Searching for Your First Student Apartment? Here's What You Need to Know
Searching for your first student apartment can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many options and factors to consider, it's important to approach the search process in an organized and thoughtful way. We've got all the tips and some advice to make your search a little easier.
Determine Your Student Apartment Budget
Before you start the search for your student apartment, it's important to determine your budget. This can help you narrow down your options and avoid wasting time looking at apartments that are out of your price range. You’ll want to consider all your expenses: rent, utilities that might not be included, transportation, food, school supplies, etc. By adding all of this together, you can not only help narrow down your budget, but also decide if roommates are a must or if you can afford to live alone. If you’re having trouble building your budget, consider an online budget tracker like Mint to help you get started!
Decide on Your Student Apartment Must-Haves
When looking for an apartment, it's a good idea to make a list of your must-haves. Must-haves can include things like location, number of bedrooms, pet-friendliness, and amenities like gyms or laundry in-unit. This list will help you narrow down your options and find the apartment that best fits you! When scheduling your tour, you can let your leasing agent know which of these must-haves are non-negotiable, and what you can be flexible on.
Research the Location
The neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on your overall college experience, so it's important to research different neighborhoods before making your decision. Consider factors like nearness to campus, local businesses you frequent, if you prefer living in a quiet neighborhood, or closer to Greek-life houses. All of these things will factor into making sure you pick the location you’ll be happiest with.
Schedule Tours
Once you've found a few apartments that you're interested in, it's time to schedule your tours. This will give you a chance to see the apartment in person and ask your leasing agent any questions you may have. Be sure to take notes during the tour so you can compare each apartment to help you make the best decision. Your agent should be able to help you narrow down based on your needs and wants as well. You can start the scheduling process for your SAMI tour here!
Consider Roommates for Your Student Apartment
If your budget indicates that a roommate would be the best fit for you, decide if you’re looking for just one, or up to 3 other roommates to split your home and costs! Sharing with roommates helps lower your monthly expenses by not only offering lower rents, but also splitting the overall utility costs with. Just be sure to choose your roommates carefully and have a clear understanding of each person's responsibilities and needs.
Read Your Student Apartment Lease Carefully
Before signing a lease, be sure to read it carefully and ask any questions you may have. It’s incredibly important to pay close attention to things like rent schedule, security deposits, move-in dates, lease length, and more. By paying close attention ahead of time, you can save yourself trouble down the road and skip any surprises! Our leasing agents are always happy to walk you through the lease and answer any questions or concerns you have before signing.
While finding your first student apartment can seem like a challenging process, a little preparation and research makes it easier to find the perfect place to call home. By keeping these tips in mind and always asking questions, you can set yourself up for a great student apartment experience. Our leasing team at SAMI is not only knowledgeable but passionate about making sure you love where you live!