A Parent's Guide to Off-Campus Housing Near MTSU

Your child is ready to move off campus. Whether you're excited for them or slightly terrified, this guide will help you feel confident about the process — from evaluating properties to understanding what you're signing.

Is Murfreesboro Safe?

This is usually the first question parents ask, and it's a fair one. Murfreesboro is the largest suburb of Nashville with a population of about 165,000. The city's crime rate has been declining year over year, and the neighborhoods around MTSU (particularly along Old Lascassas Road where College Place is located) are well-established residential areas with good lighting and regular police presence.

MTSU also has its own 24-hour campus police department, and the Clery Act requires the university to publish annual campus crime statistics, which you can review online.

Understanding the Lease

Student housing leases work differently from typical apartment leases. Here's what to know:

• Individual leasing means your student is only responsible for their own bedroom's rent — not their roommate's. If a roommate moves out or stops paying, your student isn't on the hook. This is the #1 thing parents should look for.
• Lease terms typically run August to July (12 months), aligning with the academic year
• Co-signing: Most students need a parent or guardian to co-sign. This means you're financially responsible if your student doesn't pay rent. Review the terms carefully.
• Security deposits are usually one month's rent and are refundable if the apartment is returned in good condition

What to Look for on a Tour

If you can visit in person (or your student is touring on your behalf), here's a checklist:

• Check water pressure, faucets, and flush all toilets
• Open and close all windows and doors — do they stick?
• Look for signs of pests (check under sinks, in corners)
• Ask about average maintenance response time
• Check cell phone signal strength inside the unit
• Visit the parking lot at night — is it well-lit?
• Talk to current residents if possible

Questions Every Parent Should Ask

• What's included in the rent? (utilities, internet, parking)
• Is there 24/7 emergency maintenance?
• What's the guest policy?
• How is mail and package delivery handled?
• What happens if my student needs to break the lease early?

Cost Breakdown

Here's a realistic monthly budget for a student living off-campus near MTSU:

• Rent: $600 – $900/month (depending on unit size)
• Utilities: Often included, or $100-150/month if not
• Groceries: $250 – $350/month
• Renter's Insurance: $10 – $20/month
• Transportation: $50 – $100/month (gas, or free with MTSU shuttle)

Remember: Tennessee has no state income tax, so any part-time job earnings stretch further here than in most states.