While leasing season approaches, one of the crucial decisions students face is choosing where they will call home. If you already live in one of the many off-campus apartments, you’ll have to make the decision whether to renew your lease at the same property, or sign a new lease elsewhere.
With the variety of options available and the new developments that open each year, it can be stressful to deliberate the choices and decide which home best fits your needs.
At Rambler, we know how significant it is to make the right choice of whether to stay or move. To help you consider your options, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each choice to make the ideal decision for your particular situation.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Sign a Lease Early at Student Apartments Near UMD
If You Choose to Move to a New Student Apartment in College Park, MD
Pro: Modern Amenities
College Park offers a variety of housing options for students, as new developments appear each year. The newer buildings leverage their luxury amenities to differentiate them from competitors and promote a higher level of comfort in your living space.
Besides the standard fitness center amenities, you will find rich options like saunas, tanning beds, pilates reformers, yoga studios, jumbotrons and more!
Each property offers unique features and benefits, so make time to compare properties and feel out what best matches your lifestyle.
Pro: New Surroundings Appeal
One of the appealing features of moving to a new apartment community is the new feel of the building. These buildings provide brand new amenities and rooms, giving a sleek and clean feel that can be hard to refuse.
Being the first to sleep on their mattress, using the shower and utilizing all of the amenities like the cold plunge and sauna is very tempting to prospective residents. The excitement about being one of the first residents in a new apartment can truly make your living experience feel special.
Pro: New Connections and Sense of Community
An additional pro of moving into a new apartment is the fresh new faces you will see, that provide opportunities to make new friends in a new environment.
While this generally can be found at all student apartments, being the first residents provides a sense of pride for your community and allows you to form bonds like no other.
Also, if you enjoy your current rooming situation, you can carry that over to a new property and provide a fresh new space to appreciate.
Read Next: 8 Steps to Finding a Student Apartment Near UMD Campus
Con: Moving Costs and Time
One major downside to moving into a new apartment is the time, effort and costs associated with bringing your belongings to a new location.
Most properties do not offer assistance with your move-out process to another apartment unit, so it is important to weigh the time needed to gather your belongings, move and unpack, as well as any additional costs like hiring a moving service.
If You Choose to Renew Your Lease at Your Current Apartment
Pro: Familiarity and Comfort
By renewing your lease, you remain in a building that you know the ins and outs of. If you feel at home after spending a year living there, you are familiar with their amenity offerings, management team and policies. This leaves less room for shocking fees or policies to be in place, which provides residents with a feeling of comfort. You know exactly what to expect and what you signed up for, which takes stress off of you during an overwhelming stretch of time.
Pro: Save on Moving Costs
The opportunity to leave all your belongings at your apartment provides an advantage through saving the hassle of packing up your belongings or hiring a moving company to assist with the move. This can also be beneficial for out-of-state students, who would likely have to take their belongings home or rent a storage unit. This saves time and effort regarding the transporting of goods, unpacking and re organizing your possessions.
Pro: Maintaining Roommate Dynamics
Having roommates that you live comfortably and well with can elevate your living experience. If you have had a good experience throughout your current lease, renewing may make the most logical sense. It allows you an easy transition of staying in the same apartment with the same people, which provides comfort and predictability of the living arrangements.
Con: Lack of Change in Environment
While comfortability and being familiar with your surroundings is enjoyable, it can also hinder your living experience. For instance, if you have faced obstacles with the leasing staff, policies or their amenity offerings, it could serve you well to explore other options.
Furthermore, remaining in the same unit lacks the excitement of a fresh environment. If you value new adventures, experiences and amenities, renewing your current lease may fall short.
Con: Potential for Rent Increase
As new buildings pop up, and the market prices continue to surge, apartment communities often increase rent for renewal rates. They understand that the idea of familiarity and comfort can go a long way, and use this to their advantage by bumping up the cost a bit. To avoid these kind of surprises, it is imperative that you discuss renewal options and rates with your leasing team.
Moving or Renewing: Key Considerations
When you are battling the decision between renewing your lease and moving, consider whether you like the property’s management and if they are reliable, and you feel safe and secure in your community. Think about whether you need access to convenient parking, whether you can afford the rental rate or want to search for a discounted and more budget friendly option. Most importantly, weigh whether you feel the effort, time and costs associated with moving would be worth it to you, or if your current living arrangement meets your needs and fits your overall lifestyle.
If you’re loving your current routine, have your favorite study spots mapped out and your apartment still fits your lifestyle, renewing might be the easiest way to keep things stress-free for another year. But if you’re craving newly upgraded amenities, a more social atmosphere or just a fresh start for the next school year, exploring new student housing communities could be the move.
We hope this breakdown helps you figure out whether you are interested in exploring a new apartment community or releasing given pros and cons. If you’re curious about life at Rambler College Park or want further guidance on what makes the most sense for your college experience, contact our leasing team.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: April 29, 2026
Last Updated On: May 21, 2026
