Questions to consider when choosing an apartment complex.
Picture yourself, excited for college. You have your classes picked out, the only thing you need now is a place to live. Choosing a college apartment can be a great alternative to living in a dorm or with your parents.
You get freedom, more space and awesome amenities that you might not find in a typical dorm room.
Here are the things you should consider while finding the perfect apartment space for yourself.
Price range
Obviously, this should be your first concern. Realize what your price range is BEFORE you go look at apartments.
It would absolutely suck to fall in love with an apartment and realize it is out of your price range.
Also if you are unemployed or working only game time, you might need a cosigner or a guarantor.
Location
The first question to keep in mind is how far are you willing to drive?
How far are you willing to live from your campus and job?
I personally wanted to live relatively close to campus so that I could walk to class if I wanted to. Parking is typically pretty bad on most college campuses so living close is a definite plus.
#location is so important when choosing a #apartment for #college Click To Tweet
Room styles
Important questions to ask yourself:
Do you want to live alone or have roommates?
How many roommates?
Do you mind sharing a bathroom or prefer having your own?
These questions can be vital in picking the right apartment for yourself.
Different apartment complexes will offer all types of floor plans. Go in knowing roughly what kind you would prefer.
Fees
A great thing about getting an apartment in the July/August time is that many apartment complexes have sales or special deals.
Some apartments will charge no fees, as in registration or application fees.
I would advise looking for apartments with no additional fees. When I signed my lease I paid nothing upfront.
Amenities offered
Each apartment complex will have different perks for their residents.
This is typically one of the first things that the apartment complex will show you on the tour of the facilities. Typically this will include the gym, pool, game room, computer room etc.
Questions I would suggest to ask:
What hours are the pool, gym and computer room open?
Can you print here somewhere? If so, do I have to bring my own paper?
Are there any events the complex throws?
Pluses that my apartment complex offers is a tanning bed, breakfast, and a Starbucks coffee machine.
The BIGGEST plus I believe they offer is a shuttle bus to campus. I am super excited about not having to drive to campus.
Here are the question you should ask when choosing an #apartment : #collegetips Click To Tweet
Roommate services
One thing I knew when looking at apartments is that I did not want to live alone.
My apartment complex offered a FREE roommate matching service.
I believe most apartment complexes that rent to mainly college students offer this service free.
Some of the questions were:
Do you smoke?
Are you a night owl or early riser?
Are you okay with pets? (dogs and/or cats)
and so on and so on…
Overall I would suggest to look at as many places as you can. Your perfect place is out there somewhere.
What is something you look for in an apartment? Leave a comment below!
tanya says
I could not have afforded a college apartment without roommates. For me, that was probably the most important factor.
tanya recently posted…Back to škola
Blair villanueva says
Thanks for your tips. Ah i’ve been there and I’m glad I chose the right apartment, just a few walks to my school then.