When I ended my freshmen year at college, I was so incredibly excited at the prospect of moving into a new apartment for the next three years. I got my group together and applied for an apartment complex close to campus.
However, I quickly realized I knew nothing about apartment hunting when I walked excitedly into my first apartment to find it a dark and dingy first floor cave with only one small window and terribly unattractive vinyl. The second I walked in I realized that I was going to absolutely hate living there, it was so dreary and uncomfortable.
Not only did the apartment itself suck, but it was on the other side of campus from all my friends. I had just moved in and I already wanted to move out. I told myself that it was only for the year, and I wouldn’t be home much anyway. And that’s exactly what happened.
I was so miserable at my own home that I would go and crash at other people’s houses. I would stay on campus until I had no more work to do, and then go immediately to a friend’s place, hanging out there as long as possible until finally returning back to my “dungeon” just in time to go to bed around midnight.
I wasn’t eating regular meals because my groceries were all at home, where I never spent any of my time. I wanted to move so badly, but because I had signed a 12-month lease I was locked into my terrible apartment for the rest of the year.
At the end of the fall quarter, a good friend of mine’s roommate was moving out, leaving an empty room in an amazing apartment just across the street from the house where my good friends lived.
It was absolutely perfect, except for my lease. But I quickly found out that in college towns, students are always coming and going, and it’s fairly easy to find somebody transferring in winter quarter to take over your lease. I found somebody to move into my terrible apartment (poor girl) and moved quite happily at the end of the fall quarter.
Since living in an apartment where I feel truly comfortable and love spending time, I’ve learned how important it is to live in a space you love. I loved being home, and I felt comfortable in my own space rather than always being a guest in somebody else’s.
I started eating better, because I was home to cook for myself. I loved decorating my new apartment, and put time and effort into making it homey. I had people over all the time, and loved hosting get-togethers in my new apartment.
I realized that I could have been this happy the whole year, if I had taken the time to learn about the apartment-hunting process and really thought about what I wanted in a place. Here are some things I think are really important in finding your first college apartment:
Natural Light
Natural light is so incredibly important to your happiness. I found that my basement window made my room feel dark and depressing, and made me super depressed whenever I was home (not to mention the fact that all of my plants died). Look for a place with nice big windows to let in the sunlight. Morning sun is amazing too in the bedroom to help get you up and out the door.
“Home-y” Feeling
My first apartment was dull and had no personality. The vinyl flooring made the rooms feel cold and empty. The wooden floors in my new apartment and the colorful walls make the place feel like home.
Space
Don’t settle for a room that makes you feel cramped; make sure that you have a room which will feel comfortable and will actually fit all your stuff. Or, if your bedroom isn’t very big, make sure you have a living room which will allow you to stretch out when you need to.
It Isn’t Falling Apart
You might think this goes without saying, but in my college town we have a lot of very old houses who have been lived in by college students for decades. Many of these houses look like they have been falling apart for decades as well. Make sure your new home is at least structurally sound.
You Can See Yourself There for More than a Year
While a college apartment or house isn’t meant to be a forever home at all, don’t think of it as a temporary commitment. Think of it as a place you could see yourself happy for a few years if you decide to stay put. A majority of my friends will be staying in their first apartments because they love them so much. After moving into my much better apartment, I plan on spending my next two years here. You could never get me to leave.
No, your college apartment doesn’t need to look like it came straight out of a "Pottery Barn" magazine, but it should be comfortable for you. I found that my life improved significantly when I found a space that I loved, and I encourage you when shopping for apartments this next year to keep these things in mind. Because whether you believe me or not, having a comfortable place to come home to makes a huge difference in your life.
