Renting a home gives you increased flexibility to move when you want. Don't like the neighbors, traffic pattern, smells, or sounds of a place? Need to leave for a less (or more) expensive place if your income changes? A move is easier if you are renting a home because renting involves less commitment.

Renting also shifts property management and maintenance responsibilities to a landlord. A professional apartment manager will more efficiently spend the maintenance and upkeep costs included in the rent over a large number of apartments on a property.
In general, if you are new to a place, and you are not certain that you are going to stay, start out renting.

When you rent an apartment, be prepared to pay a month's rent in advance plus a deposit (which may be approximately a month's rent). Also have with you some proof of income (tax return or statements) or employment (acceptance letter or employee identification).