6 Ways to Make Living Off-Campus Easier

student housing in delaware

According to a New York Times report, more than 87% of college students choose housing outside campus. For many students, it is the first time living alone in another city away from home. While it can be an exciting time, there are also challenges. In this article, we’ll look at some tips for making the most of your off-campus life.

1. Research Housing Units

When you’re looking for suitable student housing in Delaware, you shouldn’t settle for the first unit you see. It is crucial to keep in mind that where you choose to live may impact your mental well being.

If you are looking for student apartments, you may want to interact with other people with similar interests. Maybe you may prefer living with like-minded students. You can review college forums with information shared by the school’s alumni. Make use of those resources to research the social environment of the apartments nearby.

2. Think Backwards to Create an Ideal Experience

Start by imagining what you would want from your off-campus housing. If you are looking for a pet-friendly apartment, you need to start your search early. Having a vision of what you want can help you anticipate challenges, and you’ll be in a position to plan more effectively. It also helps you have some bare minimums in mind, which allows you to identify and eliminate apartments that don’t meet your requirements early on.

3. Consider Access to Transportation

If you need to commute to student housing in Delaware, you may spend a significant amount on transportation. So it is wise to take time and evaluate the means you’ll be relying on to get to school.

The most affordable option from your apartment to your school is public transportation. Make a point of planning how you will be commuting daily.

4. Evaluate the Security of the New Apartment

It is always wise to consider the security of the apartments for students you choose. Take time to evaluate housing and determine if getting to and from school is safe. Your apartment should be in a secure location with proper locks and security systems. The management should also have some security protocols that regulate who gets in and out of student housing apartments.

5. Budget Wisely

If you’re planning to live outside the campus, budgeting will be an essential part of survival. The chances are that you’ll be far away from your friends and schoolmates. Reports suggest that up to a third of students underestimate how much they’ll spend in college.

If the student housing in Delaware is outside the campus, you may not have access to the school’s dining. You, therefore, need to plan how you’ll be getting food. Will you make plans to cook? Or can you find an eatery that is convenient and affordable?

6. Come up with House Rules

You may choose to share housing with one or more roommates to manage your budget. You need to come up with some house rules on how you will share chores and expenses. An agreement between roomies can help you resolve conflicts and keep your Delaware student housing clean and presentable.

There are several things to consider when looking for suitable student housing in Delaware. Remember, everyone is prone to making mistakes, especially if it’s the first time. However, with early preparation, you can counter some of the challenges that come with off-campus living.

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an Apartment Off-Campus

renting an apartment

Renting an apartment off-campus can be exciting, allowing you to enjoy flexibility regarding where and who you live with. While trying to avoid dorm life, most students tend to make rookie mistakes that cost them dearly. Here are four common pitfalls to avoid when you are deciding on Delaware student housing.

1. Falling in Love Too Fast

The US Census Bureau says that 33% of renters move each year. Four out of five will go online to search for apartments for rent. Technology continues to revolutionize the rental experience, with students identifying and closing deals for the spaces through online listings.

While you may fall in love with the plenty of pictures flashed on the site, you may never know what’s missing. Nothing kills the excitement of finally moving than discovering that the rooms look nothing like the photos posted. Before signing the rental agreement, make sure you visit the apartment in person. You can catch any deal-breakers before signing the lease.

2. Not Screening Roommates

It is always an excellent idea to find someone to live with when renting an apartment off-campus. You can share the rental cost as well as the various utility bills. However, you may need to be careful not to overlook the housemates you will share your space with.

Most students wrongfully assume that they will enjoy living with someone just because they are their friend. You may need to consider other factors, such as the desired level of cleanliness, sleeping schedules, and noise levels. Find roommates that are easier to get along with for the best rental experience.

3. Going Overboard on Your Budget

It can be tempting to look for luxurious student rental units. However, living off-campus tags along with the expensive realities of living in Newark, DE rentals. It is not advisable to take on student loans and credit card debts to sustain a lifestyle you can’t afford.

