College is a time of great exploration – for both new and returning students. It’s also a time when many students have to face the challenge of finding affordable housing. Whether you’re looking for on- or off-campus housing, it’s important to find a place that’s safe and comfortable. Here are some tips firms like Nelson Partners recommend for finding cheap and safe student housing:
Start Early
The earlier you start, the better. If you’re planning to move away from home for the first time, there are many things to consider – including finding an affordable place that fits your needs. You never know what you’ll find until you start looking!
When it comes to college housing, don’t wait until the last minute.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement of getting ready for college and finding your classes and then lose track of time and other things! However, you should never wait until the semester has started or even moved into a dorm before looking at apartments or houses. These deals always go first, so if you wait, you’ll miss out.
When the school year starts, many landlords are looking for renters to take their properties. This is a great time to search for places because there will be many open houses and people who are eager to rent out their homes or dorm rooms. You can always save money by getting in early!
Do Your Research
Don’t rent a place without first doing your homework! You should always do a background check on the place you’re going to move into. Check out any complaints people have had about the property and find out if there is anything else you need to know before moving in.
There will be lots of information available online or through school housing offices. If you’re willing to put a little work in, you should be able to find out almost everything you need!
And Probably The Most Important One Is…
Never pay for a place upfront. Many scammers try to make money by selling fake property and then disappearing once they’ve gotten their cash. This is particularly common with rental properties (that’s why it’s even more important to do your research!) Never pay for a place without first seeing it and without reading the contract.
Consider All Your Options
While it may be tempting to rent a place that’s “closer to campus” or has a really pretty living room, remember that you don’t have to rent the first nice place you find. There are lots of options out there, and if your current one doesn’t meet your needs right now, you’ll be wasting your time. Make sure to look around and try out different places, you might even end up finding something that suits you better!
Inspect the Property Thoroughly
This should go without saying but before you sign anything, make sure you check out the property. If there are any issues with the walls or flooring, don’t hesitate to speak up. Also, try to remember what everything looked like when you first saw it – this will help if something is damaged after you move in.
By following these tips, you’re sure to find a great place to live – without breaking the bank.
