Presupuesto para vivir fuera del campus
Living off campus is exciting and suddenly you’re responsible for… everything. This is your guide to what it actually costs—and how to plan for it without being surprised every month.
Hint: It’s not just rent.
Fixed Costs (same every month)
- Rent
- Renter’s insurance
- Parking (if you have it)
Monthly Variable Costs (can vary from month to month)
- Utilities (electric, gas, water, WiFi)
- Groceries
- Transporte
- Subscriptions (yes, they count)
Upfront + Irregular Costs
- Security deposit
- Furniture
- Moving expenses
- Application fees
Reminder: your first month will be your most expensive one. Learn more about The Costs Associated with Renting on iGrad.
A short list of things that will absolutely show up in your bank account:
- WiFi installation
- Cleaning supplies, paper towels, dish soap, etc.
- Groceries
- Random household items you didn’t think about (toilet paper!)
- That one Target trip that turns into $87 somehow
Budgeting isn’t just how much—it’s when.
- Security deposit & first month’s rent are usually due upfront
- Rent is due monthly, on a fixed date
- Financial aid doesn’t always line up perfectly with rent timing – plan ahead!
Most leases are 12 months. Financial aid only covers nine months of living expenses.
So what happens in the summer?
- Stay and work
- Sublet your room
- Negotiate a nine month lease
- Renting a housing option that is cheaper than you can afford, so you can spread nine months of rent over twelve months.
- Pay rent for a place you’re not living in
Tip: This is one of the biggest budgeting gaps students run into. Make sure you are taking summer into account!
Step 1: Add up your estimated monthly costs
(rent + utilities + groceries + everything else)
Step 2: Compare it to your income/financial aid (using the Cost of Attendance is also a helpful way to create your budget!)
Step 3: Adjust as needed
- Lower costs
- Increase income
- Or rethink your housing choice
Consider using a budgeting tool or spreadsheet! Here are some recommendations from iGrad, JHU’s free personal finance platform.
- Renter’s insurance: Protects you from damage to your belongings.
- Read your lease: Make sure you know all of the terms that you are signing.
- Document your apartment status when your move in – take pictures!
