Suppose you do not get a comfortable place to stay while in the university, your productivity could be affected. It would help if you got housing in an area that is safe and not too far from the institution. If you don’t have a car, the location you pick must be near public transport. Don’t forget to check out accessibility to emergency services. Other than that, the housing must have all the necessary accessories required to make your campus life easily manageable. Below are tips to help you find the best university housing.
1. Prioritize a Student Housing Option That Best Suits You
There are different housing options for students., including dormitories, apartments, fraternity houses, and sorority houses. Many of these housing options can be found near the campus. As a student, you will be asked to sort these facilities in order of preference. Be very careful with your rankings as this housing situation may be permanent for the entire school year.
You can get tips from friends and family and current students on the best housing option to choose based on your preference. If possible, write down what you need from university housing and use it as a checklist when reviewing potential areas.
2. Research the Area To Know the Proximity to University and Essential Services
You need to get a good idea of the location of the housing option. Check the distance from and to your campus, medical facilities, and entertainment places like casinos and malls. Also, you might need to check the distance to the nearest emergency services.
If you live in Birmingham, you may check some of the apartments near UAB to get a better idea of housing options for students. Ensure that there are plenty of transportation options available if you get stuck during rain or you must attend late-night classes. When it comes to utility features, make sure they don’t cost too much.
3. Choose a Housing Option That Offers Flexible Payment Plans
Most housing providers offer lease agreements with different payment options. In most cases, the payment of housing fees is made in two different ways, weekly or monthly. Some also charge a deposit as a requirement before moving into the property.
When choosing student housing, go for one that offers flexible payment plans. It will allow you to make your payments regardless of when you receive your paycheck.
4. Pay Attention to the Cost of Bills
You need to check the cost of utilities, including water and electricity and cable or satellite TV. Check the rates for these services in your chosen location and make sure they are affordable or competitive. Asking around can help you spot hidden costs. Some areas offer discounts for students on utilities. Be sure to ask for such possibilities from students living within that area.
5. Call or Visit Rental Agencies To Find a Place
Rental agencies offer different options for accommodation. These range from single-room apartments to family homes with multiple rooms. You can ask around to determine which agencies cater best to your needs and whether it is worth paying a fee for information. Consider getting online services or finding a list of local agencies in your area.
6. Get a Tour of the Housing Unit in Person
A tour of the housing unit would help you spot problems that could arise later during your stay. You should also check whether the location is close enough to the institution. It would help you estimate your travel time, including stops along the way.
7. Check Whether Pets Are Allowed
Many student housing facilities are pet friendly. However, you may not be allowed to bring a pet if it is too large or if it creates problems for other tenants in case of emergencies.
8. Ask About Noise Levels
Your neighbors can create problems when they are too noisy. If there are too many tenants in the house and they party all night, you may find it hard to sleep.
Bonus: Consider Flat-shares or Shared Apartments or Houses
You may find it more economical to get a flat or apartment in a flat-share space in some instances. It would allow you to save money, especially if your wallet is empty. In addition to saving money, you will also have a roommate to share the cost of utilities and other bills. You can also find a shared house or apartment through online platforms. Many of these platforms have students from different campuses sharing the same space.