10 Step State College Apartment Move In Checklist
August 31, 2020
Don't forget anything in the excitement to move in!
Your puny dorm room isn't exactly your idea of paradise. Maybe you don't get along particularly well with your roommate, and you dislike sharing a bathroom that no one but you ever seems to clean.
The clear solution is to move into an apartment in State College. However, this is a major step that will probably involve its own share of pitfalls. That's especially true if you're new to the apartment renting game and aren't sure how it works.
Don't get discouraged. Lots of Penn State students make the off-campus move every year, and most of them love the change. It means more privacy and independence, offering them a real chance to experience being on their own, even if they are living with a roommate.
This has the potential to be a really fun and exciting change, and that's especially true if you cover your bases and do it right.
Use this convenient 10-step checklist to help make your move into a new State College apartment as smooth as possible.
1. Choose Roommates Wisely
Having a roommate or two makes it far more affordable to move into an apartment during college. However, it definitely pays to choose your roommate with care. Make certain that it's someone you know and like. The more you value your relationship with that person, the better the chances are that you'll be able to maintain a friendly and mutually respectful relationship while you're sharing a living space.
Keep in mind that liking someone isn't the same as being able to live in harmony with them. Small irritations can become major challenges when they are encountered on a daily basis. Your best friend's habit of leaving her clothes strewn all over the floors and furniture may seem almost endearing when it's in her dorm room, but is that something that you can live with in a shared apartment?
Establish ground rules by which all of the roommates will have to abide. You may want to cover things such as a cleaning schedule, use of the kitchen, having guests over, doing laundry or sharing the bathroom. These rules may need to be added to and refined over time as issues arise.
2. Conduct a Thorough State College Apartment Search
Apartment complexes come in all shapes and sizes, especially when they are close to PSU campus. While some apartments are little better than glorified dorm rooms, others may be spacious and warm.
The leasing agent at the complex will probably show you a model apartment that's beautifully decorated and in pristine condition. Don't take it on faith that the apartments that are available for rent will be in a similar condition. The model definitely doesn't have the lived-in look that's common in many apartments.
If possible, ask the agent to let you see an available apartment, even if it's not the one that you would be renting. This gives you a much better idea of the actual condition of the apartments so that you have a clearer picture of what you're getting into.
Familiarize yourself with all of the available amenities so that you know what's included in your monthly rent payments. If you decide to move in, then make sure that you take advantage of these amenities to get the most for your money.
3. Carefully Review Your Lease or Rental Agreement
Unless you're a veteran when it comes to renting apartments, then you may be surprised by how many fees, rules and regulations are involved with taking on an apartment.
This means that you'd be wise to go through your lease agreement with a fine-toothed comb. Legalese may be boring, but it also may hide important details that you need to know about. These could include things like a penalty for breaking the lease early, the infractions or problems that will result in the loss of your security deposit and the established "quiet hours" for the complex.
Ask the agent as many questions as you need to so that you're sure you understand what you're signing. Don’t hesitate to ask a knowledgeable friend or family member to go over the lease or share their own experiences so that you can gauge whether or not the terms are acceptable or too extreme.
Finally, ensure that you can live with all of the property's rules and restrictions so that you're less likely to suffer consequences like losing a deposit or getting evicted.
4. Divide Responsibilities for Acquiring the Necessities
Living in a dorm may have its drawbacks, but at least it gives you a mostly furnished room. The majority of apartments are unfurnished, and this means that you're starting from scratch.
This can be expensive and complicated. If you're going to have roommates, then getting all of the necessary furniture shouldn't be left to one person. Instead, divide up the responsibility as it makes sense.
Maybe your roommate can get an old dining room table from her sister, and you know that your parents will let you have that sofa in the basement. Comb secondhand stores for things like entertainment centers and coffee tables. Perhaps one of your other roommates has a great set of bookcases that he's willing to bring along for community use.
It pays to write down who's responsible for providing which pieces. It not only smooths the weeks leading up to move in but also makes move out less likely to end in controversy as you all go your separate ways.
5. Focus on Your Bedroom
An apartment lets you have that rare thing in college: A private bedroom. While that sounds like the height of luxury, don't overlook the fact that you may need to acquire all of the necessary furniture by yourself.
Keep an eye on bulletin boards where used furniture may be advertised by other students, and solicit contributions from family and friends to keep costs down. At a minimum, here's what you'll need in your bedroom:
-A bed
-A nightstand or table
-At least one lamp
-Hangers for your closet
-A dresser or wardrobe
With these essentials, you'll have a place to sleep and to store your private possessions. Pay particular attention to the lighting in your bedroom. Some rooms have an overhead light, but others do not. This means that you may need multiple light sources.
