Thinking about where you'll live next year? Whether you're moving off campus for the first time or looking for a new place, starting your housing search early gives you time to explore neighborhoods, compare costs and find the right fit. 

Here are five tips from Off-Campus Life to help you get started. 

  Attend a housing fair 

Housing fairs are a great place to start your search, explore rental options and connect with property managers. You can ask questions about rental costs, amenities and availability, learn more about living in Boulder and explore resources from local organizations. Plus, there are free giveaways and food! 

Join Off-Campus Life at the upcoming Fall Housing Fair on Nov. 18 and the Winter Housing Fair on Jan. 13 to explore your options and get answers to your housing questions. 

  Explore neighborhoods and housing options 

Boulder and the surrounding communities offer a variety of housing options. Popular areas students explore include The Hill, Martin Acres, East Aurora, Goss Grove and North Boulder. You can also consider nearby communities like Longmont, Superior, Louisville and Lafayette. 

As you explore your options, consider what matters most to you, whether that's living close to campus, having roommates or finding a quieter neighborhood. Talk with other students about their experiences living in different areas. 

Use Ralphie's List to search for housing by neighborhood, city, price and more. You can also use it to find potential roommates. 

If you're planning to share a house or apartment, review the city of Boulder's occupancy limits to understand how many people can live in a rental property.

  Set your budget and plan your commute 

Before choosing a place, figure out how much you can comfortably spend on housing each month. Consider the total cost of living, including rent, utilities, internet and transportation. Comparing these expenses can help you find an option that works for your budget. 

Location also makes a difference. Think about how you'll get to campus, how long your commute will take and whether you'll need parking or bike storage. 

RTD public transit offers bus routes throughout Boulder and surrounding communities. CU Boulder students have access to transit benefits, so explore available routes and schedules when comparing neighborhoods. 

  Review your lease before signing 

A lease is a legal contract, so it's important to understand the terms before committing to a rental property. Review details like monthly rent, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities and lease dates before signing. 

Off-Campus Life offers free lease reviews with an attorney to help students understand their rental agreements. Schedule a free lease review before signing your lease. 

You can also get free legal advice about other rental concerns, including landlord disputes and renter rights. 

  Get help from Off-Campus Life 

Off-Campus Life offers resources and support to help you navigate your housing search and prepare for living off campus. Whether you have questions about finding housing, understanding your rights as a renter or managing roommate concerns, their team can help. 

Visit Off-Campus Life in UMC 313 or email offcampuslife@colorado.edu to connect with staff. 

You can also connect with a neighborhood ambassador to hear firsthand experiences and tips for living in Boulder from a fellow student.