Moving from your home to student accommodations is a stimulating experience. The moving process will be a lot easier the more information you have before you make a move. The following are four things you should know about student housing.
1. It All Starts With Money
Like most things in the adult world, student housing requires money. Before signing on the dotted line and moving into an apartment such as, Emerson at Wells Branch apartments, you do want to ask yourself what type of apartment you will need and how big of an apartment you can afford.
It would be nice to have a three-bedroom apartment with a spacious floorplan. However, you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Even if you opt for a one-bedroom apartment, but you choose an apartment that is in the right community, you will be able to benefit from high-end amenities, top-of-the-line equipment, resort swimming pools, pet parks, etc.
Double-check the exact rent cost, and compare it with your monthly income to ensure you can cover your expenses. In addition to the monthly rent, factor in a deposit, utilities, and initial moving expenses.
2. Read Before You Sign
Once you sign your rental agreement, you are obligating yourself to fulfill the requirements therein. It can be tempting to simply sign the rental agreement in the excitement of getting a new place.
However, you should take the time to make sure that you read the entire contract. It’s not always easy to understand rental agreements because much of the information is written in legalese. But it will be worth it for you to do this in advance to identify any issues before committing yourself to be a tenant.
Pay close attention to the length of your tenancy. You do not want to get involved with a contract that is too short or too long for what you need. Some student housing is offered weekly, monthly, six months, or annually. Some contracts stipulate that on term breaks, for example, during spring break, you may not be entitled to live in your accommodation.
In addition to learning about the length of your tenancy, identify any rules or regulations about the property. Do you want to change the color of the walls in your home? Make sure that your contract gives you the right to do so. Also, look for details about who is responsible for repairs and what happens when damages and issues arise.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. The more you understand before you sign the contract, the happier you will be once the warranty has been signed.
3. Amenities and Additional Costs
It would be unwise to think that your housing is completely paid for if you can cover your rent. Some landlords allow you to include utilities with your rent payments.
When looking for a potential accommodation, ask yourself what is included with the rent. Is the internet included? It’s also worth considering whether you will have enough money to cover your payments for transportation, food, shopping, and money to have fun.
Many student properties come furnished. If that’s the case, ensure you know what comes with the property you’re renting. You don’t want to make unnecessary trips to purchase appliances and furniture because the apartment does not have the basic furnishing you thought it would.
Regarding what to bring with you, ensure you have the essentials, including cookware, bedding, and little things you’ll need to make your apartment feel like it’s yours.
If you are considering bringing a pet, make sure your landlord will allow it. Many student accommodation providers do not allow pets. Those who do are a rare gem.
4. Location
Not all student accommodations are as close to campus as you might like. So think about the location of your potential student property. Don’t just think about the distance from your apartment to the university. Think about the distance to transportation hubs, local supermarkets, and where you will work. The closer you are to local amenities, the less money you will need to spend on bus passes and transportation.
The More You Know, the Better It Will Go
It could feel like there are many things you need to know before moving into student accommodations. But the more you know, the more comfortable you will be and the safer you will feel where you are living. Regardless of the accommodation you choose, make sure you enjoy it. Remember, you are only a student once.
