If you are considering living off campus you’ll need to make sure you find the right housing. While many people are happy to live in the first accommodation they can you may want to be a little more careful. You could end up living somewhere that doesn’t meet your needs. However, we can help you find the right off campus housing so you find somewhere you’re happy to live.
Go On Tours
Many houses or complexes are happy for people to schedule a tour so they can have a look around the property. Why not visit a few apartments with some friends so you get a good look at them. Taking someone with you can ensure that you get their opinion too. Make sure you have a look around more than a few apartments, houses or complexes so you get a real taste for what’s out there.
While you may be tempted to sign up for the first place you see you should try to wait. Another more perfect place may be available so make sure you wait a while before you make a commitment.
Consider how you will Travel to College
How far away do you want to live from your college? Do you want to be far enough away so that you’re not close-by every day? Or would you like to be close enough so you can use the library when you need to?
The distance that you’re off campus housing is from the college will have an impact on how you have to travel there. Are you happy to walk or will you need to take the bus? Do you have a bicycle you can use or are you planning to drive? Ideally, you should have access to the library and any other areas of the college you tend to use quite a lot.
Don’t forget to consider weather conditions that can affect your travel. Lastly, remember that travel can also be quite expensive. Try to find somewhere that is in walking distance if you can.
Find out About Amenities
It’s important that you ask about the amenities offered by the housing you’re looking at. Many homes and apartments along with complexes offer some amenities that can be quite useful whereas others don’t. For example, you may be looking for a home that has a refrigerator and a washer. If you are looking around a home that has these facilities ask whether they are included.
You may also want to ask about:
- Air conditioning and heating
- Internet access
- Kitchen appliances
- Study areas
- Television access
It’s important that you know what you will be getting and what you won’t. This is because accommodation that seems ideal to begin with could end up being less than desirable.
Determine how you will furnish your New Housing
Some homes come with all of the furnishings that you need whereas others do not. You may need to work out where you’re getting the furniture for every room from. If you are moving in with other people you will have to come to an agreement about who is bringing what to the house.
If your new house is fully furnished you may not have to bring very much with you apart from your personal items.
Work on your Budget
The most important thing that you can do is to work out your budget. You need to find a home that meets your requirements but is also affordable to you. If you plan to move in with other people you’ll need to work out how much each of you needs to pay.
You will also have to work out how much you’ll need to pay for your utilities, your internet and your meals. Some places offer water and trash services whereas others do not. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting when you sign on the dotted line so you don’t end up paying more than you can afford.
When you take all of the above factors into consideration you’re much more likely to find a place that’s ideal for you. After a bit of research, you could find yourself moving into off campus accommodation you love.