Find off-campus apartments that are within your budget range. You can determine this by picking your pre-tax income and diving with 40. This figure is the rental income that you may afford. Remember to factor in the rental deposit, pet-expenses, books, and utilities.

4. Not Reading the Fine Print

In a hurry to find student housing in Delaware, most renters tend to skim through the lease agreement. They sign the document without understanding what the landlord stipulates. You may not wish to be blindsided on an aspect just because you never read everything in the agreement.

There may be restrictions provided by landlords or property managers that you may need to be aware of—for example, in-door pets. You may need to ensure that you are renting an apartment with no breed/ weight restrictions that might leave your pet out in the cold.

Renting an apartment off-campus does not have to be hectic. Doing your due diligence may help you avoid these four common pitfalls during your search. For more information on finding the right rental units for students in Newark, DE, you can contact Lang Development Group. Our experts are waiting to hear from you.

4 Tips to Help You Find the Right Off-Campus Apartment

You’ve decided that dorm life isn’t for you. You need a quiet place to study and one that lets you come and go as you please. It’s not surprising since 87% of students live off-campus, according to the New York Times. If you’re looking to move off-campus into an apartment, how do you know you have the right one for you?

Looking for apartments near college can be challenging, but if you know where to look, you’ll find the best off-campus student housing that suits you and your budget. So how do you find the best student housing in Newark? The tips below will also help you find the right student housing at the right price without wasting lots of your time searching.

Making a List of Your Must-Haves

Before you start searching for student housing, you need to know what you’re looking for in an apartment. You’ll need to know how much rent you can afford, how many roommates you’ll have, if any, and how much living space you’ll have to share with others. If you have pets, you’ll have to find out if the student apartment you’re interested in allows them. Or, if you don’t have pets, you should know if your potential roommate has them.

Looking for Student Housing Online

With a simple search of “student housing near me,” you’ll find many apartments near the school that could suit your lifestyle. Sure, you can scour sites like Craigslist, but that might take lots of time. Classified ad-type websites exist that focus solely on apartments for students. All you have to do is search for what you’re looking for on these kinds of sites, and you’ll find one that right for you.

Ask Your University

Because so many students live off-campus, your university will be able to help you find a place to call your own. As with all colleges, your university will have resources for students like housing boards and some even have a housing search feature on their websites. You may be able to find a roommate with the help of your university. They’ll be able to help you, but it may take some time to get help with so many students looking for off-campus housing.

Explore Your College Town

One way to find student apartments is to search the neighborhood that’s close to the campus where you want to live. This approach can be exciting and fun to explore your campus town.

When you’re looking for a great place to live off-campus, consider Lang Development Group. We’ll save you from all that searching online, at your university, and around town. We offer residential apartment communities designed for students, and we are sure to have that special off-campus apartment for you to call home.

What Are the Advantages of Living Off-Campus as a Grad Student?

With burdens such as a heavy work-load, the pressure to figure out your life, and a limited budget, being a graduate student can be extremely difficult, which is why the last thing grad students should have to worry about is finding safe and affordable housing. Keep reading to discover some of the biggest advantages of having off campus housing as a grad student.

1. Lower Living Costs

Housing options for college students can seem limited, especially considering financial limitations. Bestcolleges.com, along with other experts in finance, suggests that your monthly post-tax income should be used on no more than 30% of your monthly rent and utilities. This may seem like a difficult task, but luckily, finding apartments near college can help you come closer to this guideline, as many off campus housing options are significantly cheaper than university-based options. Aside from the costs of housing alone, many universities also make students living on campus buy a meal plan, which can add thousands of dollars to your budget. Living in one of the many apartments near college can help you save money on things like food and rent.

2. Greater Independence as an Adult

Another big benefit of living off-campus is the ability to become more independent, responsible, and mature. After all, as an undergrad, you already lived the college life. Graduate school is about going off on your own as an adult and adding to your educational experience. Off campus apartments near college can be a great way to transition from living in a dorm on campus to living in real post-university housing.

