Relocating to college and hunting for an apartment can be daunting, particularly if relocating to a new state or country. However, you can easily find your preferred off-campus apartment with the right tips. It will help if you remember the following Dos and Don’ts when searching for an apartment.

1. Do’s of Apartment Hunting in College

● Determine Your Needs
Before you embark on a hunting journey to find the right apartment, figure out your needs. Start by answering these questions: What proximity do you prefer to live in from your campus? What is the amount you can afford to pay as rent? Do you intend to stay with a roommate (s)? Planning your needs will assist you when searching for the perfect place that suits your needs.

● Start Your Hunt Early Enough
If you’re searching for off-campus apartments in Waterloo or any other location, understand that many fellow students are doing the same. According to Forbes, thousands of new students enroll in four-year college institutions in the U.S annually.

Whereas a certain percentage of these students may stay at home and attend part-time college classes, close to 61.8% of all U.S. college-going students are registered full-time. Therefore, it’ll be wise for you to start hunting for an off-campus apartment early enough to book one before it’s too late.

● Prioritize Vicinity to College
Staying in college hostels might not be for you, but you should at least search for an apartment within your college’s proximity. For instance, Waterloo student housing is the perfect choice if you intend to join the University of Waterloo or Wilfrid Laurier University. That way, you’ll have no trouble attending your classes while taking advantage of the services and social activities taking place at college.

● Study the Lease Agreement Carefully
A lease agreement is a legally actionable contract that sets the terms of engagement between you and your landlord. Therefore, it’s crucial to read it before putting down your signature.

For example, if you’re leasing a fully furnished apartment, ensure the furniture and appliances are recorded on the lease agreement. Also, don’t forget to try them out to ensure they’re working as they should. Furthermore, it’ll be prudent for you to create a comprehensive list of any defects in the apartment, including carpet stains, dings, and scratches, among other flaws.

2. Don’ts of Apartment Hunting in College

● Avoid Leasing from Individuals Online
Don’t become a victim of online scammers who pretend to possess apartments for leasing to students. If you have to rent an apartment from an individual, ensure you visit prospective apartments personally before considering paying for yours.

If you can’t visit in person, ensure you at least research or engage a trusted agency instead of leasing from a random landlord you found online. Beware that there are several housing scams targeting innocent students hunting for the right apartment when joining college.

● Be Careful Not to Forget Assessing the Neighborhood
While on a hunting mission for an off-campus apartment, take note of the overall safety outlook of the prospective neighborhood. Don’t get overtaken by the need to find a high-quality apartment and forget about safety, hygiene conditions, and other important aspects. Be sure to investigate such issues for you to rent an apartment in a safe neighborhood. Additionally, enquire if your college or apartment provides escorts for walking at night and any other security benefits.

● Avoid Renting an Apartment Alone
While joining college, you may not be for the idea of living with a roommate. However, you might need one to help share the burden of expenses, particularly if your college is located in a high-end city or operating on tight budget constraints. Don’t forget; it’s not just rent expenses you share but also the cost of furnishing your apartment, utilities, and other costs.

Besides the monetary benefits of sharing an apartment, staying with a roommate can offer an additional sense of security. However, when looking for a roommate, ensure you get a trustworthy person who you can peacefully live with.

Final Word
Relocating to college and finding the perfect place to live can be challenging, especially if coming from another state or country. However, by taking these Dos and Don’ts into account, you can easily find the right apartment to stay in for a while in college.

Do’s and Don’t When Apartment Hunting in College by McKenzie Jones