I’m an incoming college sophomore, and unfortunately, we’re stuck with living in the dorms this year. Which is both a good and a bad thing. Good, because we don’t have to worry about buying groceries and keeping up with a house just yet, but bad because we want to. My three friends and I have been so excited and anxious about leasing our first house for junior year that we had to start early. And much to our surprise, a lot of people we already knew either had already leased a house for junior year or were also on the lookout. So we made a trip to Athens. And this is what I learned:
1. Not everyone is going to agree.
There will be some houses that a few of your roommates may love, while just one of them may absolutely hate it. This may get frustrating when it comes time to sitting down and thoroughly discussing which is the best option. We can’t all agree all the time. So my advice for this is to find people to live with that you know are the most like you. This way, it should be easier to decide on something you all like.
2. Everyone has different economic situations.
Some students may have to take out loans, others may not have to pay a dime because their parents take care of it for them. Whatever the case, be aware of your other roommates’ situations. It wouldn’t be fair to insist on the most expensive house just because maybe you can afford it. Think about everyone else, here; it’s not just about you.
3. Take a look at apartments, too!
Don’t just rule them out. This is something my roommates and I did not do. We immediately started looking at houses and didn’t even think to look at apartments. We knew what we wanted and that’s what we went for. But there’s never anything wrong with taking a look at all your options. You never know, you might end up liking another idea better!
4. Look at who you’re dealing with.
This is important. If the realtor showing you the house isn’t necessarily friendly, inviting, warm or welcoming, chances are you won’t end up liking what you're signing up for. You want an agency or landlord that cares about you and your house. Not someone who is literally just in it for the money. You want to be shown that you’re cared about and that someone is happy it’s you who is renting out their house.
5. Talk to your parents!
For those of you whose parents are paying for the majority of the house, clearly you have to talk to them a lot before closing the deal. Those who aren’t sharing any of the cost with your parents, it’s not a bad idea to go to them for insight. Maybe they’ve gone through something like this before and can provide some helpful advice. Whatever the case, going to your parents is never a bad idea.
6. Don’t let your housing situation tear apart a friendship.
Like the landlord who sold my roommates and I are first house said, never let something like this come between a friendship. Have a good time! That’s what you’re here for. You aren’t here to disagree or argue, you decided to all live together for a reason.
So make the house worth it! And have fun!
