I’ve only lived in Columbia since August of this year, and before making the decision to study Journalism here I’d only been to this city one time for a cheerleading competition. We went straight to the gymnasium and right back home again after we performed, the universities’ coed team was very impressive and the facility was huge. When touring campus that was something I kept coming back to, how huge this place was. Every auditorium, every building, every class was large in size and number. Lots of factors went into picking this school, lots of thought went into picking a res hall to spend my first year in, and now months later it’s time to pick a place to spend sophomore year.

First thing I did was pick who I would share my new space with. Finding my future roomies was absolutely a stroke of luck, and looking forward to all the fun times next year will bring is getting me through this semester.

Secondly I thought about some goals. I definitely would need my own bedroom and a nice living room for hangout space. Finding your own place is such an adult thing to do that it felt unbelievable that this time was already here. DIDN’T I JUST START COLLEGE?

The “comfort” of dorm life is already winding down, and while some of the hall mates might celebrate the lack of RAs around at apartments, their guidance and the closeness to campus can’t be replaced easily.

After weeks of online research, making numerous phone calls, and writing out budgets for the four of us, the list finally started to narrow itself down. Unsurprisingly with such a big university the amount of off campus housing is sort of unbelievable…...and expensive!

Next we toured a million places! Hours with people trying to sell us on every amenity that they could think of. Yet my priorities weren’t roof top pools, volleyball courts, or just a place to crash, the deciding factor would probably come down to whatever place will rent us a unit for just the school year.

Finding the perfect apartment will come down to which place has the potential to become a home. A place where every pre-exam panic attack, cram session, movie night, date prep and every moment of gushing gossip can happen. But if you’re looking around at your closet sized dorm room, sitting in a pile of pamphlets and brochures as I still am here’s some advice that may help boil the list down to a winner.

Look out for the places with all the fees. The fees they tell you up front are most likely only the beginning. Triple check exactly what they’re offering you for the price. Ask about parking, shuttles, and utilities. Make sure you understand how the bills are going to be divided up. Compare again and again. Think about how the place will be different once winter comes back for us. Lastly, check their reviews and make your most informed decision possible.

Happy Hunting!