Seeking off-campus housing? What to look for
If your college student has had enough of dorm living and is seeking off-campus housing, it can be very helpful to have some idea of what to look for. Students should figure out what their priorities are and make a checklist; this is especially true when there are several properties under consideration. In situations like that, it is easy to confuse the details of one option with another.
For many students, this is a milestone of independence. They prefer to search for off-campus housing without a parent present and make the decision alone or with future roommates. However, it is important for students to remember that parents can be valuable allies in this search. Based on experience with searching for homes or dealing with household issues, parents may be able to more easily spot potential problems, such as leaky ceilings, windows that do not close, or doors that do not lock. Although some issues may be minor, others could turn into major problems, especially if they are not detected ahead of time.
There are many considerations when seeking off-campus housing; some will be individual to the student. The following are general considerations that could apply in all situations:
• Is the living environment secure? If it is a single-family home, does it have solid doors with durable locks, windows that close and lock properly, and safe egress in the event of a fire? If it is a multiple dwelling, is it a secure building? Does each unit have a solid door with a durable lock? How do residents exit in the event of a fire? Given how many students may have had keys in prior semesters, you may want to install new locks on the doors.
• Is the proximity to school appropriate? If the student will have a vehicle on campus, this may be less of a consideration; however, if the student will be walking to and from school, the walk should be reasonable for the student’s comfort level. If the student will have a vehicle, is parking available?
• Is the landlord available and responsive? An absentee landlord can be a major problem, especially when something is broken. Students may want to talk with current or past tenants to find out if the landlord is appropriately responsive.
• What are the landlord’s rules and regulations? A complete lack of regulations may mean that the noise level is allowed to reach unbearable levels; this can be a particular concern when students are trying to study. Make sure the student understands any rules and is willing to abide by them prior to choosing the space.
• What is the rent? Is it reasonable for the area? Are utilities included? Are there any hidden costs, such as a garbage fee?
• How soon before the semester begins can the student move in? Even if a space is perfect in every way, it can be a difficult logistical situation if students cannot move in until the first day of the semester.
Finally, be patient. It may take some hunting to find the perfect off-campus home.
