Heading overseas this summer? Studying abroad is an incredible experience — but before you board that flight, there are a few things you'll want to take care of back at your Tallahassee apartment. Here are answers to the most common questions FSU students have about leaving their place while they're away.
Before You Leave
What should I do with my fridge before I go?
Clean it out completely. Throw away anything that will expire while you're gone, donate non-perishables to friends or a local food pantry, and wipe down the shelves. A forgotten container of leftovers after three months abroad is not the homecoming you want. If you'll be gone for the entire summer, consider leaving the fridge running on its lowest setting to prevent odors — or ask your landlord if it's okay to unplug and prop the door open slightly. If your apartment includes a refrigerator as part of your unit amenities, check with your property manager before making any changes to the appliance.
Should I do laundry before I leave?
Yes — and don't leave anything behind. Bring all your laundry home (or do a full wash before you go) so nothing is sitting damp or musty for months. Damp clothes left in a warm apartment can quickly become a mold situation. If your building has shared laundry facilities rather than in-unit machines, make sure nothing is left in the machines. Many Tallahassee apartments with in-unit washers and dryers are available if laundry access is a priority when you return.
Is it worth doing a deep clean before I leave?
Absolutely. Think of it as a gift to your future self. Vacuum, mop, wipe down surfaces, and scrub the bathroom before you go. If you're sharing the space with roommates who will still be there, coordinate with them on shared areas. If the apartment will be empty, a clean space means no unpleasant surprises — or pest issues — when you return.
What about decluttering?
Studying abroad is actually a great excuse to pare down. Go through your closet, desk, and common areas before you leave. Donate, sell, or take home anything you don't need. You'll come back to a more organized space, and you might even have room to bring back a few things from your travels. If decluttering makes you realize you need more room in your next place, keep that in mind — there are plenty of Tallahassee apartments with dedicated storage space to consider when you start your search.
What utilities or services should I pause or cancel?
Review any subscriptions or services tied to your address — streaming accounts, food delivery memberships, and similar charges. If you're paying for internet separately, check whether your provider offers a seasonal pause option. Notify your bank and any important accounts of your travel plans so you don't run into issues accessing funds abroad. If your apartment includes utilities as part of your rent, you won't need to worry about managing those bills while you're away.
Should I let my landlord know I'm leaving for the summer?
It's a good idea. Some leases require you to notify your landlord if the unit will be unoccupied for an extended period. Even if yours doesn't, a quick heads-up means your property manager knows who to contact in case of a maintenance issue or emergency while you're away.
Who should have a key or be able to check on my place?
Designate a trusted person — a roommate, family member, or close friend in Tallahassee — who can check on the apartment if something comes up. Give them your contact info and any important details about the unit, like where the water shutoff is or who to call for maintenance. If you live in a gated community, make sure your contact person has access or knows how to reach the property team if needed.
Your Lease While You're Away
Can I sublease my apartment for just the summer?
Most standard leases do not allow subleasing for a partial term, so subleasing just for the summer months is likely not an option under your current agreement. Before assuming it's allowed, read your lease carefully and speak directly with your landlord or property manager. Subleasing without permission can put you in violation of your lease and potentially jeopardize your housing when you return. When searching for your next place, look for communities that offer individual leases — they often come with more flexible terms.
What is the relet option, and should I consider it?
If your lease is ending around the time you'll be studying abroad, reletting may be worth exploring. Reletting means finding a new tenant to take over your lease — as opposed to subleasing, where you remain responsible for the unit. If your lease ends in May or July and you won't be back until August, you could potentially relet your apartment for those months rather than paying rent on a space you're not using. Talk to your property manager about whether this is an option, what the process looks like, and whether there are any fees involved. Communities that offer short-term leases may also be worth considering for when you return, giving you more flexibility on lease start and end dates.
What if I still have months left on my lease when I leave?
Unless your lease has a specific provision allowing a sublease or early termination, you will remain responsible for rent while you're abroad. If the apartment has roommates, your portion of the lease obligations stays the same. Plan your budget accordingly, and look into whether your study abroad program includes any housing stipend or assistance that could offset costs back home. If you're searching for a new place when you return, consider looking at apartments with 12-month leases so your lease start aligns with your return date.
What happens to my security deposit while I'm away?
Your security deposit is held until the end of your lease term regardless of where you are. As long as the apartment is left in good condition — which is another reason that pre-departure cleaning matters — your deposit should be returned to you per your lease agreement after move-out.
Mail, Packages, and Forwarding
What should I do about my mail while I'm gone?
Set up a mail forward through USPS before you leave. If you have a trusted person checking on the apartment, let them know to collect any mail that arrives in the meantime. Update your address for any important accounts or subscriptions so critical correspondence doesn't pile up or get lost.
Should I stop any package deliveries?
Yes. Pause or cancel any recurring subscription boxes, and avoid ordering anything to your Tallahassee address while you're away. Packages left outside an empty apartment are a security concern and a hassle to sort out remotely. When you return, look for gated communities or buildings with controlled access for added security and peace of mind.
Finding Apartments Near FSU When You Return
What if I need a new apartment when I return from studying abroad?
If your lease ends while you're away, start your search before you leave — or as early as possible during your time abroad. The Tallahassee rental market moves quickly, and the best FSU off-campus housing options lease up fast. RentTally makes it easy to browse available units, compare options, and get in touch with properties before you're back on the ground.
Can I search for FSU apartments from abroad?
Absolutely. RentTally is available anywhere you have an internet connection. You can browse FSU apartments, filter by price, bedroom count, and distance to campus, and reach out to properties directly — all from your phone or laptop, no matter what time zone you're in.
What types of apartments are available near FSU?
There's a wide range of options depending on your budget and lifestyle. You can search for 1-bedroom apartments near FSU if you're looking for your own space, or 2-bedroom apartments if you plan to split costs with a roommate. Students on a tighter budget can explore cheap apartments in Tallahassee or filter by price ranges like under $800 a month. If you'd prefer everything bundled into one payment, check out all-inclusive student apartments with utilities rolled into your rent.
What if I'm a graduate student returning from a research or study program abroad?
Graduate students have specific housing needs, and RentTally has you covered. Browse graduate student apartments near FSU to find communities that cater to the lifestyle and schedule of grad life. If you're bringing a pet home with you, filter for pet-friendly apartments near FSU to make sure your search covers everything you need.
What neighborhoods near FSU should I consider?
It depends on what matters most to you. College Town puts you close to campus and the energy of FSU student life. Midtown offers a more neighborhood feel with local dining and walkability. If you want to be within walking distance to class, filter for apartments within walking distance to FSU campus. RentTally's search tools make it easy to zero in on the area that fits your lifestyle.