Be Presentable - Landlords want to rent to individuals who look as if they would make good tenants. Proper attire may improve your chances when there are several applicants. Treat your viewing like a job interview. Check back and remind the landlord that you are still interested. Carry Your Checkbook - If you find a place you like, be prepared to put some money down to hold it.
Landlords often ask for a deposit.
Make sure you get a receipt for the deposit. The receipt should specify whether the deposit is refundable if you do not rent the place and how the deposit will be used if you do rent the place, e.g., as part of the security deposit or the first month's rent. Also carry with you a list of personal references and their contact information with you. Timing - Start looking early, and give yourself at least a few weeks to find housing. The time in which students start looking for housing changes every year, depending on the market and the availability of housing for the next year.