Finding the perfect college housing is a difficult task. Luckily, there are many off-campus options for students who want more freedom and independence than they would get in dorms. But with so many choices around, where do you even start? Here are some tips to help you find the best off-campus housing solutions for your needs. One significant thing to consider when looking for off-campus housing is your budget. Figure out how much you can part with each month on rent and utilities, and then start your search within that price range. Don’t forget to include other expenses, like groceries, transportation, and internet/cable, in your budget. Another thing to remember is that off-campus housing typically costs more than campus housing. So when on a tight budget, consider staying in on-campus housing and commuting to school. Also, don’t forget to ask about the security features of each apartment. A great option is a gated community with a complex key fob entry system.
Secondly, aim at getting the most out of your housing options. If you want to benefit from your off-campus housing options, I suggest looking at apartment listings in your school’s surrounding area. There are many great places for rent within a short drive or bus ride from campus. You can even search online for homes that are a little bit further away and more affordable if you’re willing to commute 30 minutes or more each day. Before visiting any apartments, take the time to find out how many bedrooms and bathrooms they have available. If there aren’t any amenities listed online, it may also be helpful to ask about amenities such as parking, utilities included in rent, and laundry.
Thirdly, think of the location. Are you on a major college sports team? You may want to consider residing near another nearby school, so you have easy access to away games. If you’re not on any college teams, it can still be helpful to live near other schools as well. For one thing, it will be easier to get home from classes if they are closer by. In addition, there may be more off-campus housing options available in areas that contain several colleges and universities. So keep this in mind before becoming too attached to an apartment or rental house on the other side of town.
Finally, figure out your transportation needs and options. Most college students can walk or bike to their classes without a second thought. However, if you’re not close such that you can walk or live too far from campus, you’ll need to find out what your options are for getting back and forth from school. You may be able to drive a car, ride a bike, take the bus, or even use public transportation such as a train station. Or maybe there is a shuttle service available at your school that can bring you home after night classes. It all depends on where the schools are located about each other and how far apart they are from your off-campus housing options.