Tips for Moving Off Campus

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Tips for Moving Off Campus
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• Living off campus can make you feel free and
  independent. However, it wont make you feel that
  way if you dont find a good place to live.
  Unfortunately, finding that good place isnt
  always simple, especially for students. On the
  other hand, there are some tips that can help you
  get through. Below are a few of these tips that
  can help you find cool, worry-free off-campus
  housing.

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Only Apply to Student-Friendly Places

• Student-friendly apartments for rent in
  Kitchener, Waterloo have several features
  Theyre close to campus, close to transport,
  offer a community and flexible lease terms, and
  provide a variety of amenities. This means
• Your apartment should be in walking distance or
  less than a 10-minute drive away from your
  university.

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• Your lease agreement should include terms for
  early termination, subletting or moving in new
  roommates.
• Utilities should be inclusive (if possible).
• There should be useful amenities, such as a study
  lounge or gym.

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• Try to find a place that doesnt expect
  long-term renters, so that you can move out early
  if needed. Remember that its not fair to leave
  your landlord hanging. Additionally, sign alease
  with a fixed rental rate, because its also not
  fair for the landlord to unexpectedly raise your
  rent.

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Start the Search Early

• During the fall, residence halls and/or student
  apartment communities can fill up quickly. This
  means youll need to apply for your apartment as
  early as possible. And the summertime is the
  right time. Searching during the summer could
  help you secure the most unique and affordable
  apartment on the market. If you wait until the
  fall, you might not be able to secure any student
  housing in Waterloo, whether off or on campus.

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Consider Your Budget

• Generally, off-campus housing is considered more
  affordable than on-campus housing. However, this
  depends on several factors. These factors
  include
• The location of the apartment
• If utilities are included in the rent (inclusive)
• Additional rental or service fees
• How well you budget

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• Apartments in high-demand areas are typically
  smaller and more expensive. Try to find a place
  thats close to campus and amenities but outside
  of high-demand (expensive) areas. Inclusive
  housing can help you save money, while
  streamlining the bill-payment process. Many
  apartments also come with additional fees for
  amenities, parking, furniture rental, etc., so
  look for these extras before signing the lease.

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• Budgeting-well means forgoing frivolous
  luxuries, only purchasing affordable household
  items or furniture, and paying your bills
  on-time. However, look for deals wherever you can
  find them, especially those that can help you
  save on rent. These deals include inclusive
  and/or furnished apartments. But if you cant
  afford an apartment on your own, find a roommate
  or two.