Below are some suggestions when you are beginning to look for an apartment on campus. Apartment searching can be pretty stressful when you are looking for the best place for the right price.
Pick Your Roommates
The most important thing about living off campus is to choose roommates that you know you will be able to put up with. This means taking into consideration people who you will have fun with, be able to keep up your grades around, and who will be able to pay the bills. If you don’t like your roommates, it will be a long school year.
If you have a large group of friends interested in living together, look for a couple apartments in the same complex.
When to Begin Searching
Begin searching for an apartment as soon as you can. Every year students start searching sooner and sooner and the market for the best apartments is cut throat. The best apartments are usually gone between the end of September and early November. I suggest beginning your search in the middle of September once you are re-acclimated to school life and have decided who you will live with.
How to Go About Your Search
The best way to find the best apartments is word of mouth. If you know people that are already living in an apartment, ask them what they think of their complex and what they think about the property management group. If they tell you that the management company never fixes anything, that probably means that they won’t fix your dishwasher when you are living there.
Check out the websites of the different property management groups. By searching these sites, you will be able to narrow your search down in terms of price. Here are some of the more prevalent property management groups on campus:
Rule of Thumb: You will pay more for apartments in the campus area bordered by Lincoln Ave. in Urbana, First St. in Champaign, Springfield Ave. and Gregory Drive. Apartments outside of this area, in general, will be relatively cheaper because of their walking distance to campus.
Looking at Apartments
When you have decided on a couple different apartments that meet your criteria, call up the property management group associated with that property and make an appointment. At the time of your appointment, show up to the office and they will most likely have a representative drive you to the site and show you an open apartment. Most of the representatives are older students who will not be afraid to answer any of your questions. They will probably tell you that there are not many apartments left, but take your time and do not feel pressured. Check out several different apartments to make the best comparisons.
Sign on the Dotted Line
When you have finally made your decision, talk to your parents about your choice. They are probably the ones paying for it and should have a say. Also feel free to spend an hour at the Tenant Union where you can seek additional info about your prospective apartment and property manager. Check out their website at http://www.tenantunion.uiuc.edu/. They can answer any questions you may have in regards to complaints or wording in your lease that you are not comfortable with.
When you are ready to sign your lease, make another appointment with the management company. Make sure you have your checkbook ready for your security deposit. Don’t pay a security deposit that is more than one month’s rent. Odds are you will not see all of that money back, regardless of how well you keep up your space.
Parking
If you know that you will need a car on campus, let the property manager know of your request ASAP. Make sure that your space is as close to your door as possible. Also consider the surrounding area around your potential parking space. Covering, lighting, space, and safety are all factors to consider. When a winter storm occurs, you are not going to want the plow to block you in your parking space.
