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A Parent’s Guide to Living at Parkside Apartments

Choosing off-campus housing is a big step. At Parkside Apartments, we’re obsessed with every detail of our resident experience with a hospitality-driven focus on convenience, connection, programming and proximity to campus. We’re here to make the leasing process as easy as possible for you and your student. This guide outlines what to expect at every stage, from leasing and budgeting to move-in and daily life at our community.

Parkside Apartments offers individual leasing, a common setup in student housing communities.

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What Is Individual Leasing?

When students sign individual leases, they sign per individual bed instead of sharing one lease for the entire apartment. This means students are only responsible for their own lease terms and monthly payments.

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How Does Individual Leasing Benefit Students?

  • Easier financial planning: Separate installments can make budgeting more straightforward throughout the academic year.
  • Reduced roommate-related financial stress: Residents are generally not held financially responsible for another roommate’s missed payments or lease obligations.
  • Support for independence: Managing payments, communication, schedules, and responsibilities can help students build important life skills while living off campus.
  • Academic-year convenience: Many student housing leases are structured around the university calendar, helping simplify move-in and move-out timing.

Families should carefully review lease documents and contact the Parkside Apartments leasing office directly for the most up-to-date leasing information and policies.

Preparing ahead for off-campus living costs can help students and families feel more confident before move-in day arrives.

What’s Included

Parkside Apartments offers student apartments designed with comfort, convenience, and student living in mind.

Parkside’s furnished apartments include:

  • Full-size bed
  • Under bed dresser
  • Desk with desk chair
  • Storage dividers
  • Stainless steel appliances
  • Modern cabinetry
  • Couch
  • Coffee table
  • Smart thermostat

These features can help students adjust to college life while providing spaces for studying, relaxing, and connecting with friends.

Additional Expenses

Students and families should also prepare for:

  • Monthly rent installments
  • One-time application and administrative fees
  • Monthly parking costs, if applicable
  • Annual Conservice fee
  • Utilities or technology-related fees depending on lease structure
  • Monthly renter’s insurance payment, if not provided
  • Groceries and household supplies
  • Transportation and personal expenses

Before signing, families should review the current fee schedule and lease details directly with the leasing office.

A positive student living experience is about more than simply having an apartment. Having access to supportive spaces and convenient amenities can help students stay productive, connected, and balanced throughout the school year.

Spaces Designed for Productivity

Students often need a variety of environments where they can focus outside of class.

Academic-friendly amenities include:

  • Private study rooms
  • Co-working spaces
  • Community Wi-Fi

These spaces can help students stay organized and productive during busy academic periods.

Fitness Center

To help students prioritize their health as they settle into college life, Parkside Apartments has a fitness center open 24 hours a day. Students can use the cardio and weight equipment at any time!

Wellness & Everyday Routine

Adjusting to college life often means balancing academics, social life, work, and personal responsibilities all at once. Comfortable apartment features and accessible community amenities can help students establish routines that support both productivity and downtime.

Moving into a student apartment is an exciting milestone, but we understand that the moving process can be stressful for students and parents alike. Furnished apartments simplify the process and reduce the need for major furniture purchases before move-in day. Say goodbye to lugging beds and couches upstairs!

Preparing Before Move-In

Before arriving, students and families should:

  • Carefully review the lease
  • Confirm move-in dates and instructions
  • Coordinate shared apartment items with roommates
  • Gather essentials like bedding, toiletries, cookware, and school supplies
  • Review parking and community guidelines

Arriving at the Community

Once students arrive, it’s helpful to:

  • Inspect the apartment and furniture
  • Report maintenance concerns promptly
  • Unpack daily essentials first
  • Familiarize themselves with the property layout and amenities

Adjusting to a New Routine

The first few weeks after move-in are often a major adjustment period as students develop routines and settle into a new environment.

Students may feel more comfortable by:

  • Attending resident events
  • Introducing themselves to roommates and neighbors
  • Exploring study and social spaces
  • Learning nearby transportation routes and essentials
  • Staying organized with schedules, communication, and responsibilities

Personal touches like photos, favorite snacks, blankets, or decorations can also help students feel more at home during the transition into college living.

Parkside Apartments are conveniently located just a 6-minute walk from University of Maryland campus, so students can get to class while also getting in some exercise.

Depending on their schedule and preferences, students may choose to:

  • Walk or bike to nearby campus destinations
  • Use rideshare services
  • Take advantage of our on-site parking lot and drive their own vehicle
  • Access nearby restaurants, shopping, and entertainment
  • Use local public transportation options

Students should contact the leasing office directly for the most current parking availability, transportation resources, and access information.

Our on-site team is available to support residents throughout the academic year and leasing experience. While students are generally responsible for managing their own housing experience, families can still play an important role by helping students stay organized, informed, and prepared for independent living.

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How Can Parents & Guardians Stay Involved?

Parents and guardians can support students by:

  • Reviewing lease documents together
  • Discussing budgeting and payment expectations
  • Encouraging students to check community communications regularly
  • Helping students prepare for move-in and move-out
  • Staying in touch throughout the semester

Families with questions about leasing, policies, or community information are encouraged to contact the Parkside Apartments team directly for the most current information.

Contact Us

What is an individual lease?

An individual lease means each resident signs separately for their assigned bedroom space rather than sharing one lease for the entire apartment.

How do residents pay rent?

Residents make payments through the community’s resident portal.

Are apartments furnished?

Yes, Parkside Apartments offers furnished student apartments designed to help simplify move-in and everyday student living.

Is parking available?

Parkside Apartments has an on-site parking lot. Parking availability may vary depending on lease terms and community policies, so students should contact the leasing office directly for the most current parking information.

What should families budget beyond rent?

Families should plan for additional costs such as groceries, transportation, renter’s insurance, parking, utilities or technology fees, and personal expenses.

Are there study spaces available?

Yes, Parkside Apartments offers spaces designed to support studying, productivity, and collaboration.

Can parents contact the property directly?

Yes. Families are welcome to contact the leasing office with general questions about leasing, community policies, and resident information.

Are roommate matching options available?

Yes, roommate matching options are available for free. Our team will thoughtfully match roommates based on compatibility.

What should students bring for move-in?

Students should bring personal essentials like bedding, toiletries, cookware, school supplies, decorations, and other everyday necessities. Furnished apartments can help reduce the need for large furniture purchases before move-in.

Are Parkside Apartments pet friendly?

Yes, Parkside Apartments are pet friendly for cats and dogs! Students should expect a one-time pet fee and a monthly pet rent installment when they bring along a furry friend.

How are maintenance requests handled?

The Parkside Apartments maintenance team is on-call all day and after hours, so they can attend to maintenance requests diligently and in a timely manner. We also employ Community Concierges 24-hours a day.

Experience Student Living at Parkside Apartments

Have additional questions about life at Parkside Apartments? Our team is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about the community, schedule a tour, and help your student prepare for their next chapter near University of Maryland.

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Live like a classic at Parkside Apartments