3. Meet Your Preferences

Lastly, a notable benefit of off-campus housing as a graduate student is the ability to customize your search to find an apartment that matches your preferences. Whether you value having space, living with friends, or having your own bathroom, there are apartments near college that can meet your needs. Unlike university housing, you usually have more control and can choose things like who to room with or where you want to stay. You may even be able to decide whether or not you want your apartment to be lively and surrounded by fellow students or more relaxed and peaceful. Having a living place that caters to your preferences can make a huge difference, especially depending on how strong of preferences you have.

Choosing a place to live can be an important decision, especially as a graduate student. Make sure to do your research and take all of your needs into consideration before making a decision, as you will spend a significant amount of time at your apartment and will want it to be comfortable and preferable. Off-campus apartments near college are often the best budget-saving, independence-inducing, and personalized option. Happy apartment hunting!

Off-Campus vs. On-Campus: 3 Reasons Why Off-Campus Housing Is Best

As a college kid, it’s intimidating to think about housing options, especially if you’ve never lived away from home before. If you’re comparing student housing to off campus housing options, we recommend the latter. While it’s tempting to launch a search for student housing near me, consider the perks of living off campus before settling into a dormitory.

1. You Save Money Renting Off-Campus

University housing is a tempting offer, especially with the promises of provided meals, cleaning, and the proximity to your classes. However, student housing options can end up costing you way more than renting an apartment with a few roommates. Consider off campus housing options by checking out apartments nearby. When you sit down and do the math, it might surprise you to see how much you’re actually spending to live in a dorm or other student housing.

2. Freedom, Sweet Freedom

Off campus housing options don’t only save you money on rent; they also grant you a level of freedom that you don’t get within student housing. For example, if you want to show up at your apartments near school at 1:30 in the morning, you can do that. When you live on-campus, there is often a curfew and rules regarding in and out times — not to mention rules about who can and cannot enter the building.

Additionally, you can count on privacy, especially if you live by yourself. If you choose off campus housing options like looking into apartments for rent, then you are completely withdrawn from the dorm experience. If you close your bedroom door, you know this it will be closed when you return. You leave leftovers in the fridge (and it’s a FULL fridge, not a mini-fridge), they will be there later.

Finally, it’s up to you to set your schedule. While dorms don’t explicitly drag you out of bed and force you to class, there are plenty of other people around to wake you up and remind you that you have class in fifteen minutes. With off campus housing options, it’s all on you. If you want to miss your seven AM class, there is nobody to bug you about it but the snooze button on your alarm. If spending the evening in the library is your plan for the night, there is nobody telling you that it’s time to leave. For perhaps the first time in your life, you are completely in charge of yourself and your rules.

3. There Is Usually a Variety

In college towns especially, there is no shortage of off campus housing for students. Plenty of homes and apartments near college are dotted all over the city, it’s simply a matter of looking for them. Look at any apartments for students that might be located close to campus. It’s not uncommon for housing managers to offer discounts for students, or run other bonuses o entice students looking for off campus housing.

It’s also worth looking at anybody who might be offering a room, basement, or mother-in-law suite for rent. Again, people who live in college towns are well aware of the supply and demand for off campus housing options, so try and think outside the apartment. Don’t think that you’re alone in needing to rent for a little bit; in 2016 it was reported that 65% of people younger than 35 were renting homes.

Deciding to look into off campus housing options is a good idea for so many reasons. If you’re about to venture out to college, look at different place to live beyond student housing. The benefits of off-campus housing far outweigh the drawbacks.

5 Current Trends in Student Housing

Changes in student accommodation needs have led to the growth of the commercial real estate industry. With 33% of renters moving annually, it is important to make your rental housing up to par to attract new tenants. Student housing options take up a huge part of commercial rentals in school districts. Read on to learn more about recent developments in student accommodation.

