One of the most critical decisions you’ll have to make as a college student is where to live while in school. Unfortunately, finding a house that ticks all the boxes including affordable rent fees, good location, and adequate amenities is something most students struggle with.
Has your time in the university halls come to an end and therefore looking for your first student apartment to move into? Here are five tips you may want to consider for successful house hunting and independent living.
Study the housing market sufficiently but act fast
A majority of university towns and cities set aside zones designed for student rental markets meaning you’re likely to find plenty of housing options ideal for you here. Begin your house search in these areas especially if your budget is quite tight or just want to stay near your peers.
While at it, do not rush to pick the first house or apartment you find vacant. Try to view as many as you possibly can to help you decide on what’s best on the market in terms of size, facilities, and location among other factors.
However, it’s important that you do not over-research as you may end up finding most of the affordable and desirable houses already taken.
Be keen on the nitty-gritties of the house
The first consideration when looking for a student apartment has to be location. You don’t want to stay very far from college and have your commuter costs go up or suffer inconveniences caused by traffic and related problems.
Besides, it’s also important you consider aspects such as the security of the neighborhood especially at night, proximity to the shops and other crucial social services, and parking spaces available among others.
Finally, being a student and therefore having education as your main business to think about, it’s only prudent that you look for a house that provides a serene environment for studying. This means getting a spacious house with an extra room or enough space to accommodate a study desk.
Use a reputable letting agency
Some universities and colleges guide their students on various issues during relocation including showing them recommended letting agencies and landlords operating around the school. If your plan is to stay in a student zone, this could be a good starting point for your house hunting process.
In addition, most colleges today organize accommodation fairs to guide students departing from the halls on how to find appropriate places to live. Be sure to attend these event for an opportunity to view different houses and interact with older students with experience of living independently. A lot other things you’re likely to learn during such fairs include legal advice, personal security, gas safety, and insurance.
On the other hand, if you wish to move to more executive and quieter areas outside the student areas, it’s recommended that you do a little more research to ensure you’re working with the right people. With so many rogue agencies and landlords to worry about today, conducting due diligence is key if you’re to enjoy a smooth experience during your relocation. If you’re in Los Angeles, Blueground, which manages several elegant apartments near UCLA, is an agency we’d highly recommend to you.
Considering roommates? Think twice
Staying with a roommate or two comes with its upsides and downsides – just like anything else. For starters, your evenings together can be a lot fun as you catch up on the day’s incidences and as you share on many other discussions. You can also significantly save on rent and other expenses that you cost-share among yourselves.
However, on the flipside, staying with roommates can turn into a nightmare if you fail to choose the right people. And the worst part? You have to stick with these people and bear with their unpleasant manners for probably an entire year as your contract stipulates. As such, take your time and think carefully before choosing those you wish to stay with. Don’t allow your existing friendship blind you when it comes to finding the right roommate. You want to stay with someone that’s willing to contribute to the housework without you having to push them, is capable of raising the required rent amount on time, and also respects personal space.
Be a good tenant
So you finally moved into your new place, what next? Ideally, you’ll call for a party with college mates and friends in what will be your first test as a tenant. Depending on what your lease agreement states, you’re required to respect other people’s peace at all times and this means keeping noise levels low and remaining polite to other tenants.
Do not play extremely loud music or dispose beer cans all over the place just because you’re holding a bash with friends. What’s more, try to keep your house tidy and avoid causing needless damages which will end up costing you when your tenancy comes to an end.
Are you facing any challenges finding a suitable student apartment? We’d love to hear your experience transitioning from school halls to your own apartment.
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