It’s only five weeks into school and already it’s time to consider housing possibilities for the 2012-2013 school year. Regardless of whether you are returning to school as an upperclassman or just settling in as a freshman, you are compelled to search for a place to live. So don’t get too cozy yet; it’s time to get your friends together and fins a ridiculous amount of time searching for new residence.
If you’re keen on your current landlord and living situation, then luckily you get the pleasure of avoiding the demanding hassle of getting a group of people together, agreeing on a house or an apartment, and negotiating over who gets which room.
For others who haven’t started this process already, unfortunately you’re a little behind. Jun Heo, a junior living on Court Street with four friends said, “Timing is key.”
Location, condition, landowner, price and lease agreements are all significant factors that must be considered before signing any leases.
“Any of these can backfire within your seven months of being a resident, so it’s best to start looking early so you have time to carefully evaluate your options,” Heo said. He is in the process of upgrading to a new place himself. “Also, make sure to actually read the lease made of fine print so you are aware of your entitlements as a tenant,” Heo advised to those with dissatisfying landlords.
If you’re looking for simple and convenient housing within walking distance to campus, there are plenty of single, two-, four-, six- and eight-person apartments available on Court Street in the Ambassador Apartments, Courtside Apartments, The Meadows and The Highlands. There are also many small apartments available above the shops on Main Street, so inquire after storeowners.
Consider asking graduating classmates if they were satisfied with their house or apartment, if they would suggest you living in it next year and about their experience living off-campus in general
Although beginning this tedious task is painstaking, it will be substantially beneficial to get a good head start. Let’s be honest, the percentage of convenient houses matched with pleasant landlords is slim.