Sustainability

Sensitization on the importance of environmental conservation has encouraged students to embrace sustainable living. Many student housing options have adopted sustainable sources of energy, eco-friendly lighting, and green roofing. Installation of water recycling systems is one of the considerations when constructing rental units for students. Students are willing to spend more on rentals built with environmental conservation in mind.

Fast Wi-Fi and Multiple Sockets

Electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and laptops have become essential in learning. The ideal student accommodation should offer access to reliable Wi-Fi. With some students attending online classes, fast and reliable Wi-Fi will be a plus for your rentals. Student housing options should have multiple power outlets. Apartments for students that are shared should have enough sockets to accommodate the needs of all occupants.

Innovative and Multipurpose Spaces

When renting an apartment, students are likely to choose a design that appeals to their specific needs. Most students prefer simple and innovative spaces that can easily be transformed to accommodate future changes. The efficient use of space and unique finishes are some of the features that are likely to attract students.

Informal Academic Environment

Have you ever wondered why most students have resulted in living off-campus after their first year in school? Well, when the environment around students is less formal, they are likely to perform better if they are in college or university level.

Student housing options are now located in less academic settings to provide students with a whole new experience. An informal setting also makes transitioning from a student to a graduate much easier.

Variety of Living Units

Schools now offer diverse living units to meet the unique needs of different students. Other than the traditional dormitory setting, there are more options for single or shared three- or four-bedroom apartments.

The recent developments in real estate for students are tailored to provide an optimum environment for learning. Contact us today if you are looking for modern student housing options in Newark, Delaware.

3 Benefits Of Living Off Campus as a Student

According to the Rental Protection Agency, those between the ages of 15 and 34 make up about 40.6% of renters in the United States. Many of those who rent at a young age are in college investing in off campus apartments for students, which differ from university-provided dorms in a number of different ways.

While some off campus housing options are fairly similar to dorms on the surface, there are a lot of practical differences. While it may seem simpler to accept student housing outright, there are a lot of long-reaching advantages to looking for student housing off campus. Let’s look into the benefits of finding a rental for yourself as a student.

1. Cost

An obvious advantage of choosing off campus apartments for students over dormitories is cost. Universities make a lot of their money off of student housing, and they often charge more for living space in their general areas than comparable rental options would. Now, student housing does offer units that are cleaned by professionals after you leave. But where a student may pay the equivalent of $1,000 a month for a dorm that they share with another student, they could split a similar unit in the same area with roommates and thus save a significant amount of money.

Although we use the term off campus, a lot of buildings that students can rent within are extremely closer to on-campus housing. In some cases, an off campus building could be across the street from an on-campus building. The cost is definitely a consideration, especially for students, who already have to pay for tuition, books, and other fees associated with a university education.

2. Pets Are Allowed In Off Campus Housing

For many people, a major benefit of off campus apartments for students is that pets are often allowed in off campus apartments. Though every apartment building’s requirements differ, many allow students to keep pets in their apartment for an additional pet rent fee and pet deposit. Pets can be a major emotional aid when a student is going to school. They allow comfort, as well as a purpose and emotional release. Pet-friendly housing is much easier to find off campus.

3. Roommate Options

Very few dorms in major universities allow students to live independently. Off campus apartments for students are available for individuals who want to live without roommates as well as individuals who want to choose their roommates and apply for a lease with them. There are a lot of personal benefits to having this kind of control over your housing options. Many people report being happier in their own apartments, which they can decorate how they wish, without interference from a roommate.

There are so many benefits to choosing your own independent apartment off campus. You can have control over your decor, your own apartment’s rules, and so much more. For many students, this is a part of transitioning into adulthood. Take advantage of this opportunity and try living off campus.

How Off Campus Living Can Benefit Over-Stressed College Students

According to a New York Times article, nearly 87% of college students are living off-campus. While we many think of dorm rooms as the traditional place for students to stay, in truth, choosing to live in apartments near schools can have many benefits that can make the college experience a little more enjoyable. If you are going to be attending college and are considering the housing options for students, here is why you should take a look at nearby apartments before signing up for a dorm.

