University Housing Off-Campus Housing Students who choose to live off campus will not be billed by the University for housing costs but will pay rent directly to their landlord. Students who plan to live off campus can economize by sharing expenses with roommates, establishing a budget, and comparing costs when shopping for housing and food. It is very important for new students who will live off campus to bring enough money to finalize lease and utility agreements and to set up household. Students should be prepared to pay their first month's rent and housing deposit, cover phone and water hook-up charges, and buy food. A deposit is required to have water service activated.
Some property owners furnish water for their tenants as part of the lease agreement.
No deposit is required to have electricity or gas connected in Carbondale. The telephone company requires a deposit to connect phone service in a residence. Food expenses range widely and depend on many things, such as whether the student often eats in restaurants, shares food costs with roommates, or shops for food bargains. The cost of books and school supplies varies among programs. Some courses require that students purchase special materials.