Apartment shopping is something that no one really prepares you for. Your parents have the things that they want you to have, your friends notice other things, and realtors just want you money and will play up any small thing you like into a major positive. But as someone who just had to go through a crash course in the art of apartment shopping, here at the top five things you need to look for when shopping for an apartment.

1. Furnished

I know this isn't something that should be the top of most people's list, but because of how quickly I had to move this was the most important thing to me. Also after moving in and out of the dorms, I didn't want to carry in any more furniture of heavy things up stairs or into my car. It was the only thing I was worried about. In the long run, it is cheaper to get a furnished place than buying things to fill up the apartment you are moving into. The exception to this rule is if you know a great deal of people who are getting ride of couches, tables, beds, and chairs.

2. Plumbing Issues

This is also a lesser known things to do. Flush all the toilets, turn on the faucets, check the shower for the drains and ring around the tub. Look for leaks on the ceiling, if you have rooms above you, through brown rings on it. This is honestly something that even if a problem occurs your landlord would take care of, but it sucks when it happens, so why even test it? Don't worry if you have no idea what the image above this is. You don't have to know what "correct" plumbing is, you just have to make sure there isn't any water under it and there is no rust on the pipes that look obsessive.

3. Cell Service

This isn't something that many people think about, but test your cell service from inside the apartment. The bathroom should be a major checking point, because even though this phone isn't a smartphone, you and I both know that you scroll through Facebook while in there and of course a shower jam sessions. Make sure to check reception in all other major areas: kitchen (when you try to cook), bedroom (before you pass out), and living room (because who needs a TV).

4. Location

Location, location, location. How close is it to your hometown? Can you go home on the weekend? Do you want your parents to be able to come over for a day? How far is this place from your job? Where is the nearest Books-A-Million? Walmart? Publix? This is one of the major deciding factors, but pick the things you base your location perimeters off of. Personally, I chose the short distance to my job over being near a Books-A-Million, which is like my home away from home. I am in the middle of town, no more than ten minutes away from work, Walmart, Publix, or any other major shop.

5. Internet and Cable

Though no one uses Internet Explorer, you will need internet. To get internet and cable installed can be up to $500 bucks. I don't care how great your first pay check is, $500 bucks is an insane amount of money to pay so you can watch Netflix and the Olympics... and you know your work of course. Always ask the person who is showing you the apartment if internet or cable has ever been in place you are looking at. In that case it is a simple service few of just flipping on some things and grabbing a cable box. It shouldn't be a deciding factor, but if you are stuck between two or three places use this information to weed between them.