If you are interested in living in an apartment or having a room of your own, finding housing off-campus may be for you. The university does not own any apartments so all off-campus housing involves a rental agreement with a landlord. There are many apartments around the campus area, many within walking distance from the campus. Currently students also have free access to the city bus with their student ID.

As you begin to look for an apartment here are some things to keep in mind:

-- The Office of Residence Life posts off campus housing at the following website: Findaplacetolive.com Places are listed by landlords as they are received, with availability dates noted! You can call
(608)785-8076 to get general information.

-- Other places to locate apartments include rental listings in the La Crosse Tribune, signs posted on campus and through various individual apartment managements which can be located by looking in the yellow pages under "apartments".

-- Most student rentals are shared apartments for up to 5 individuals. Often students are looking for additional roommates. Signs on campus, the Office of Residence Life and landlords may be helpful in finding others in this process. Remember who you live with is as important as where you live, so be sure to ask potential roommates questions about lifestyle to find a suitable match.

-- There are many different options and quality of apartments available and it is important to see the place before you rent. Note that the cost of utilities may or may not be included in the rent. Because La Crosse has alternate street parking in the winter and parking around campus is at a premium, off-street parking is a feature some people find valuable.

-- Be sure to read and understand the lease before signing. The lease is a rental agreement between you and the landlord. All renters should sign a lease. Most leases go over the summer period, so be sure to understand whether or not "subleasing" is allowed. Most leases contain statements about "joint and several liability for rent and damages", which means the landlord can hold all or any one tenant responsible for unpaid rent, utilities and damage to the property.

-- Before you move in to the apartment, do a thorough check-in including filling out a detailed inventory of the premises. Some landlords provide a form but if they don't, create your own. Be detailed and complete noting the condition of everything in the apartment and each renter should sign indicating the date they move in. Next, go through the apartment with the landlord noting any damages you have listed. Make a copy of the check-in sheet and have the landlord sign and keep a copy. Taking dated photos of specific items or areas may be a good idea.

If you encounter problems or want someone to help you review your lease. The UW-L Student Association has made arrangements for free legal consultation for students. Currently, this service is available on Tuesdays 11:30am to 1:00pm and Wednesdays from 12:00pm to 1:30pm in the Office of Student Life, 149 Graff Main Hall, (608) 785-8062. Call ahead to schedule a 15 minute appointment.