5 Perks of Choosing Off Campus Housing

Choosing off campus housing can be one of the best decisions a college student can make. With many benefits, there are plenty of perks to living away from school. Here are some of the best reasons to live off campus instead of in traditional dorms.

1. Freedom & Privacy

Living off campus offers more freedom and privacy than dorms. Since you aren’t living in a college-controlled environment, you don’t have to abide by all the same rules and regulations. Plus, you can come and go as you please without having to worry about curfew or other restrictions that may be in place. You also don’t have to share a room with anyone and can enjoy the privacy of your place more than you would in a dormitory.

2. Lower Cost

In most cases, living off campus will be much cheaper than living in a traditional dorm. Since you’re not paying for amenities like meal plans, college-controlled utilities, or other services that come with living in a dormitory, you can save a significant amount of money. Plus, there are often more economical options available off campus than on.

3. More Amenities

Many apartment buildings have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that are not available in college-run housing. You also may be able to find an apartment with features like better insulation and air conditioning, or with access to high-speed internet.

4. Socializing

Student-friendly apartments offer common areas like lounges, which allow you to socialize and make new friends. Plus, there are often more opportunities for community events and activities when you live off campus than there are in a dormitory.

5. Convenience

Living off campus can offer many conveniences that living on campus can’t. For example, you can quickly access grocery stores and other necessities near your apartment that may not be as close to the dorms. According to a New York Times article from 2016, 87% of students live off campus, so it’s easy to find other students in the same situation who can help make settling into your new home easier.

There are many perks to choosing accommodation away from campus that make it an attractive option for college students. With more freedom and privacy, lower costs, amenities, and better convenience, living in off campus housing can be a great choice for anyone looking for an alternative to dorms. Give us a call today for more information on our off campus housing.

5 Steps to Take Before Moving Into a Rented Home

Moving into a rented home is no small feat! Before you start packing your bags, there are some key steps to be aware of. After all, according to Statista, nearly 27% of Americans were renting their homes in 2016. Renting is a common choice for a lot of different people and their unique living situations. With so many people moving around, having all your assets in place gives a renter a solid foundation for starting their new life.

1.Organize

The first step to take is to get organized. Before you search for a rental, determine your budget and list out any must-haves for the home that you want. Look through online listings or contact a realtor specializing in rentals to get a sense of what’s available in your desired area.

2.Research

Once you’ve narrowed down the rental options and have decided on one that looks promising, it’s time to research both the rental property and landlord. If possible, get in touch with past tenants and ask them about their experience living there. Additionally, you’ll want to research the landlord as well. See if they have a track record of not taking care of repairs or refusing to return security deposits.

3.Inspect

The next step is to inspect the rental before you sign anything binding. Take a close look at the condition of the property and make sure you document any existing damage or issues that need to be fixed. Your landlord should have given you an inspection report prior to moving in, so make sure you compare it to the actual condition of the property.

4.Sign

Read over your rental agreement thoroughly before signing it. Make sure you understand the clauses and that any requests or expectations from both you and the landlord are included in the document. If anything doesn’t seem right, don’t be afraid to ask questions or request changes before signing.

5.Move In

When everything is clear and all of your documents are signed, it’s finally time to move in! Make sure you keep all of your paperwork on file and take inventory of everything in the rental before you start unpacking. It’s also a good idea to document any issues that arise during your first few weeks in the new home so you can request repairs from your landlord.

Moving into a rented home can be exciting and takes the burden off of dealing with a mortgage. By following these tips and being diligent in your research, you’ll have a better chance of having a successful tenancy in a home that meets your needs.