Looking for an apartment can be quite rigorous if you are not on the right track. You have to know what to look for, where to look and about how much you want to pay for it. After getting the apartment, comes the hard part.
Here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Subleasing
When finding an inexpensive place to live for a short period of time, like one semester or a summer, then subleasing is a good way to go. But before deciding on the first flier seen, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Do your research: Almost every semester, fliers for subleasing are posted across campus. It is important that you know what you are getting yourself into. Talk to friends, and even friends of friends, to explore all of your options before deciding.
Roommates: In all living situations roommates are a crucial part of the experience. If you do not already know the people you will be sharing the apartment with, it is good to have a conversation with all of them regarding their likes and dislikes. Do this to ensure that there will be no animosity in the household and your time there will be as good as possible.
The ME factor: It is most important for you to all always consider what the apartment will do for you. Is the location in close proximity to school and/or work? Is it conducive to your social and study habits? What about the amenities and security? All of these questions and more should be what you should ask before agreeing to sublease.
Management: You want to check with management of the apartment complex to make sure you are fully aware of all the terms and conditions of the sublease. You also want to check with them to grab any other details that may help you along the way.
Cheap Living
In everything you purchase, cost is always a factor. You want to get the most you can for the least amount of money. Searching can be tedious, but it is the best way to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Follow these tips and you might have a few extra dollars in you bank account.
Search: Since Tallahassee is a college town, there are many places that cater to college students. But all of them may not come to housing fairs on the set or have ads in the paper. You have to search some more to make sure you get the best.
Know what you want: You have to know what you are looking for before you go look for it. In apartment seeking, it saves you a great deal of time if you know what you want before starting the process of apartment hunting. By knowing what you want in advance, not only do you save time, but you can focus your efforts on what you want and weed out other places that do not fit you.
Understand the “random” roommate: So you and your two friends want to live in a four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment, but you do not have a person to fill that last room. It can be great if the other person actually suits your living habits and gets along with you and your friends. You can also have the opportunity to meet a new person and build a lasting relationship. However, if this person does not fit your lifestyle, this could be a long year of downhill battles. This is the risk you take when getting a random roommate.
The ME factor: It would not be feasible to spend a year living in a place that you hate or is too far away from campus. Make sure the place you choose has all your needs and wants. At the end of the day make sure you are satisfied.
Decorating on a budget
Now comes the hard part: making your apartment your apartment. Although it may have come furnished, it still may not have the exact spice that represents you. Now with rent, the electricity and the fact that this is not a long-term living arrangement, you do not want to spend a lot of money decorating. Here is how to revamp your apartment on a college student’s budget.
Exhibit your style: It is your apartment so it needs to demonstrate your style. Whatever you are into should be exemplified in your apartment.
Start small and expand: It is best to start with central theme or idea-like a central color. Then you build off that basic idea and accent it around your apartment.
Contact Tenikca D. Morning at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com