Students sitting on the grass at School Campus
College comes with its fair share of tricky decisions and unexpected discoveries about the world and yourself. One thing that can make the adventure go much more smoothly is having the right place to call home while you’re there. As you check out Athens student housing alongside your other living options, here are some tips to help you decide on the right place to rent.
The Bottom Line
It all comes down to the last dollar, especially while you’re in college. Whether you’re paying your own way or your parents are pitching in, cost is a huge factor in considering where you choose to live for the next several years of your life. Check out what deposit costs, monthly rent, utilities, and any extra fees, such as Wi-Fi, that might be separate from the initial bottom line. A clear understanding of your financial investment beforehand will help you keep better track of your dollars over time.
Ask Specific Questions
Housing places will have a generic and encouraging spiel that they give to all of their visitors. You’re not looking for someone to tell you what you want to hear—you need to learn about what you’re saying “yes” to. Asking specific questions about potential added fees, living conditions, or the neighborhood can give you more confidence about your decision to choose or reject a specific housing option.
Tour with Your Eyes Open
Students at the park
A tour guide is going to highlight the best of a renting space whenever you visit them. Of course, you want to get excited about the place you’re going to be calling your new home! However, you also want to make sure that you really recognize what you’re agreeing to. Look for warning signs like mold, mildew, broken doors, or too much shower scum. Having an eye for the details can help you assess the quality of an establishment, and help you make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
School Location
Being a university student means that at least once a day, five days a week, you’ll need to make your way to and from school. Distance could translate to more time spent each day in transit. Also, if it’s too far and the school doesn’t have a bus or shuttle system that passes through it, that could limit your ability to get back and forth without a vehicle. Overall, location is an essential factor to consider in choosing Athens student housing options.
