Everything You Need to Know Before Renting in College

When arriving at college, the most apparent accommodation solution is to stay in your school’s dorm, together with other peers. However, everyone who tried it knows that living in a dorm is associated with lots of different struggles. There is almost no privacy, lots of noise, and plenty of other issues too. From this perspective, renting your own home can seem like a much better idea. But is it really so?

Although renting a home on your own or with friends can sound like an exciting idea, it is also pretty stressful and challenging and has its cons too. So, before you decide to do this, it’s crucial that you do some brainstorming. This article will tell you about the key things to know before renting as a student.

Renting on Your Own is Tough

Students’ lives are hectic and stressful. All young people have to deal with lots of assignments, study sessions, test preps, and other academic issues. Sometimes, the load gets so intense that students turn to services like Writepaper.com because they simply can’t even cope with everything.

And then there are many personal challenges and chores too.

So, having a bit of personal space where you won’t get distracted by anyone feels like a great idea. After all, too little privacy is one of the most common reasons for moving out of college dorms.

But, there is one big issue. Living on your own can be more private and stress-free. But, it is also very expensive. An average monthly cost of an apartment near the campus is around $1,000 plus extras like bills, deposits, fees, etc. Not every student can afford this. Therefore, in most cases, it is better to give up a bit on your privacy and find a roommate.

Finding a Good Roommate is Uneasy

Since paying the full rent out of your own pocket is quite expensive, as was mentioned earlier, finding a roommate is a good solution. But, finding a good one is not as easy as you can expect. First of all, not all of your friends will be willing to do this, especially if you are studying in a large city like New York. Why? Because it was expensive! So, be ready to hear lots of rejections.

Apart from this, there are many basic considerations to keep in mind. When looking for a roommate, you want to find someone reliable and responsible who will not make overdue payments and will help you with home chores. Also, you need a person you can trust. If candidates have pets, you should consider them as well. And finally, you want a roommate who will share your lifestyle.

Only after considering all these things can you offer someone to become your roommate. And be ready that there will be certain challenges. But, if you choose the right person, you will get through it!

Transportation Must Be Considered in the First Place

When deciding to move out of the dorm, many students falsely believe that they will start spending less time on campus. Therefore, they see nothing bad in renting a home further away from their college because it can be significantly cheaper. But, this is a big mistake, especially if you don’t keep transportation in mind.

Even if you won’t stay on campus 24/7, you will still have to spend lots of time there. You will attend classes and lectures, visit your friends, participate in college events, etc. So, if you find a home away from college, you will need to travel back and forth pretty much every day. And this is something you have to consider.

Before renting, consider how hard it will be to get to your campus. If it is a long ride, it can be very time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. So, don’t forget to keep this in mind.

Having a Pet Will Cause Extra Challenges

Having your favorite cat, dog, or another pet by your side can make any place feel more like home. So, there is no wonder why students often get pets to reduce the feeling of homesickness and loneliness. But, here is a thing – dorms are often much more pet-friendly than rented apartments.

If you also have a pet, there are a few things you need to know before opting for off-campus housing. First, you need to know that many apartment owners will charge an additional pet fee that will cover the damage caused by an animal (if any). Also, many owners will ask you about your pet’s medical history and vaccinations.

Finally, it is important to know that you will bear all the responsibility for the property damage caused by your furry friend. This is just something you have to be aware of.

Rental Period Affects the Cost

When you start looking for an apartment for rent, one of the first things you will have to decide on is how long you are planning to stay. The typical lease options range from a month-to-month to a one-year lease.

On the one hand, students often opt for shorter lease periods. It makes sense because a month-to-month lease gives you more flexibility for unexpected situations, for example, if you leave your location for a study abroad program. Secondly, you can easily decide not to renew your short-term lease, whereas breaking a long-term lease earlier will put the additional liability on you.

However, there is also another side of the coin. Long-term leases are often much more affordable than short-term ones. It doesn’t mean that renting for an entire year will work for you. But, you have to consider this option too.

Lease Contracts Can Be Very Tricky

Finally, one last thing you must know before renting in college is that lease contracts can get tricky. While some owners keep agreements standard and straightforward, others can include many hidden details there. These can consist of confusing liability terms, penalties, extra charges, policies, etc. Sometimes, these things can ruin your experience. Therefore, it is crucial that you are aware of the traps that might be there.

The main tip we can give you on this behalf is to always read every contract thoroughly. Ideally, you should request a copy of your future lease before you arrive to sign it. This way, you will have enough time to study it thoroughly with no pressure and, thus, will be able to spot all things that you might miscomprehend or dislike. And do not be afraid to ask questions. If anything is unclear in lease terms, it is better to discuss it in the early stage.

The Bottom Line

So, is it a good idea for you to rent in college? As you can see, there are quite many issues that must be considered. Choosing this accommodation option has both pros and cons. But, eventually, it all gets down to your preferences and unique needs. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Before you decide to rent your own home while being in college, you should carefully research this opportunity and weigh out all pros and cons. If you do this right, you should be able to make a wise solution that will work for you!

Also, you may like reading How to Survive in the Dorm: Advice for Freshmen from Seniors