Often times I find that once I sit down to write, it’s impossible to put those first few words on the page. Ladies and gentlemen, this is not one of those times. As I type, my hands shake with emotion — anger, rage, hurt, and disappointment. I am not writing to you today with entertainment or humor in mind. Instead, I hope this piece will serve as a warning.

Now, let’s begin.

* * *

Close your eyes and picture yourself at age nineteen. Last spring you finished your freshman year of college, and you’ve waited all summer to be back at school and surrounded by friends. The drive to school takes approximately 12 hours but varies a bit based on traffic and weather. It isn’t an easy drive, so your parents have insisted on coming with to drop you off. You may pretend like you can’t wait for them to leave, but deep down you all know how hard it’s going to be when they actually drive away. After all, there’s no easy way to say “see you in four months.”

The final hour is the worst. Everyone has to go to the bathroom, but the finish line is in sight and there’s no quitting now. All of your belongings — everything you own and treasure — sits behind you in the trunk. When you finally pull into your brand new apartment complex, your body is a whirlwind of feeling and sensation. Opportunity lies before you, and nothing dares stand in your path! Are you frightened? Sure, who wouldn’t be? It’s an exciting type of frightening, full of potential and promise. All you have to do now is stop by the leasing office, grab your keys, and unlock the future!

Imagine walking into your room and finding the ceiling covered in black mold.

Can you picture it?

Black spores growing unchecked on the ceiling and the walls, painted over in some places to try and mask the poorly maintained condition of the apartment. Upon stepping foot in the room, it is clear that no upkeep whatsoever has been done. Muddy boot prints track a path to the kitchen and the bathroom, which would only reveal further horrors. Cockroaches, earwigs, and several centipedes can be found on counter tops and inside power outlets. Water is dripping from the air conditioning unit and the hot water tank, fueling suspicions that further mildew damage may be occurring behind the walls. A musky scent hangs in the air — a scent that won't go away regardless of how much Lysol or air freshener you use.

Can you picture it now?

Imagine feeling so powerless and trapped due to a damning lease and a less than pleasant/helpful staff.

SEE ALSO: The Real AF Guide To Living In An Off-Campus Apartment

You just turned 19 years old, and a grown man is threatening you with a legally binding lease to stay in an apartment with a roach infestation and black mold. It feels like you have no choice but to accept the seemingly obvious: sophomore year is going to suck. You are going to get sick from this damn apartment, and nobody will ever want to come visit. You will be sick, alone, and miserable all because of a lease you signed last year. This unit is nothing like the one they showed you! However, it doesn't matter — you signed the lease. They don't give a rat's ass (could there be rats too?) about you or your problems. You are just a couple teenage boys with no option but the one you are currently being given.

As I said before, the point of this article is not to entertain or make you laugh: this is a warning. Apartment complexes located right outside college campuses can and will take advantage of young students renting for the first time. They don't care about you — you are just a number and a source of revenue. Be careful where you sign a lease. Make sure to always see an actual room or unit instead of just a show room. Most importantly? If your room is a health hazard, speak up. Break your lease and find someplace else to live. Don't let someone take advantage of you, ever.

Period.