For the students that decide that apartment housing is the best option for them, setting up utilities for their new home may seem a bit daunting.

Although some apartment complexes offer free amenities, such as garbage pickup and WiFi, more often than not, the student is responsible for paying the electric, water and cable.

Water is regulated through the city of Charleston at their office at 520 Jackson Ave.

When students go to set up their account, they will need to present a picture I.D. and address of the residence.

There will also be a one-time $25 activation fee, which will be added to the first month’s bill.

For the students that decide to sign for cable and/or Internet, most likely their service will be through MediaCom.

Students will have the opportunity to decide from one year or two year contracts.

When students sign up for service, they will have to pay the installation fee and first month of service.

Although no security deposit is required, promotions change from month-to-month and differ costs.

Cassie Grabowski, a senior music education major, said signing up for cable services was fairly simple, however, “You have to be careful to tell (the cable representative) what you paid at your last place to make sure you get a decent deal.”

In most occasions, students are required to have the electricity in their name through Ameren.

In order to sign up, students must call at least 24-hours in advance of the time service is needed, according to Ameren.

Over the phone or online, students will fill out a brief application that will include a credit check.

A deposit fee will be assessed based on the results of the credit check.

This fee can run in the range of $70 to over a thousand dollars, an Ameren representative said.

This deposit will be dispersed over a three-month period alongside regular fees.

Cherri Edwards, a junior political science major, said the overall process of setting up electric with Ameren was quick.

“It was easy, just a phone call,” Edwards said. “Paying for it is a different story, though.”

T.J. Karen, a junior art major, currently lives in University Court and is required to pay for his electricity.

His concern is that students are not aware of how much they are going to be charged for until the bill comes.

Shelley Holmgren can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].