Also, if your bedroom has a window, does it have a covering? Make certain that you have the means to make your room dark so that you can get good sleep at night.
It's also worth checking to see if your bedroom door has a lock. If it doesn't, ask the management about having one installed. This can be an important safety precaution, especially if you don't know your roommates well or if you think your roommates may have guests over who you don't know.
6. Equip the Kitchen
One potential drawback to choosing apartment living is the lack of a dining plan. Now that you don't have the ability to run down to the cafeteria, you'll have to find a way to feed yourself.
Before you can even think of food, it's necessary to consider getting the equipment and tools that you'll need to prepare meals. While State College has a lot of great restaurants, eating out all the time can get expensive. Even if you plan to keep things simple with pre-packaged, microwave fare, you'll be surprised by the number of things you'll need.
Because there are so many items that are essential in the kitchen, this is another area in which you may want to divide up the responsibility. That way, you don't end up with two or three can openers.
Here's a list of the kitchen basics that you'll need:
-A can opener
-A bottle opener
-A pizza cutter
-Mixing spoons
-Spatulas
-Measuring cups and spoons
-Mixing bowls
-Colander
-Peeler
-Large and small frying pans
-Large and small saucepans
-Sheet pan
-Cutting board
-Knives
-Dish towels
-Oven mitts
-Toaster
-Coffee maker
-Food storage containers
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should certainly give you a good start. Don't overlook dollar stores and thrift stores when it comes to stocking your kitchen.
7. Inspect the Apartment
Now that you're on the verge of moving in and have collected most everything that you'll need to live independently, it's time to take a closer look at where you'll be living.
Remember that you'll be financially responsible for any damage that the apartment may sustain while you're living there. Chances are good that unless no one has lived in your apartment before, it has a few imperfections that need to be documented.
Before you move anything into your apartment, carefully go through every room, taking photographs of any dents, dings, stains or problems. Share your findings with the rental office, and if anything is in really bad shape, then ask to have it fixed.
Even if the defect isn't major, it pays to have it documented so that you won't be charged for it when you move out.
8. Gather Food
There's no need to buy any food until you are on the verge of moving in. With dorm living, you won't have much room for storing perishables or even shelf-stable items. If you and your roomies will be keeping all food items separate, then it's wise to designate shelf, counter, cupboard, fridge and freezer space for each individual. Even so, you may want to consider labeling all of your supplies with a label maker or a Sharpie. This cuts down on the potential for pilfering or mistakenly using someone else's food.
Stock your pantry with these necessities to get started:
-All-purpose flour
-Granulated sugar
-Brown sugar
-Baking powder
-Baking soda
-Salt
-Vanilla
-Spices such as pepper, oregano, garlic powder and cinnamon
-Cooking oils
-Cooking spray
-Vinegar
-Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and relish
-Butter or margarine
Other items that you might need include eggs, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, cereal, pasta, rice and any other foods that you eat on a regular basis.
9. Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies and Household Necessities
After you move into your new State College apartment, it will quickly become apparent that you'll need to do more cleaning than you used to. Not only are you responsible for your bedroom but also the living room, kitchen and bathroom will all need your attention. Don't get overwhelmed, and remember that your roommates should share cleaning responsibilities for common-use areas.
Here are a few things to acquire so that your everyday cleaning and maintenance needs are met:
-Trash can with bags
-Paper towels
-Toilet paper
-Cleaning wipes
-Multi-surface cleaner
-Sponges or cloths for cleaning
-Duster
-Dish soap
-Dishwasher soap
-Laundry detergent
-Dryer sheets
-Toilet brush
-Plunger
-Vacuum cleaner or broom
-Basic toolbox
-Scissors
-First aid kit
10. Move in, and Don't Forget to Pay the Rent
Move in day tends to be a mix of fun and stressful. You're starting on a new and exciting journey that promises more independence than you've probably ever had before.
You probably don't need to hire movers, but it won't hurt to recruit friends and family to help with the big day. Promises of pizza, soda and beer in the evening usually are enough to convince most people to participate. It also doesn't hurt to offer to help them move in exchange.
There's a lot to do, but it's important to stay calm. If you've been careful about collecting the right supplies and have diligently packed everything prior to moving day, then it shouldn't be that bad.
Once you and your roommates are established in your State College apartment, set a reminder to pay the rent at least one day before it's due. This helps you to remember the payment and avoid a last-minute scramble if you forget. Paying your rent when it's due is critical if you want to avoid expensive late fees, so make this a "must-do" every month. This also helps to keep your credit report in good shape for future rental opportunities.
