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.
