For many college students, living in student housing marks the first time they have been away from home and their parents for any real length of time. This is a time in their lives when they learn to behave like mature, responsible adults, (hopefully), make a budget and stick to it, and all of the other things that independent living entails.

For others, this is nothing more than one long, eternal slumber party. A never-ending party filled with wine, women and song and not much else. Of course, that can cause trouble not only for the student, but for the landlords, grades and parents as well. To make the most and the best of your new found freedoms keep these things in mind:

1. Make sure that there is a clear, written lease agreement between you and the landlord. If you are under the age of eighteen, your parents will have to sign for you, and will be the ones ultimately responsible for any damages that incur, so behave as if you were still at home. Or better yet, pretend that you are in someone else’s home and behave on your best “for company” manners.

2. Split expenses and chores evenly among all of the roommates that are in the house or apartment. Make sure that there is an agreement reached regarding household rules, including overnight or extended stay guests.

3. Read up on some of the tenant/landlord laws for your area and make sure that you ask questions. Present yourself to your landlord as a responsible, mature person capable of handling the rights of living alone.

4. Understand the additional fees and expenses that student housing can incur, including parking even if you do not have a vehicle and others.

5. Find out how maintenance is handled- both for routine repairs and for emergencies. Make sure these numbers are clearly posted.

6. Do a walk through with the landlord on moving in and moving out day and note any discrepancies. (This is important if you want to have any chance at all at getting your security deposit back.)

7. Abide by housing laws including how many roommates you have, pets and storage.

8. Keep your house at least moderately clean the majority of time.

9. Finally, remember that it is very easy to get caught up in the fun of parties and just hanging out with friends- do not let your grades suffer in the process.