A Guide to Finding Great Housing as a College Freshman

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Congratulations on getting admitted into college! This is a big step in your life and you need to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your stay. You need to find the perfect housing as a freshman because this is probably where you will be spending the next few years of your life. You could stay in school hostels but sometimes this is not a good option. How can you find suitable housing for you? This guide has everything you need to know.

Must Haves vs Necessary Amenities

As you visit various apartments and narrow down your search, it is important to have a list of must-have amenities. Having a list of nice-to-haves will also help you choose the perfect apartment. Some must-haves are:

• Security features

• Enough space in the apartment

• Internet access

• Outdoor space

• Parking lot

The nice to haves include fitness centers, allowing pets, study rooms, swimming pools and recreational centers to name but a few. An apartment with luxurious amenities is a good choice. You will enjoy your time when away from classes and you will therefore be more productive. Try to find the best student housing in Tallahassee, FL or your particular locale to have the lifestyle that you want. These luxurious apartments provide students with a home away from home as they study.

Find the Housing that Works for You

Before you start house hunting, you need to clearly understand what your needs are. The first and most important thing to be keen about is proximity to school. Also consider the transportation methods available (if any). That said, what is your budget? Accommodation for college students is available in a wide price range. The actual price to be paid will depend on the amenities the facility has to offer and proximity to the school.

You need to start searching for your college housing early. There are many other students looking for housing so the demand is high. Start the search as soon as you get your college confirmation letter. Where should you look for accommodation? The best place to start is online listings. Narrow down the apartment search by specifying the location and desirable features. Alternatively, seek referrals. You may talk to students who have been in the college longer than you or your new teachers. Aim at getting several options at first then narrow down later.

The next step is to visit the property personally. Take a tour around the recommended properties and find out if the claims on listings are true. When visiting pay attention to the integral structure of the property, features available and the landlord. Visiting at different times of the day may help get a feel of what it will be like living in that area.

Check the Lease

College landlords are notorious for taking advantage of first time renters who know nothing about leases. It is important that you take time to understand this so as not to fall victim. A lease is a legally binding agreement you will have to sign before moving into a rented property. Ensure that you read every word on this document. To avoid trouble, only sign lease agreements that contain terms you can adhere to.

The lease duration should be clearly stated. It may be 12 months or more. You will need to stay in the property for this duration or at the very least you have to pay for the stipulated time period. The rent amount and due date will also be included in the lease agreement. Check if there are late fees and other charges. A security deposit will need to be paid for most property. Check how much this is and consider it as you budget for your housing. Other things that may be included in the agreement are the number of occupants allowed, additional charges such as parking and so on.

Choose Roommates Wisely

If you intend to live with a roommate, choose wisely. You will be living with this person for months if not years and you need to get it right so as to have a great time. Opt for a roommate who you get along with and you have similar interests. Before agreeing to be roommates, have a serious discussion about how you will live harmoniously. Set rules and agree to observe them. Talk about everything from sharing household items to how much volume to play on music and everything in between.

Conclusion

Finding great housing for college students is possible. You just need to start early and have what you want in mind. Once you start the search, compare various options considering what each has to offer. Settle for the best housing you can afford.