Finding the Best Student Housing Off of Campus

As a parent to a young adult going off to college, you like to know that your child gets the best whenever they are going to live during their studies. If you have any experience with them, then you already know how cramped campus dorms can be, not to mention the noise and small spaces shared between students. Off campus housing for students have become the best solutions for students who need adequate space and privacy to concentrate on their studies. Whether you are a parent or student looking for student housing out of campus, here are a couple of things to be on the lookout for:

Convenient location

This is the first and most important factor to be on the lookout for when searching for student housing out off campus. You do not want your young adult wasting a lot of time commuting long distances just to get to campus in the morning and getting home late at night. Look for housing units that are a walking distance away from the campus for convenience. The housing units should be close enough to campus and close to everything else.

Well maintained property

You can tell the condition of the property just by looking at it when you arrive. Be keen about your surroundings whenever you are viewing student housing units. Look out for well maintained exterior environment including mowed lawns, swept up parking lots, functional security lights, well painted exteriors. Anything less than this and you should not even waste your time going in.

A student community

Just because the student will be staying off campus, does not mean they do not need to be around other students. To enjoy the full college experience and to always stay in the loop of what is happening in campus, it is advisable to live in areas where other students live as well, even if they are from other campuses. Community amenities such as swimming pools and summer kitchens can also help to strengthen the bonding experience.

Individual leases

In case the living units are shared, it is advisable to find housing units that offer individual units. This ensures that an individual is only liable for their portion of the rent. In case the other roommates skip on rent, it will not affect the one who has made their payments in any way.

Security

Security guards should be present at least at the entrance of the housing unit. A security patrol around the area can also give you better peace of mind. Other important aspects of security include surveillance and monitoring systems such as key controlled access.

Quality unit features

Finally, when you get to the living area, ensure that the provisions meet the needs of the student. In case of shared units, bedrooms with private bathrooms are better as they offer more privacy and accountability. Provisions for basic household appliances such as washers and dryers, microwaves, cookers and refrigerators are also a plus. Furnishing such as beds and study tables are often a standard.

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Must Have Features in Off Campus Accommodation

If you are going to spend money on off campus accommodation, you might as well get the best that your money can afford. You do not have to rent out an entire apartment, as there are many complexes around most campuses that are designed for students. Some of these housing units are shared to make it more affordable for individual students and you get to choose who you want to live with. The following are some of the must have features when looking for accommodation off campus.

Individual leases

When sharing accommodation, every student should have an individual lease, rather than having one-person sign the lease on behalf of the others. This ensures that you are only responsible for your portion of the rent. In case the other housemates fail to pay their rent, this should have no effect whatsoever on your residency. Sometimes roommates transfer or even drop out of school and you do not want to be left with the bulk of rent to pay.

Private rooms

One of the major reasons why people choose to stay out of campus hostels is so they do not have to share personal space with others. The least you should get out there is a large private bedroom where you can study, relax and safely store your personal items without the risk of intrusion by a roommate. You can find housing units with three or four bedrooms, shared kitchens and living areas. You should get a private bath as well. You do not want to be held up- in the cue for the bathroom in the morning when you have an early class.

Household appliances

Kitchen appliances such as cookers, fridges and microwaves, as well as a laundry machine should be a standard in the housing unit. This equipment can be quite costly for a student and you don’t need to start budgeting for such appliances this early. If these are not available, you are going to have a hard time making the place homely. Air conditioning or ceiling fans should also be available to you.  Furnishings such as beds and study tables may be available depending on the housing company that you choose.

Security systems

Security should be a deal breaker for you. If the building does not have security surveillance systems, security lights or a guard, you should be wary of it. Security is very important for campus students. You should choose a housing unit that is not too far from your campus and one that exists on a well-lit street with regular security patrols.

Parking

If you have a car or a motorcycle, then you will definitely need ample and secure parking. Parking out on the street could get you a ticket or your car stolen or towed. The housing company should provide a lot of parking space for residents, especially with designated parking so you know your exact parking spot.

You will be amazed at how many options are available out there fitting these criteria if you search in the right paces. 

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Choosing the Best Out-of-Campus Student Housing

You do not always have to leave on campus during your campus years. There are plenty of out-of-campus student housing options to choose from around your college or university. These student-housing units provide the privacy, serenity and independence that most campus hostels can never amount to. You may have to get into an agreement with your folks about it but once they agree that you can live off-campus, then you can start looking for the best housing option. The following are some of the things to look for in student housing out of campus.

Tailored to cater to student housing needs

You need to start off looking for housing units that specifically cater to student residents. This is important for your safety as well as the kind of facilities they provide. These units are built specifically with the student in mind making them ideal for people in college. They are usually walking distances aware from campus to make it easier for the students to access the school easily. Living in a student community also keeps you in touch with the latest happenings in campus. Living too far off campus and away from other students may alienate you from some of the important campus experiences that you do not want to miss.

Security

Security is a very important factor when choosing student housing out of campus. Most campuses often have a strong security presence. However, when it comes to out-of-campus living, it is up to the housing company to provide the necessary security. You also have to consider things such as the neighborhoods reputation for safety. Choose housing units with good security lighting, restricted and authorized access online, good neighborhoods and well-lit streets.

Parking

If you have a car, a motorcycle or even a bicycle that you use to get around, adequate and secure parking is a crucial factor to consider when choosing student housing. Find housing communities with ample parking areas for residents. The parking area should also be well lit and guarded for security purposes.

Amenities

If you are going to live out of campus, you might as well enjoy the perks of it. Choose student housing with various amenities such as swimming pools, mail centers and entertainment centers where you can relax after a long hard day at school.

Furnishings

House furniture can be quite expensive. Between student loans and living expenses, you hardly have enough left over to buy household appliances and furniture. You can find student-housing units that are already furnished with fully equipped kitchens, beds, and even living room furniture.

Individual leases

Even when sharing a single apartment among other students, it is advisable to get an individual lease. Not many housing units are willing to offer individual leases since they favor the tenant more than the property owner. Before moving into any student-housing unit, ensure you get an individual lease. Review all the details before signing. You can consult a professional or someone more experienced if you do not understand the terms used. 

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