Five Things to Consider When Looking for an Off-Campus Apartment
Posted on: 27 October 2015
After being in college for a year or two, you may be ready to move out of the dorm and find an off-campus apartment. When you do so, it is important to take your time and make sure you are not rushing into a lease. The following guide walks you through a few things to take into consideration before signing a lease for an off-campus apartment.
The Location
The location of the apartment you choose is important. You do not want to have to drive an hour to and from school each day. Choose an apartment that is located close enough to your college that you can easily drive to school for your classes.
The Cost
Many college students choose to move into off-campus apartments with a few friends. This can help to cut down on the cost of the rental, but it is important to make sure that you can cover the cost of the rental on your own if anything happens and your roommate situation does not end up working out. Either that or be certain that everyone is going to sign the lease before you go for it.
The Parking
You need to have a place to park your car when you are living in an apartment. There are some apartment complexes that have parking available for residents and some that require you to find your own parking on the streets. There are often many parking restrictions in busy areas and finding parking when you need it can be difficult, so you may want to choose an apartment that has designated parking spaces.
The Amenities
When you choose an apartment, consider the amenities that are available to you. An on-site gym will allow you to cancel your current gym membership and allow you to work out whenever you want without having to drive anywhere. On-site laundry facilities are important too, because going to a laundromat can be a bit frustrating and time consuming.
The Length
Be sure that you consider the duration of the tenancy before you sign a contract for the lease. You want to be sure that you like living in the apartment before you agree to live there for the rest of the time you have in college. Initially, agree to the shortest lease term the apartment building offers to give yourself time to see if the apartment really is the best fit for you.
Taking these factors into consideration before signing a lease agreement will ensure you are making the right decision for your specific rental needs. It is best to move between semesters so that you do not have to worry about doing schoolwork and moving at the same time. Contact an establishment like O'Neil Property Management to get help in your search for a good apartment.
Share