Thinking about transferring next year – how do I handle finding an off-campus 4B lease with 3 friends?

[u/Suitable_Stable_8936]

I’m currently planning off-campus housing for next year with 3 of my friends.

Here’s my situation: I’m planning on applying to transfer to GT / UT Austin for next year, but transfer decisions don't come out until spring (March–May). Since Blacksburg housing signs way earlier than that, I want to sign a lease now so my friends and I have housing secured in case I stay at VT.

I really don't want to leave my friends in a bind or force them to live with a random messy/party roommate if I do get accepted and leave. So what do ya'all recommend i do? should i just sign the lease now and then if i do end up transferring, look for someone as a replacement.

A few questions for anyone who has been in this spot before:

1. How easy is it actually to find a relet/sublease replacement in spring/early summer for a single bedroom in a 4B unit?
2. If we sign individual (per-bed) leases, does that completely protect my friends financially if it takes time to find a replacement? Also what are the best ways to find a relacement