Thinking about making the move from the dorms to an apartment for the upcoming school year? It’s a big step, and one that you’ll want to consider from all angles. While dormitory living can be restrictive, it comes with convenience and affordability—two perks that are increasingly difficult to find in off-campus dwellings. Read on to find out if you’re ready to take the plunge.
Cost
This is by far the most important consideration. Can you afford to pay rent and utilities while attending school full-time? How are low-cost alternatives for those who value privacy but have limited financial resources? Townhomes for rent provide a number of the same advantages that apartments provide, but at a more reasonable monthly rate. When you take into account that you’ll also be responsible for your own groceries and incidentals, the costs grow even higher. There’s also the fact that you may need to furnish the apartment before moving in. Renting Out Rooms recommends that, while having roommates can help to offset these expenses, you’ll need to sit down and hash out your budget before making any decisions. Also, if the added expense means you’ll need to take on a part-time job, consider whether this will leave you enough time to keep up with your course load.
Noise Restrictions
According to SouthGate Companies, noise regulations are designed to help tenants live in close proximity while keeping disturbances to a minimum. Check to see if the building’s rules or your lease mention anything about quiet hours. You might think that the restrictions are a drag at first, but when you’re attempting to study for finals or write a difficult term paper, you’ll be glad that someone had the foresight to put them in place. If you have a loud neighbor whom you suspect of violating the noise ordinances, pay them a warning visit before alerting your landlord or local law enforcement.
Proximity to Campus
You can bet that the closer an apartment complex is to campus, the quicker the units will be rented out to students who like the idea of sleeping in a bit longer. Walking a few blocks might not seem like a big deal when you’re signing the lease, but a longer commute means less time overall for studying, work, and socializing. University Business says that if you plan on driving to campus every day, ask other students what they know about the commuter parking situation beforehand.
So, is living off-campus more trouble than it’s worth? Not at all. You just have to think realistically about what you can afford, in terms of money and time. Those who are able to successfully commute to college will find themselves well-prepared for the transition to adult life.
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