Many students start their time at college living on campus but end up deciding to move into an apartment after a few semesters. Whereas this change is nowhere as big as moving out of your family home, it’s still a major transition. There are a few things you need to do to prepare to live off campus to ensure you’ll be comfortable and happy.
1. Choose the Right Roommates
When deciding who to share an apartment with, consider what it would be like to live with particular friends and acquaintances. It’s important to find responsible roommates who will contribute to cleaning, will pay their share of the bills on time, and have a similar lifestyle to you. For instance, you should have similar ideas as to how often you want to invite guests over and when you want to keep the apartment quiet for studying.
2. Search for Affordable Apartments
Have a budget in mind before you start searching for apartments. After all, it’s a waste of time to visit apartments that are too expensive. When calculating how much you can afford, remember to take into account factors like utility bills and transport — you’ll spend much less on transport if you live within walking distance of campus.
3. Read the Lease in Full
Unfortunately, there are landlords who try to take advantage of students’ inexperience. Before you sign a lease, read it carefully and ask someone else to take a look, such as a parent or an advisor at college. In particular, check for policies about fees, lease termination, maintenance, and parking.
4. Inspect the Apartment Before Moving In
Check the apartment for damage before you move in. Keep a log with photographs to have evidence of any damage that’s already present to avoid being on the hook for extra charges when you move out.
5. Take Out Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is inexpensive and could save you a huge amount. It will cover you if your apartment suffers a fire, flood, or burglary.
6. Set Some Ground Rules
Setting rules with roommates can feel uncomfortable, but it’s important. For example, you’ll need to have a chore schedule, decide how you’ll share food (you may want to each buy your own or you may prefer to share some basics, like condiments), and agree on etiquette for guests.
7. Always Pay Your Rent and Bills on Time
Living off campus is a great way to start building a rent history and credit score — but only if you pay on time. Make sure you never miss a payment.
8. Save Money By Preparing Your Own Meals
Moving off campus means no more meal plans. This can save you a significant amount of money, but only if you start cooking for yourself rather than eating out. Make a meal plan in advance and use it to figure out what you need to buy from the grocery store. If you have limited experience cooking, start with easy recipes until you’ve gained more confidence.
Key to a great living experience is finding good rooms for rent. Oshawa students can move into Foundry Simcoe. The lease covers a fully-furnished private bedroom, high-speed internet, and a washer and dryer in your unit. You’ll be sharing with either two or four other students — these can be your friends or you can ask us to match you with roommates. Apply now to take advantage of the lowest rates we’ve had all year.