good luck with furnished places, they're very expensive depending on where you live. They're also considerably more expensive than unfurnished if you live in a cheaper market. Thankfully I dont pay for heat but I do(did) pay my own electric bill which was high in the summer thanks to the insane rates of FPL.
Renters insurance can usually be obtained through your car insurance(mine was with allstate) and my Dad said it was an extra $10/mo added on to my car insurance. Renters insurance is a GOOD idea. I NEVER had to use it but for $10/mo I didnt mind. I don't live in a bad area but things can happen. I'd hate to hear that your apartment got broken into, flooded, water damaged things of yours.... because while the landlord is responsible for the structure they are not liable for your personal property. If a horrible storm comes through and the roof springs a leak the landlord will be responsible for fixing it and cleaning the carpet or damage to the floor but they aint gonna repair your couch or tv that was destroyed.
Groceries for me....well I couldnt tell you since I literally get by on $20 a week. I work in a restaurant and eat there 5 days a week and usually steal food to munch on while Im off
mmmm cereal!
when you say phone do you mean landline or cell phone?
Youll need to remeber 1st, last, and deposit for your place.. so if you move into a place thats $400 a month you'll need at least $1200 if not more to just move in. Then you'll need deposits for your phone and cable.