurance
• Utilities such as water, gas, electric, trash, and internet
• Internet setup, moving costs, and parking fees
• Household items such as tools and appliances

Review Non-Essentials

• Hobbies and extracurriculars
• Streaming services
• Gym memberships
• Subscriptions

Without a Car

Bus Systems

On- and off-campus bus routes are offered through CitiBus. On-campus rides are free to students. Day, week, and month passes can be purchased for off-campus rides.

CitiBus On Demand

CitiBus On Demand is a rideshare service that runs Monday through Saturday.

Raider Ride

Raider Ride is a nighttime shuttle service that provides students with on-demand rides on campus from 6 p.m. to 2:45 a.m., seven days a week.

Rideshare Services

Other common rideshare services are available throughout Lubbock

Biking & Electric Scooters

If bringing a bike to campus, remember to register it for free through Transportation & Parking Services.

With a Car

• Remember to purchase a parking permit through Transportation & Parking Services.
• Many students living off campus utilize commuter parking lots.
• Talk with Transportation & Parking Services to determine which parking permit best fits your classes and campus involvement.
• Students are not permitted to drive through campus and must navigate campus through other means such as walking, biking, scooters, or bus systems.

Phone

• AT&T Phone
• Cricket Wireless
• Metro by T-Mobile
• T-Mobile
• Verizon

Internet

• AT&T Internet
• HughesNet
• Optimum
• Viasat

Gas

• Atmos Energy
• West Texas Gas

Water

• City of Lubbock Utilities

TV

• Satellite TV options may be limited or pre-determined by your property. Please check with your leasing management for more information.
• Cable TV options may be bundled with your phone or internet provider.

Electric

Depending on where you live, you may have the option to choose which retail electric provider you use.

• Power to Choose
• South Plains Electric Cooperative

Renting a Room Within an Apartment or Home

This option is common when property managers primarily work with students. By renting a room instead of an entire unit, costs such as rent and utilities are often automatically split between you and your roommate(s).

Renting an Entire Unit or Apartment

This may mean there is one lease shared by you and your roommates. Rent and utilities may be one large bill. This could also be an option to consider if you would like to live alone.

Renting a Home

Renting a home is similar to renting an apartment, with a lease or contract for a specified timeframe. Utilities are typically the responsibility of the renter, and upkeep of exterior areas such as a yard or driveway may also be the renter’s responsibility.

Owning a Home

When owning or paying to own a home, the homeowner is responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the house, including exterior and interior needs. This includes coordinating utilities such as water, electric, and trash services.

Signing a Lease

• Before signing, bring your lease to Student Legal Services for review.
• Read your lease carefully and ask for a copy after all parties have signed.
• Avoid signing a lease with blank spaces.
• Don’t sign a lease before fully understanding it. Leases are legally binding.
• Have a written copy of all additional agreements made with management.
• Record all pre-existing damage before moving in and see if you can review this with management.
• If possible, avoid paying your deposit(s) in cash.
• Call or email Student Legal Services for assistance with tenant/landlord issues.

Breaking a Lease

Carefully review your lease for fees, payments, paperwork, and processes related to breaking your lease. Some properties may require a certain number of days’ notice. If breaking your lease is not an option, subleasing your space may be an alternative.

Subleasing Your Space

This is an agreement between you, management, and another person who rents your space from you. It often requires you to find someone willing to sublease from you. You may still be responsible for rent, fees, or damages associated with the space.