Tenant Utilities Question

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I am a college student in Cedar Falls, Iowa and I signed my lease for the fall semester then covid hit and I decided not to pay University rates for online classes in the fall. I have been looking for someone to take my lease but haven't had any luck. I live about two hours away from this apartment and will never even go live in it over the course of the lease. I emailed the office and asked about paying utilities since I will not be living at the unit and unfortunately they said I am stuck paying for utilities. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on ways that I could get out of paying for the utilities or if I am stuck paying for them. Thanks