Starting college can be an exciting and potentially stressful time. However, making plans for your time at college can help to reduce that stress. One of the most stressful college-related things you can do is to look for a cheap apartment.
It may seem that there are many college apartments around but none that fit the bill. Don’t worry, we can help you to find the ideal apartment.
Read on for a few tips that can help:
Know What Type Of Apartment You Want
Ideally, you will end up living in an apartment that you love. You won’t have to pay too much to stay there and it will be close to your college. Whether you are looking for a 2 bedroom college apartment or an apartment for 1, they’ll be plenty to choose from.
When you know what type of apartment you want, you can eliminate those you don’t want. This can help to narrow down your search a little.
You may also want to think about where you want to live. Do you want to spend your time at college living next to a busy city street? Perhaps you’d prefer to live somewhere a little quieter. Bear all of this in mind when you’re searching for an apartment.
Start Searching ASAP
One of the very best things you can do is to start searching ASAP. Search now, if you can. The sooner you look for a cheap college apartment, the more likely you are to find one. Apartments get snapped up very quickly. Therefore, it makes sense for you to search now.
You’ll have a wider pool of apartments to choose from. You may even be able to negotiate a price. Look online for some apartments and make a note of the ones that meet your needs. Take a look at the price, how large the apartment is and how close it is to the college.
You may need to set aside some time to visit the apartments in question. Give yourself at least a few days a month to do this. The more effort you put in, the more likely you are to find a place that’s ideal.
Ask For Help
If you’re not sure where to begin, ask for help. Reach out to those who have already spent time at college. They may be able to show you where the best apartments are. Additionally, they could give you the contact details of people and organizations who have student apartments.
You may also want to ask for help from the college you intend to go to. It is in your college’s interest to help you find an apartment. The college may have a lot of information readily available to you. Reach out and ask for help. You never know, you could find something sooner than you think.
Be Prepared To Reconsider Your Options
Always be prepared to reconsider your options. Yes, you might want an apartment to yourself, however, it could be unaffordable. Instead, consider renting with at least one other person. When you split the bills, you could find you have more money left at the end of the month.
You may also want to consider living within driving distance of the college. Apartments that aren’t close to the college can be cheaper. Yes, it would be convenient if you only had to walk a short distance to college. However, an apartment that’s a 10 minute car drive or bus ride away might be better.
Take a look at apartments that aren’t in the center of a town and see how much cheaper they are. You may be surprised.
Look For Work
A really good way to make a college apartment more affordable is by working. When you have more money coming in, paying your rent could be much more manageable. Consider looking for part time work. This might not be ideal for you. However, when you have more money in your account you’ll be pleased.
Consider Living in a Big House With Many Rooms
One of the best ways for you to stay somewhere cheap is to stay in a house with many rooms. Some student homes in your local area may house 5+ people. When many people rent a home together they can find that the costs are lowered. Not only is the rent likely to be cheaper, but the utilities may also be cheaper.
This is something that’s well worth considering when you’re searching for a place to stay. However, it may be a last resort for those who would prefer to live on their own.
Cheap college apartments do exist. They can be ideal places to stay while you study at college. Use the above tips to help you to find the right cheap apartment for you.