1. Saving Money

Living in a dorm can be expensive, even more so that apartments near schools. Costs can further be saved if you opt to live with a roommate and split the cost of the rent and utilities. However, you can also opt to live alone, which is a luxury that you might not be afforded in a dorm, where multiple students usually share one space. If you’re able to find apartments near school, you should check if any utilities are included with the rent, and calculate your monthly costs versus the cost of a dorm. In many cases, garbage and snow removal will be included.

2. A Quieter Place to Study

Dorms can be loud and when you’re sharing one space with other people it can be difficult to find a quiet place to study. While you could always hole up in the library, having your own living space to retreat to is always better. Even if you are living with roommates, you will still have your own bedroom to study in, and as long as your roommates aren’t party animals, you’ll have a much easier time studying for those tough tests.

3. Cooking Your Own Meals

Another thing many dorms don’t have is access to a private kitchen area. This means that you’ll either be ordering take-out or living off of ramen made in the communal microwave. With your own apartment, you can feel free to cook whatever you like, whenever you like. This can also help make healthier meals more accessible, giving students a better way to eat throughout their college careers.

4. Privacy and Health

Living in apartments near schools can also help give students more privacy, something most young adults moving away from home are eager for. This privacy can help prevent stress and give students more time to relax between classes. Additionally, staying in apartments near the school, as opposed to shared dorms, can also help increase hygiene. Because good hygiene is such a huge concern, especially now, staying away from communal bathrooms and kitchens, and not sharing sleeping spaces, can help keep you healthier throughout the semester.

5. Preparing for the Future

Apartments for students also can help young adults begin to build a rental history that can help make it easier for them to find another apartment after graduation. This ‘real world’ experience can also help teach you budgeting habits that can help make living on your own easier after school.

While dorm rooms have their uses, many students can benefit from living in off-campus apartments near their schools. If you are looking into your housing options as a student, consider the advantages listed above, and reach out to a student housing development group and check out the apartments they have available for rent today.

4 Tips to Find Affordable Student Rentals

If you’re starting college this year — either as a first-time student in a new city or an experienced student who wants to move off-campus this year — it’s important to start the search for your student rentals early. You aren’t the only one searching for off-campus housing; chances are that the demand is high. According to a study conducted by the Rental Protection Agency, roughly 2,654 people enter the U.S. market looking for rentals every day, with many of them searching for affordable housing. A good portion of those people are students. To help you in your search, we’ve put together a quick checklist guide of four tips to help you get started with finding your perfect student rentals.

Choose the Location of Your Student Rentals Wisely

As a student, you want to choose your location wisely. You should be sure you are close enough to campus that you have no difficulty making it to class on time. This is especially true if you don’t have a car and are relying on public transportation or walking and biking to get to and from campus. If you are taking public transportation, make sure these hubs are near enough to your apartment that they’re a viable option. Even if you are planning to drive, you need to make sure that you can make it through traffic with time to spare. Because you are living off-campus, you also need to make sure that it is near enough to necessary amenities such as the grocery store or laundry services. As any student will tell you, you don’t want to add any stress to your day once you get started with due dates, projects, and tests during the school year.

Set Your Budget and Find a Roommate

It’s important to know your budget while you are looking. It’s also important to have roommates lined up if you are going to have them. Knowing what all of you will be able to pay per month will help you narrow your search and allow you to find your apartment much more quickly. While you are looking, you should also be aware of hidden fees like the cost of utilities including energy bills, internet, water, cable, and trash, as well as additional fees like parking and laundry services. Additionally, if the apartments your are viewing aren’t furnished, be aware of the possible cost of furnishing them yourself.

