For many students, college is the time when they become independent. They move out of their mom and dad’s house and into a dorm, then out of the dorm and into an apartment. Looking for a first apartment can seem intimidating at first, especially if you do not know what you are looking for. Here is a list of things to keep an eye out for when beginning the search for your first apartment.
Roommates
Do you plan on having a roommate? Make sure that the apartment you’re looking at has the correct number of bedrooms. You don’t want to end up paying for a bedroom you won’t use.
Rent
Other Costs
Be sure to ask which utilities are covered by the apartment complex and which come out of your pocket. Some places will cover water and trash, while some won’t cover anything. Also, make sure to ask about laundry. Some apartments will have laundry in the unit, while others have an onsite laundry facility that charges per load, similar to many college dorms.
What’s Included? Many apartments have a variety of things to do in or around the apartment’s clubhouse. Some may include things such as a pool, basketball courts, and tennis courts, while others don’t include any of these.
Pets Some apartments allow pets, so if you have one, or want to get one, make sure you know the apartment’s pet policy. Some places may charge a pet rent, which is a certain amount of money you would pay every month for each pet. Some may also require a pet deposit, which may be expensive, depending on the apartment.
Location
The location of the apartment is also very important. You should consider whether it is in a good area, and how far the apartment is from work or school. Check out what attractions, restaurants and businesses are nearby.
Finding an apartment can seem difficult, especially in larger cities where there are so many options. The important thing to remember is that you’re choosing a home, so choose somewhere that you enjoy being. If you don’t love it, keep looking! You’ll find the one that’s right for you.
