Wednesday, September 28, my boyfriend and I signed a lease for our first apartment. Writing the check for the security deposit, reading through legal documents and signing where appropriate took around 20 minutes. After that, we were out the door. Sounds simple enough, but finding the right place was anything but easy. If you're looking to move out into your own pad, check out the list below for a few pointers.
1. Make at least three accounts on different apartment websites.
Unfortunately, one website isn't going to have all the available apartments listed. I'm not sure why this is, but it can make looking for a place a little difficult. Instead of refreshing the same website several times a day, try making an account on a couple different ones. I'd recommend apartmentfinder.com and apartments.com as both have apps. This way you get a broader spectrum of what's available.
2. Set a budget early on.
The last thing you want to do is fall in love with an apartment that's entirely too expensive. Sure, it'll be awesome to have a bedroom with french doors and a bathtub with jets but if living there will cost more than your tuition, it's really not worth it. Instead try aiming for a place that won't force you to take out more loans. And remember, there's no shame in having a studio or a one bedroom apartment. Living on your own is impressive as is.
3. Prepare for trade-offs.
As expected, nothing in life is perfect. This is especially true when looking for a place to live. There will inevitably come a moment where you're torn between two places because of the pros and cons of each. I'm not talking about which apartment has a better view or which shower head has more settings, but things like location, amenities, pet policy, etc.
For example, when my boyfriend and I were stuck between going with Bisonette and Jannef Holdings, there were a few things to consider. On one hand, Jannef is only an eight-minute walk from campus, but it forbids cats and dogs. On the other hand, Bisonette has a washer/dryer in almost every apartment, but it's a 20-minute walk from campus.
4. Trust your gut.
This is gonna err on the side of superstition, but I feel it's worth it to mention. If you walk into an apartment and get a sick or anxious or generally poopoo feeling in your stomach, then for the love of bees do not sign a lease for that place. Your body is trying to tell you that something just isn't right, and believe me when I say it is worth it to listen.
5. Ask around.
If you know someone who owns an apartment, ask them to give you their landlord's contact information. Even if the immediate answer is that nothing is available, it's best to let the landlord know you're looking for a place. That way, if anything comes up, you'll be one of the first people they'll contact. If you don't know anyone who owns an apartment, just ask around. It's better to throw yourself out there than scramble in the dark.
In other words, do not rush this process! You and all involved will be much happier if everything is planned out, from what furniture you need to how many hours you'll need to work to make rent. And remember, there's no shame in staying at home rent free with your parents for a few years. The longer you can be a kidult, the better.