Take the Time to Visit Prospective Student Rentals and View Multiple Options

No matter how perfect an apartment looks online, always take the time to view it in person before you make any sort of commitment. You want to make sure that it really is what you thought and that the neighborhood and surrounding areas are safe. You’ll always want to view multiple options before deciding on one. No matter how amazing you think the first apartment you view is, there’s always the chance that you could find a better one for less money that’s closer to campus or that has the amenities you want.

Ask Questions and Always Read the Lease Agreement

You should always as your potential landlord questions before you agree to anything. You should ask things like:

  • What is included in the rent and what additional fees will I be responsible for?
  • Has the apartment been cleaned?
  • How safe is the neighborhood?
  • Are pets allowed?

Likewise, read the entire lease agreement and understand what you will be signing if you get the apartment. It’s important to understand the fees and liabilities you will adhere to, the end date of your lease, and the penalties should you break it. And remember, don’t be afraid to ask the landlord additional questions specifically about the lease if you are unclear about any point.

Beginning the search to finding the perfect student rental can seem daunting. But hopefully, this quick guide has made it seem a bit easier. Contact your local real estate acquisition company to help you in your search. If you are near Newark, Delaware, you can contact the Lang Development Group to help you find affordable student housing options near your campus. Start your next school year off right by finding an apartment early and avoiding the last-minute housing rush.

How To Choose the Right Student Apartments For Rent

apartments for rent

Transitioning to college can be an exciting time. You get to move out and start an independent life. There are plenty of options available to consider for your university accommodation. If you are not comfortable with the college dorm life, you can opt for an off-campus apartment for students.

Living off-campus offers you the flexibility to choose where to live or who to live with. You get to enjoy more independence and privacy than in the dorm setup. But how do you determine the most suitable off-campus housing? Here are seven tips to help make the selection process less stressful.

1. Decide on Roommates

The benefit of off-campus accommodation is that you can choose to either live alone or in shared apartments. If you have friends joining the same university, you may decide to team up and rent a fully-furnished apartment but with certain common areas. However, more often than most, you will end up with strangers. Choose your roommates carefully as they may affect your living experience off-campus.

2. Find the Right Location

It is essential to keep in mind the distance between your preferred apartments for rent and the school campus. The closer you are to the university, the better it is for you. Research the area for other essential social amenities. Choose flats close to restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and student hangout centers.

3. Check Out Security

Around 73% of students say that the safety of the neighborhood they live in affected their apartment choice. It is vital to choose a safe off-campus student housing unit. Ask the property manager to inform you of the various measures put to safeguard the students and their property. These can be secure door entries, video surveillance in common areas, and security guards.

4. Examine the Infrastructure

The location of the available apartments for rent will influence the type of infrastructure available. Infrastructure may affect transportation, communication, and connectivity. Always try and choose an area that’s easily accessible via the available means of transport. If you prefer using a personal vehicle, you may need to factor in parking spaces and costs associated with it.

5. Know Your Budget Limits

Another factor to keep in mind is the pricing of the housing unit. Shared apartments allow renters to lower their monthly rental expenses. It is essential to determine your price range and find a student housing that fits within the budget. You may need to put down a deposit, typically a month’s rent. The money is refundable when you move out if you follow the proper moving out procedures.

6. Determine the Cost of Utilities

Utilities significantly improve your comfort level in the rented space. You may need to factor in expenses for water, electricity, gas, cable, and internet. Some properties offer a standard flat fee, while others vary the cost. Choose a model that fits your needs.

7. Find Some Student-friendly Amenities

Not all apartments for rent provide the same perks. The units differ in the type of amenities and facilities they have. Some of the common amenities students prefer are fitness centers, gaming rooms, computer lounges, swimming pools, and many more. Check your terms of the lease to find out the amenities available and the cost you may incur for their use.

Finding the best off-campus apartments for rent does not have to be hectic. The tips above will guide you to choose the right student housing for you. Are you looking for off-campus housing for students in Newark, DE? Lang Development Group can set you up with excellent housing options that fit your budget.