Month: May 2021

Making the big move from college dorm to off-campus housing is among the most significant decisions most students make. After finding the perfect apartment that suits student housing and reviewing the lease, the next challenging step is to make your move as comfortable and cost-friendly as it can get.

Transitioning from dorm life to off-campus housing isn’t always easy. It requires a well-thought plan and thorough preparation. However, this doesn’t mean that it has to be a nerve-wracking move. A new unit is rented every 80 seconds in the US, and a new renter moves in their belongings to an apartment every 30 seconds. Therefore, you should remember you are not alone as long as you make calculated moves. Read on to learn some of the things that can make your off-campus move easier.

1. Get Yourself a Roommate

One of the advantages of moving to off-campus housing is that you can choose who you want to share your apartment with, and at the same time, save lots of money.

Having a roommate means that you get someone with whom you can split bills. Ensure that you both plan on how much you’ll be contributing to avoid conflicts later on. Also, discussing how much you can raise before the move will ensure that you both get into a manageable apartment.

2. Have a Budget in Place

This being your first move, there might be some things that you may not be anticipating. An off-campus move requires a lot of new expenses. From new furniture to utilities, not to mention you’ll be buying your grocery. Therefore, ensure that you create a budget that enables you to live with ease.

3. Consider Second-Hand Shops

Buying everything at once for your move is very expensive — therefore, finding a good bargain shop might come in handy. A lot of second-hand furniture is always in mint condition. Save money by buying these used items but be very careful of furniture that has bugs.

4. Learn to Do Things by Yourself

Now that you’ll be living off-campus and there will be no janitors or cafeterias, it’s advisable to learn to do your grocery shopping and clean. Avoid eating out to save on cash.

Living off-campus is one of the life-changing decisions you will ever make. You learn how to manage your money and at the same time get to enjoy freedom away from your parents or dorm administrations.

Dorm rooms can feel confining. As a result, many college students would rather live off-campus because of the freedom and independence it comes with. But renting off-campus can be a tricky affair.

It is estimated that 33% of renters move each year largely due to unmet expectations. Thus, before you move into Newark DE rentals, here are questions you should ask your landlord before signing the lease.

What’s the Rent Amount?

The first thing you should ask is the rent amount. By asking about the cost, you’ll get the chance to negotiate the amount with the landlord. Additionally, you’ll learn more about whether there are any penalties for late rent or pet fees.

What’s Included in the Rent?

Living in an off-campus apartment can be exciting. Until you get a bill you hadn’t anticipated. In some student rental units, utilities such as gas, electricity, cable, and internet aren’t included in the rent. Thus, before you sign a lease, ask your property manager what’s included in the rent so that you’re not hit by unexpected bills.

What’s the Transportation Situation?

Moving into an apartment for rent and finding out there’s no convenient transportation to campus can be a nightmare. If you use public transportation or the university shuttle, find out whether the ride times are convenient with your class schedule.

Is There Parking Available?

If you are driving yourself to campus, find out about the parking situation. While some student rentals include parking in the fees, others don’t. If your apartment falls in the latter category, finding out about the parking cost will prevent you from the surprise cost later. Additionally, you should find out whether the parking is secure. In some student rentals, there are dedicated parking lots for residents, while in others, there is just street parking. Finally, inquire about visitor parking as well, when family and friends visit.

Are Visitors Allowed to Stay Overnight?

Dorm rooms tend to have strict rules regarding visitors. Off-campus apartments tend to be less strict. However, before you move into Newark DE rentals, ask about the visitor’s policy. Like dorms, some student rentals have fairly strict overnight guest policies. Therefore, ask about it to avoid disappointment later on.

Are Co-Signers Necessary?

Some landlords may need co-signers to get a glimpse of your rental history. But, if you’re renting for the first time, you won’t have any. Therefore, you should ask whether co-signers are necessary so you can tag along your parents to sign the lease with you.

What are the Amenities?

If you decide to spend more to live in an off-campus apartment, you’ll want certain benefits. Inquire about them before you move into the apartment. Amenities such as a pool, game room, fitness center, and laundry room can make your stay more pleasurable. As a rule of thumb, the more you pay, the more you should get.

What’s the Neighborhood Like?

Neighborhoods close to campus tend to be more student-centric, while those far away are usually more family-friendly. If you’re looking for a quiet environment conducive to studying, you’ll want to look for student housing in the latter.

These are just some of the questions you should ask your property manager before you sign the dotted line. But if other questions come to mind, do not hesitate to let your property manager know your concerns to avoid disappointment or surprise later on. If you’re looking for Newark DE rentals, contact us. We’ll be ready to answer your questions and help you find the right apartment for you.