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As the rental landscape shifts heading into 2026, students searching for apartments in State College — especially near Penn State University — need to be prepared. Understanding key trends, planning early, and knowing what to look for will help you secure a great place. Here’s a guide to what’s new and what remains essential. 1. Early Leasing Is Even More Important Data shows that in the student-housing sector, preleasing rates are strong . For example, national markets reported preleasing in the Yardi 200 dataset at 85.3% by June for the 2025-26 cycle. Multifamily Executive+2Student Housing Business+2 For students looking at student apartments near Penn State , that means you’ll want to start your search well in advance — think fall of the previous year for a lease starting in August/September 2026. 2. Expect More Focus on Value and Flexibility – With rising costs and more choices, renters increasingly look for value-driven options (utilities included, furnished, shorter lease terms). – Reports indicate the student housing market is seeing affordability pressures and shifts in renter preferences. Student Housing Business+1 3. New Supply Means More Options — But Also More Competition According to a national student housing supply report, by fall 2026 there are ~30,000 new beds across 37 campuses scheduled. RealPage In the State College market, this means students may have more options but must act quickly and choose wisely to get the best units (location, amenities, price). 4. Location, Amenities & Tech Still Matter While the basics remain the same (proximity to campus, safe neighborhood, cost), in 2026 you’ll see stronger emphasis on: High-speed internet and good study spaces (students are more digital-and-remote friendly) Community and wellness features (quiet zones, outdoor space, mental-health friendly design) — trends flagged by design/architecture firms. Gensler Smart pricing and lease transparency: how much is included, what you’re really paying for. 5. Be Smart About Lease Terms & Budgeting When renting in 2026 in State College, students should ask: What is included in the rent (utilities, internet, parking)? Is the lease individual (you’re on your own) or joint (all roommates responsible)? What are subletting or summer lease options? Are there incentives (early-leasing discounts, move-in specials for 2026) your property manager is offering? Conclusion Renting a student apartment in State College in 2026 is going to be about being early , informed , and strategic . Students who start their search early, understand what’s included in rent, and pick properties that highlight value and convenience will have the edge.
Renting your first apartment in State College, PA is a big step — especially if you're a Penn State student moving off-campus. With dozens of student apartment complexes, private rentals, and housing options near campus, it’s important to know what to expect before you sign a lease. Here's a helpful guide for first-time renters navigating the State College student housing market. Apartments Rent Quickly — Plan Ahead State College is a true college town. That means thousands of Penn State students are all looking for apartments at the same time — usually for August move-ins. Many properties begin leasing nearly a year in advance , so start your search in the fall semester if you plan to move the following summer or fall. Pro tip: Waiting until spring means you may be choosing from limited availability. Expect to Pay First and Last Month’s Rent (and Maybe More) When signing a lease for State College apartments, you’ll likely need: First month’s rent Last month’s rent Security deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent) Application fee Pro tip: Make sure you budget for these upfront costs. Ask your landlord or property manager exactly what’s due at signing so there are no surprises. Not All Apartments Are Furnished Some student apartments near Penn State come fully furnished — especially larger complexes aimed at undergraduates. But many privately owned units do not. Always ask: Is furniture included? Is there a bed, desk, or couch? Are appliances included (microwave, fridge, etc.)? Pro tip: If you’re bringing your own furniture, factor in moving costs. Parking Might Cost Extra Parking in State College can be limited, especially downtown or near campus. If you’re bringing a car, check: Is a parking spot included in rent? Is it on-site or off-site? Is there guest parking? Pro tip: Some properties offer assigned spots , while others rely on street parking or municipal lots. If you don’t need a car, you may be able to save money by skipping parking altogether. Learn the Lease Terms Carefully Many apartments in State College are leased by the year — not by the academic semester. Read the lease carefully and ask: What is the lease length? Are sublets allowed in summer? Who is responsible for utilities? Are there quiet hours, guest policies, or other rules? Pro tip: Some properties offer individual leases (you’re only responsible for your rent), while others offer joint leases (all roommates share responsibility). Utilities Aren’t Always Included Make sure you ask what’s included in the rent: Heat Water Electricity Internet/Wi-Fi Trash service Pro tip: All-inclusive rent can be easier for budgeting, especially for students, but it may be slightly higher. Work With Local Property Managers Instead of only using big national apartment websites, check listings from local property managers in State College. They often have: Earlier access to listings Better knowledge of the student rental cycle Competitive pricing Pro tip: Working with a local team makes maintenance and communication easier once you move in. Final Thoughts: Renting in State College as a First-Time Renter Finding your first student apartment near Penn State can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Start your search early, ask the right questions, and work with a trusted local property manager to find a place that fits your lifestyle and budget.
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