Read your lease details carefully, making note of things like your rent, when it's due, how long the lease lasts and any fees for ending your lease early. Make sure you know how much you'll need for a security deposit, the conditions to get it back and what counts as more than regular usage wear.
Also, get to know the apartment rules regarding noise, pets and upkeep. Learn about how lease renewal works and how much notice you need to give if you plan to leave. Figure out who's in charge of maintenance and fixes — landlord or tenant — and how to report problems.