Did you know that 62% of university students live in off campus housing? If you’re looking for off-campus housing, you’ll need to take some time to lay down your strategy.
College housing can be quite an expense, for this reason, many students prefer to live in off-campus apartments. Living off-campus can be cheaper than paying room and board in a college dorm, and many students enjoy the independence and privacy provided by living off-campus.
Whether it’s your first time renting, or you have experience, it’s still important to weigh up your off-campus housing options. Here’s a guide to finding the best off campus housing.
Understand Your Budget
Before you weigh up your housing options, you first of all need to get to grips with your monthly budget. This will help you to determine how much you’re able to afford.
Remember, with off-campus accommodation, you won’t be paying room and board, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of grocery shopping when working out your budget.
Research Properties
Make a list of all of the potential affordable housing options that you like. Your college may have a list of off-campus housing, or you could try a website like this one here. You may also find listings in your local newspaper.
The important factors to consider when researching properties are whether the property is located in a desirable area, how long your commute to and from college will be, and what amenities such as shops are nearby.
You’ll probably find that properties closer to the campus will cost more as landlords know that they can charge more for the convenience. If you don’t have your own car or access to public transport, living closer to college may be essential.
Consider Having a Roommate
You may want to think about having a roommate. A roommate can help lower the cost of off-campus living. You’ll need to be confident that you trust your roommate. They need to be someone who will pay their share of the bills.
Having a roommate could make your living situation financially easier, however, if they’re irresponsible, this could lead to financial issues.
What Questions Should You Ask When Viewing Off Campus Housing?
Once you’ve got a few options, visit each of them. Don’t be tempted to sign up for a property based on the pictures or information you’ve seen. Make sure you view it in person.
Chat with the landlord when you visit and ask plenty of questions. Some questions you may want to ask include:
- How much is the rent and what are the payment terms?
- Are you responsible for paying utility bills?
- How much is the security deposit?
- Is there Wi-Fi included?
- Are repairs covered by the lease?
Once you’ve viewed each house, compare the pros and cons of each.
Finding Off-Campus Housing
When looking for off campus housing, make sure and work your budget out beforehand. Consider getting a roommate, and ask questions when you view the property to make sure it’s right for you.
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