Important Things to Consider When Choosing Off-Campus Housing

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Important Things to Consider When Choosing
Off-Campus Housing
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• Moving off campus can serve as a rite of passage
  for many college students. Renting your first
  apartment properly introduces you to adulthood
  and adult responsibilities. However, successfully
  moving (and living) off campus requires some
  knowledge and planning. Carefully planning your
  move can make the process quicker, easier, and
  less stressful. To achieve this, however, you
  must know what to do and how to do it. Below are
  some things you should consider before moving off
  campus.

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Understand the Lease

• College student or not, most people find it
  difficult to understand a lease. This is because
  leases are usually long and complicated. However,
  you should learn and understand the finer points
  of your lease. For example
• The length of the lease (short-term or
  long-term). Short-term leases are 6 months
  whereas long-term ones are 12 months.
• If there are additional fees

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• Maintenance standards and procedures
• The rental rate and payment process
• Conditions for the security deposit
• Fees for amenities or additional services
• Make sure these points are clear before signing
  the lease. Also, make sure you request a
  walkthrough before the lease is even presented to
  you.

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Consider All-Inclusive Housing

• An all-inclusive apartment is a must-have for
  college students. All-inclusive basically means
  that the utilities are included in the rent.
  These utilities often include gas, electric,
  cable, internet, garbage collection, and water.
  Although, free cable and internet are often a
  part of an amenities package. For most students,
  all-inclusive housing is easier, more convenient,
  and more affordable. Fortunately, most student
  accommodation is also all-inclusive, like the
  rooms and apartments found at Ezra-Bricker.

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Decide Between Furnished and Unfurnished Housing

• Both furnished and unfurnished student rooms for
  rent have their pros and cons, but the one you
  choose will depend on your budget and personal
  preferences. Generally, furnished apartments come
  with sofas or futons, chairs, beds, tables (of
  all types), dressers, desks, lamps, curtains, and
  other decorations basically everything youneed.
  However, these apartments are more expensive, and
  typically, the furniture and decorations cannot
  be rearranged or replaced. There are also fees
  for broken or missing items. On the other hand,
  unfurnished apartments are much more affordable
  and allow you to decorate as you like. But if you
  cant afford furniture, renting a furnished
  apartment could be more affordable than buying
  your own.

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Look Around

• To find the right apartment for your wants and
  needs, youll need to look around. This means
  checking out multiple apartments and areasuntil
  you find one that fits. Just make sure your
  perfect fit includes an affordable,
  all-inclusive apartment in a safe neighborhood
  with student-friendly amenities, and proximity
  to your campus, major roads, and public transit.
  Additionally, before choosing a room or
  apartment, tour them and their respective
  neighborhoods.