Apartment hunting can be a time-consuming tasks that is usually re-done at least once a year throughout college list. If you don’t know what you’re doing, what you’re looking for, or what you’re finding, apartment hunting can be comparable to a root canal.
Location, Location, Location: Location really is ideal when looking for a college apartment. Because moving is part of the deal and college students usually do not come with a U-Haul full of furnishings and clutter, location always trumps space. The ideal college apartment should be within walking distance of the college, this makes it much easier to be actively involved in the college community, more importantly, this eliminates the need for a vehicle, which is an additional expense. If you choose to go further from the college campus, at least be sure that the complex is near public transportation that has frequent buses to take students to the campus. Prioritize Safety: Young college students are often a prime target for crime so safety is an priority when apartment hunting. Find an apartment that is full of other college students. Students tend to group together, watch each other’s back and walk or take public transportation with each another. Be sure the parking lot and doorsteps are well-lit, in a respectable neighborhood, and provides easy and safe access to the campus. An added benefit would be an area that is regularly patrolled by campus or city police officers. Where to look: One of the best places to start is by talking to the housing office or student government offices on campus, other students can provide valuable insight and advice that you can’t find from sites like Craigslist. It’s a good idea to get an inside scoop on a few places before you start looking. What to look for in an apartment: Generally, budget trumps everything else in apartment hunting, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide if you can share a room, or if you need your own. Second, keep in mind the your location, not only in a good neighborhood, but your placement in the building. First floor apartments are generally more prone to crimes, but are you prepared to walk up and down three flights of stairs every day? Ask about parking, if you get an assigned stall and if it costs extra? Ask about the necessities such as air conditioning? Heating? Do the windows open? Are there screens on the windows? Is there laundry in the building? How much does it cost? Are utilities included? Is Internet and cable already hooked-up? Is there an on-site maintenance service? Understand Your Contract: There are generally two types of contracts when looking into an apartment that involves roommates: an apartment lease, or a tenant lease. If you sign a tenant lease, you are basically agreeing to pay your portion of the rent and you have the right to occupy your room. This means that it is up to the landlord to fill the apartments, and if someone moves out, someone else can move in with or without your approval. Generally, tenant leases can run anywhere from $300+/room. The benefit of this type of lease is that you are only responsible for your portion of the rent; you’ll never be responsible to cover rent for someone who moves out or doesn’t have the money on time. If you sign an apartment lease, you are renting the apartment as a whole and you’re responsible to sublet the other rooms. The benefits of apartment leases is you have control over who lives with you, but you’re also responsible to pay the full rent amount, regardless of whether your roommates move in or not. So, you might get stuck paying $600+ if your roommates don’t cough up their portion of the rent on time. The best advice is to decide ahead of time what is the most important to you. Perhaps you prefer a tenant lease with a private bedroom and laundry facilities. Or maybe you’d really like to live in a specific block area or have a swimming pool. Make a list of priorities, check with the local students or campus staff and start searching. You’ll be moving in before you know it!
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