When browsing student apartments, there are some things you should watch
for. Renting one can be one of the easiest things you do in your
college career, but if you make the wrong choice, it could be one of the
decisions you regret most. In the apartment itself, here are some
things you should look for.
When shopping for student apartments, there are a number of things you
should watch for. Renting one can be one of the easiest things you do in
your college career, but if you make the wrong choice, it could be one
of the decisions you regret most. Don't sign anything until you're sure
that the terms are favorable and agreeable. Read your lease carefully
and make sure you speak to your landlord about anything you don't
understand. Remember that a lease contract is a point of negotiation. If
there is something you don't like or don't agree with, bring it up and
see if it can't be changed. It may not be, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
In the apartment itself, here are some things you should look for.
Space: Obviously, one of the most important considerations when shopping
for student apartments is the space involved. Take note of both square
footage and the number of bedrooms. If you're living by yourself, you
should be able to get away with a fairly small place. This is
particularly true if you plan on having an active social life and won't
be spending too many nights in. A place with a lot of extra room can be
enticing, but don't get caught up in it, especially if you're on a
budget. On the other hand, if you have even one roommate, quarters can
get cramped rather quickly.
Utilities: Check with the landlord to see if utilities are covered
through the rental agreement or if you'll have to pay for them
separately. Different student apartments handle this differently, so
don't assume just because one place does it one way that they all do it
that way. It can be a big shock to get an electric bill in the mail when
you weren't budgeting for it. Water will likely be paid as a regular
addition to the rent, but phone, electric, and internet will likely be
separate and up to you. However, keep in mind that every place is
different, and you can't bet on any services covered unless they're
explicitly said to be.
Storage: Many student apartments will offer special storage spaces for
their tenants. You may find you have more stuff than will comfortably
fit into the space provided. This is where a separate storage facility
can come in handy. Perhaps you bought a washer and dryer with the
thought that you would need these appliances. Then, you find that the
apartment already provides them. You'll need a place to store these
things for a while. Check on the price of renting a space. It may be
cheaper and more secure to do it through the complex, rather than
renting a facility from a different company.
