Every apartment tour makes the place look like a dream. Then you see the price. Some student housing amenities are worth the extra cash, but others you won’t actually use. Here’s how to tell the difference before you sign a lease you’ll regret.
Start With Your Total Housing Budget, Not the Amenity List
Before you fall in love with a rooftop lounge, figure out what you can actually afford each month. And don’t just look at rent. Add up the full picture: utilities, internet, parking, transportation, and laundry. Those little costs sneak up fast.
An apartment with slightly higher rent can end up cheaper overall. If a place includes utilities and internet, those savings can outweigh a lower price down the street.
Student Housing Amenities That Are Often Worth Paying More For
Some upgrades pay for themselves in money, time, or sanity. These student housing amenities usually earn their keep.
In-Unit Washer and Dryer
No more hauling a laundry basket across campus or feeding quarters into a machine that eats your socks. An in-unit washer and dryer saves time and laundromat costs.
Air Conditioning
August and early September in Ohio can get hot and sticky. AC keeps your apartment livable during those hot weeks and helps you actually sleep before 8 a.m. classes. For most students, this one’s a keeper.
Utilities and Internet Included
When utilities and internet are included with your rent, you get one easy bill. No fighting with roommates over who forgot to pay the electric bill, and no scrambling when the Wi-Fi goes down mid-exam.
Convenient Parking
If you have a car, parking near your place is worth serious consideration. A reliable spot saves you from circling the block, racking up tickets, or shoveling snow off your hood. Add up what a parking pass or ticket costs, and the math often makes sense.
A Dishwasher
It sounds small, but a dishwasher prevents the classic sink pileup that starts roommate arguments. It saves time and keeps your kitchen from turning into a science experiment. Underrated MVP.
Location and Walkability
A spot close to campus, class, and food can replace gas, parking, and bus fare entirely. Walkability saves money and time, and future-you will thank present-you every cold morning you don’t have to drive.
Amenities That Depend on Your Lifestyle
These student housing amenities aren’t good or bad. It all comes down to how you live.
Balconies, Porches, and Outdoor Space
A porch is amazing if you love hanging out with friends or studying in the sun. If you’re rarely home and never go outside, you’re paying extra for a view you’ll barely use.
Hardwood Floors and Updated Interiors
Updated interiors look great and feel nice to come home to. But ask yourself if the polished kitchen is worth a bigger monthly payment, or if you just like how it looks in pictures.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Furnished units save you the cost and hassle of buying stuff. But if you already own furniture or want your own style, paying for someone else’s couch doesn’t add up.
Extra Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Living Space
More space can be nice, especially a second bathroom in the morning. Just make sure the extra room won’t turn into an expensive storage closet.
Amenities You May Not Need to Pay Extra For
Not everything shiny deserves your money. Watch out for these.
Amenities Already Available Through Ohio University
Some perks are free with your student status, so don’t double-pay:
- Rec center and gym access
- Study and library spaces
- Campus Wi-Fi in most buildings
Features Only One Roommate Cares About
When everyone splits the cost, one person’s wishlist shouldn’t drain the group budget:
- A giant kitchen for the one person who cooks
- A gaming setup room only one roommate uses
- A beautiful view nobody else cares about
Luxury Features That Sound Exciting on the Tour
These look great during the walkthrough but collect dust in real life:
- A hot tub you’ll use twice a year
- A fancy fireplace you never turn on
- A media room that becomes a junk room
Extra Space That Will Mostly Sit Unused
A bonus room sounds fun until you realize you’re paying rent on a space that slowly fills with laundry and boxes.
Ask Yourself These Questions Before Paying More for an Amenity
When you’re stuck between two places, run through this quick gut check:
- How often will I realistically use it?
- Does it save me money somewhere else?
- Can I get the same thing somewhere else for free?
- Would I still choose this apartment without this amenity?
- Does everyone in my roommate group think it’s worth paying for?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth paying more for an apartment with a washer and dryer?
For most students, yes. An in-unit washer and dryer saves time and laundromat costs, and it’s a weekly convenience you’ll appreciate all year long.
Should I pay more to live closer to campus?
Often, yes. A walkable location can eliminate gas, parking, and bus costs, plus it saves you time on cold, early mornings. Add up those savings before deciding.
Is parking worth paying extra for in college?
If you own a car and drive regularly, reliable parking is usually worth it. Compare the cost against parking tickets and the hassle of hunting for spots.
How can I compare two apartments with different amenities?
Look at the total monthly cost, not just rent. Factor in utilities, internet, parking, and transportation, then weigh which amenities you’ll actually use.
Find a Place That Fits Your Life and Budget
The best apartment isn’t the one with the most features. It’s the one with the right features for how you live. At Wharton Rentals, we help students in Athens, Ohio find off-campus housing that balances comfort, location, and cost.
Browse our properties and find a place with the student housing amenities that actually matter to you.
