Tips For College Students On Finding Off Campus Residences

By Dennis Wallace


Most college kids who are so over the novelty of living in campus dormitories may find the options of living outside school premises rather inviting. And although this option still has its fair share of pros and cons, the prospect of finding and residing in an apartment is just too good to pass up. So if you decide to finally make that leap and move out of the dorm and move into a separate housing arrangement, then this handy guide below should address your key concerns.

Be smart about executing this delicate situation and make sure everything is properly planned and researched before diving into the deep end. Finding affordable rentals can be tricky, especially since you require a decent UMN housing off campus to survive. Ask other students who live outside of school for good recommendations or simply look for potential listings online.

Call up all the landlords or landladies managing each apartment listing and schedule appointments for a meeting and a tour of the rental. Use your smartphone to capture photos of the flat and be discerning of anything that might be deemed unsafe. During this process, have an in depth discussion with the property owner and talk openly about important particulars.

When you found something to your liking but the drawback is the excess space and larger rent, then your best option is to get a bunch of willing roommates. Call up your fellow schoolmates or friends in university who previously expressed interest in moving out of their dorms. Tell them of your plans and that you have found a good place so that they will be on board with the idea.

Never commit the egregious mistake of signing a lease without understanding the terms and conditions stipulated within the document. Remember that leases are formal papers which are legally binding and if you do something that breaks any clause, then your status as a tenant will be in serious trouble. Make it a point to go through the lease before affixing your signature.

If the space you rented has limited furnishings available, then there are ways to furnish your newly acquired flat without spending a fortune. Keep your eyes out for nearby garage sales so you and your friends could source out things such as tables, chairs, and possibly a big couch for cheap. Alternatively, you could go online and scout for secondhand furniture on sites like eBay.

If your future residence is in a mildly shabby state during your first visit or inspection, then make sure the place is clean as a whistle before you and your friends transfer to the location. Should the proprietor be too busy to have it cleaned, you must inform him that your housemates can do the job instead. Rally everyone for this endeavor to finish the task quickly.

Now that you have officially moved into your off campus residence, you should be responsible enough to keep the place in good condition. Have a serious discussion with your fellow housemates on maintaining the cleanliness and agree to set up a regular cleaning schedule where everyone should pitch in. This prevents the place from getting nasty and unsanitary.

Giving up your old dorm room in favor of a much better housing option outside of school can be a challenge. But as long as you follow these helpful pieces of advice, then you have no reason to fear whatsoever. Keep a positive attitude and be open to other alternatives that may come your way.




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