Moving out of dorms and getting your own apartment with friends is a major stepping stone for many college students. Often times it is an entirely new experience for everyone involved and there are some important things you need to know to avoid having issues with the apartment or landlord. If you follow these tips, it will make your move into an apartment a much less stressful time!
1. Not all utilities are included.
The price of renting might look fantastic, but when it comes down to it, that price is usually just for the apartment itself. Electric, water or waste removal services may cost extra. Are all the appliances and the heat in the apartment electric? Well, your bill just increased by a significant amount. Make sure to factor in these basic expenses when comparing prices on apartments.
2. Getting renters insurance is usually required.
Not every place will require it, but many landlords require you to have renters insurance in case something happens to your apartment or your belongings. This is an added expense that many people don't think about.
3. Initially getting the apartment will cost you a lot of money.
In order to square away everything and obtain the keys to your new apartment, it's not cheap. Most landlords required first and last months' rent as well as a security deposit, which is usually half the rent amount. Saving up for a few months before you want to move into an apartment is always a good idea.
4. You're starting from scratch.
Some apartments will come furnished, but the majority will not. You need, at the very least, a bed and a couch. Dressers, end tables, TV stands and additional seating is up to you and your needs. You will need basic cleaning supplies: vacuum, broom, bathroom and kitchen cleaners and trash bags to name a few. You will also need basic kitchen items: a microwave, toaster, pots and pans, plates and bowls, silverware and cups are some necessities.
5. Budgets are your best friend!
All the little expenses of living on your own add up quickly. Rent, electric, car insurance, phone bill and food are the basics. Once you figure out how much the average month of these basics will cost you, you need to see how much you have left to spend on going out with friends to the movies or bar or even clothes shopping. It's always a good idea to have an emergency fund in case a tire blows out on your car or another unforeseen circumstance occurs.
6. Read the fine print on the lease.
Leases are usually long and drawn out. Make sure to know how long you're locked into the lease for and what the consequences are if you need to terminate the lease early. Make sure to know if there are times when noise is restricted, such as late night or early morning. Make sure to know how many people can live in the apartment and how many vehicles you can have on the property.
7. You will have to cook for yourself.
This will be one of the hardest things about living on your own. You have free reign of what goes in your shopping cart and what you make for meals. After a long day of work or classes, coming home and making a meal for yourself that isn't just Ramen noodles sounds daunting. Eventually it will become easier, but it's important to remember to not blow all your money on take out and to eat a vegetable once in a while.
8. Neighbors can be the worst.
It's hard to tell what your neighbors will be like when you move in. You may get lucky and have quiet neighbors and be on the top floor, or you may have neighbors with screaming babies and a dog next to you and neighbors above you who go bowling in their living room. What's important is to make the best of it and to be conscious of your own noise levels as well. You wouldn't want to be the neighbors everyone hates!
9. Think about the location.
In addition to looking at the price, look at where the apartment is located in relation to campus or to your job. The price might be great, but if it's an hour and a half away from your job, is it really worth it? Are you willing to deal with that commute every day?
10. Know what your primary mode of transportation will be.
Do you have a car or will you be taking the bus or train every where? The cost of gas or the train should be factored in when thinking about your budget and location. If you have a car, you should also think about how the parking situation is for the apartment. Will you have parking spaces in front of the building, or will you be forced to park on the road?
11. Do your research!
Arguably one of the most important points on this list is doing your research. If you go into a leasing office knowing what the apartment will offer as well as what you're looking for will lead to better results. If you're confident and willing to negotiate, they will work with you to get your business. It's all about money for many landlords, and they always want to have as many of their apartments filled as possible.
12. Pick your roommates carefully.
If you have already lived with your roommates before in a dorm, this might not be such a big issue. It is best to avoid moving in with complete strangers. You want to make sure your roommates are reliable, will pay rent on time, will keep the house clean, and will be compatible with you. You wouldn't want to be stuck trying to pay rent by yourself because you all got into a huge fight and they moved out.
Following these tips will help make the transition into apartment life much smoother. Now you're ready to embrace your freedom and plan that huge party you could never have on campus...'Project X' style!
