Are you sure there isn't some flexibility in your renting? Some landlords just want to make sure their place doesn't sit vacant, and that they don't end up with a series of short-term renters.

If your lease is the only thing holding you there, you might ask your landlord if you can leave early. It can depend on the landlord, and the local real estate market. Recruiting someone to take over the apartment can make the idea more amenable to a landlord as well.