• Time to think about what you really need
• A rough idea of what you an afford
• And a little patience

Step 1 Prepare budget Prepare a budget. Factor in not only rent but how much you ll likely spend on things like utilities, phone, and cable.

If the amount you can afford for rent seems too low, consider sharing an apartment.

Step 2 Determine priorities Determine your priorities—the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, how far you re willing to commute, pet-friendliness, and amenities such as gyms, pools, and laundry facilities.

Step 3 Research neighborhoods Research different neighborhoods. Find out the average rent; whether there are any parks; the kind of shops, clubs, and restaurants nearby; and whether traffic and parking is a problem.

Walk around a neighborhood you re interested in—both to make sure it s what you re looking for and to look for rent signs.

Step 4 Decide on broker Decide whether to use a broker. A broker can do a lot of the legwork for you; the downside is that in a big city it will cost you as much as 15% of your annual rent.

Check with your school or employer. They often have contacts in the rental market.

Step 5 Check classifieds Check classified ads, both in print and online, to see what s available and what the going rate is in a particular neighborhood. Get the earliest edition you can.

Check out neighborhood bulletin boards, like those at coffee houses and community centers.

Step 6 Contact landlord When you see a promising apartment listing, contact the landlord or property manager right away to set up an appointment.

Step 7 Inspect apartment Inspect the apartment. Dress professionally and act politely—you want to convey that you are responsible, serious, and will pay rent on time.

Step 8 Understand terms of lease Make sure you understand the terms of the lease, such as when rent is due, the maintenance procedures, and if there s a security deposit.

Step 9 Submit application If you find an apartment you like, submit an application to the landlord or property manager immediately. Good apartments go quickly!

Step 10 Negotiate cost Assuming you re accepted, negotiate to see if there s any way to lower the cost, then sign the lease. Congratulations, you now have a new apartment!

The Roman Empire was among the first to have apartments in the modern sense, known as insulae.