Some of the major living expenses you can expect when getting your residency established are:

• Utilities (monthly average for America – $150)
• Water
• Trash Removal
• Cable/Internet

**If you have an apartment which is not located on a college campus, then many of the items below may be included. You will need to contact the apartment management to determine which services are included and which services will cost extra.

Utilities: You must call or go online with your local power company and request service. For setup, you will generally need an address, a date to begin service, monthly payment information, and an activation fee.

Water: You must also contact your local water company and request service. For setup you will generally need an address, a date to begin service, monthly payment information, and an activation fee.

Waste Removal: Depending on where you live, your waste removal can either be contracted by the city and included in your local taxes, or waste removal can be charged and maintained independently. You may want to start by asking a neighbor about the standard in your area. If it is city run, then simply find out which day and purchase a trash can. If it is independently contracted, then you will need to contact local companies and make the best decision based upon cost and the day and amount of waste removal. Many times in this case the trash company will provide the trash can which has their company name on it.

Cable or Internet Service: You must call or go online to determine the best deals in your area for cable or internet service. Then you can call the best company and request service. For setup you will generally need an address, a date to begin service, monthly payment information, and an activation fee. A credit check may also be included.