San Francisco has one of the most expensive rent rates in the country. For families, some of these prices can seem tangible to pay for, but for college students willing to live off-campus, the amount of money being asked for per month is a big nightmare.

Of course, if you look hard enough, you can find a house that accommodates your college budget, or what somewhat does fit in your bill list of tuition, books, and utilities. If you find a house that accommodates with the amount of money you have, you’re lucky. A low rent is already hard to find, but there are more aspects with finding a house that you need to take into consideration, which makes looking for a house so much more complicated.

But location is everything. In San Francisco, pretty much anywhere in the city seems like a great place to live. But for us college folks without cars, this can be difficult. Muni rides are not that bad to take to school, but Muni is never really on time. Most of us are looking for a place that’s within walking distance to our school, and to achieve a house with this is is a bear. So many people at our school desire to live off-campus so bad, which doesn’t give us many options as time ticks by. Location is such a big factor with living off campus. If you can’t walk to school, you need to find a house that’s near to public transportation stops, most of the houses that have this aspect tend to be taken months before the last semester of school is over.

What about your roommates? It’s impossible to live alone as a student in San Francisco due to the high prices of the city, and you’ll need a couple more roommates in that two-bedroom flat you’re looking at. Most want rent that’s under $1000 per person in their new household, which makes this a challenge, especially if you would like your own room. Finding roommates itself is not too hard, unless you are a freshman trying to find a place. As a freshman you virtually know only yourself. Of course, there are FaceBook pages helping students find nice people to live with, but due to the lack of housing on and off campus, it’s not easy finding someone who doesn’t have a roommate. People will post saying that they need a roommates and within hours find a new roommate; you’re lucky if they say “yes” to you.

There are many things to consider with searching for a house, especially in the city. Living there as a student is one of the most satisfying learning experiences, in school and out of school. To find a house that accommodates your needs with a college budget, can make your time there a whole lot easier.The house hunting experience as a student is more than looking at a budget. As difficult as it is, it’s worth it.