Heading off to college might be a big challenge for most students. You should adapt to a new environment, make friends, and balance numerous new responsibilities. Finding cheap accommodation for students is one of them. That task might be exhausting, but students need to dedicate themselves to it. A well-chosen apartment for rent means a home for the next few years.
That’s why it should be comfortable, functional, safe, well-connected with public transportation, and, finally, affordable.
In the following lines, we will try to offer some valuable pieces of advice on how to find a place that is just right for you.
Ask older students
One possible strategy is to meet older students and ask them for advice. They definitely have more experience in searching for an apartment than you. Older students can advise you which neighborhoods near the campuses have low-cost rent. They can also recommend reliable landlords.
Furthermore, they may connect you with them and vouch for you. Experienced students know trustworthy online sources for finding places. They will direct you to affordable housing sites such as Flatio as well as helpful social media groups where housing search experiences are shared.
Regularly monitor advertisements on websites, platforms, and social networks
Nowadays, it is popular to use diverse online platforms to get help. Why not use them in looking for an apartment? A few weeks before you start college, check all platforms and websites that offer accommodation for students. You will be surprised by a multitude of options.
Make a list of your priorities. In addition to being affordable, accommodation should be pleasant, bright, safe, and well-connected to the campus by public transport. Get in touch with landlords and negotiate with them. When the beginning of the school year approaches, visit the shortlisted apartments and decide on the one that suits you best.
Foster the habit of asking for help on online services. It will make your student life much easier. On Edubirdie you can pay for essay, homework, and other kind of assistance. College students have so many responsibilities, so the professional writers' help means a lot to them. It allows them to take a break, socialize, and gain experience outside of college.
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Negotiate the price with the landlord
It isn’t a secret that some landlords can take advantage of students. They know that student dormitories are overbooked, so they ask for high rents for small apartments. However, some reasonable landlords understand that students usually do not have much money for accommodation on Flatio.
You can negotiate with them and get a lower price. For example, you can walk their dogs - do the shopping for them - or babysit their kids. That way, you'll be doing them a favor, and will have extra money to afford some things.
Pay attention to the notice boards in the faculty buildings
Sometimes, the old-school way is the best. It doesn't hurt to take a look at the bulletin board or our housing platform now and then. A good offer for an affordable apartment may pop up. In that case, you should act fast - dial the phone number and check the following items.
- Is the apartment near campus or public transportation?
- Is the apartment equipped for your needs?
- Does it fit into your budget?
- Is it in a safe neighborhood?
- What are the terms of the contract and what is included in the price?
If it meets these basic conditions, it would be good if you go to see the space on the same day. Don't forget that you have a lot of competitors and that good offers disappear quickly.
Consider the option of sharing an apartment with roommates
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Living alone has so many advantages. You have your privacy and peace, you don't have to adapt to anyone's habits, and you can arrange the space however you want. Yet, living with a roommate has its good sides. First, you always have company.
A roommate can motivate you to study and make progress in college. Sharing the chores means less responsibility for you. And finally, rent costs are halved and you can share resources.
Being a roommate with a good friend from high school would be ideal. But becoming friends with a roommate you don't know is also a good thing. That way you socialize because you will also meet your roommate's friends. You learn to adapt to other people's needs, which is an important life skill.
Moreover, you develop tolerance and understanding, which is crucial for good relationships with people.
Before you start looking for an apartment, contact the dorms and ask about the availability of places. If there are no vacancies, apply one of the strategies we recommend. Whether you rely on online services and advertisements, or whether older students help you, these are certainly the most practical options.
But if that doesn't work and you need additional help, you can turn to real estate agencies. Keep in mind that you have to pay for the services of the agency, so it's not the most affordable alternative. Whichever option you decide on, we hope that you will find an ideal and affordable apartment for yourself.
Author’s Bio
Scott Roberts is a freelance copywriter with many years of experience in conducting articles on a wide variety of topics. His readers enjoy his writings almost as much as he enjoys giving advice and helping them. His fields of interest are culture, art, and healthy lifestyles.
However, he has written numerous articles about student life and often shares his own college experiences.
