Are you tired of cramped dorm rooms and noisy hallways? Are you ready for more independence and a place to call your own? Then it’s time to consider Athens, Ohio student housing options with your friends! Not only will you have more space and privacy, but you’ll also save money by splitting the costs.
Before you browse rental listings, here are some tips to make the process stress-free.
First, Consider What It’s Really Like to Rent with Friends
Living with your best friends may sound like a dream come true, but it’s important to consider the realities of sharing a space with others. It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your potential roommates about expectations and boundaries before diving into the rental search. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do all of your friends have similar lifestyles and cleanliness habits?
- Is everyone responsible enough to pay bills and rent on time?
- Have you and your friends discussed how you’ll handle the lease agreement?
- Are you all comfortable with each other’s guests and potential significant others spending time at the apartment?
How to Find the Perfect Athens, Ohio Student Housing
Once you and your friends have decided that living together is the right choice, it’s time to start looking for the perfect rental property. Here are some tips to help you find the best Athens, Ohio student housing:
Start the Search EARLY
If you wait until the last minute to look for a rental property, all the good properties will be booked. Start browsing listings at least 3-4 months in advance to give yourself enough time to find the perfect place and go through the application process.
Location, Location, Location
As the saying goes, location is everything. Consider the proximity to campus, public transportation, and grocery stores when looking for Athens, Ohio student housing. Research the safety of the neighborhood and if it aligns with your personal preferences. Our favorite places are on or around Court Street—it leads straight to campus and all the popular hangout spots.
Prioritize Your Needs and Wants
It’s easy to want to compromise and settle for a rental property that may not meet all of your needs. Before starting your search, make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers. This will help you stay focused on finding a place that meets all of your essential requirements.
Tips & Tricks for Splitting Costs & Responsibilities
You and your roommates will have to split bills, chores, and responsibilities once you move in together. Start by calculating the total cost of rent, utilities, and possible groceries (if everyone agrees), then divide it equally. There are a lot of apps like Splitwise that keep track of who owes what and when—we highly recommend using them so the pressure doesn’t fall on one person.
It’s also important to establish clear expectations for chores and the division of responsibilities. Make a schedule, set up a chore wheel, or create your own way to ensure everyone is actively pulling their weight. It’s also helpful to have a group chat or regular roommate meetings to address any issues or concerns.
Unfortunately, late payments and roommate conflicts can occur—even with your best friend. The best thing to prevent these issues is to have open communication and trust with your roommates. Remember, you’re all in this together; try to support each other throughout the rental experience.
Ready for Your Own Athens, Ohio Student Housing? Look to Wharton Rentals
Wharton Rentals offers a variety of rental properties perfect for students, including apartments and houses in prime locations near Ohio University. Our friendly and experienced staff are here to help you find the perfect Athens, Ohio student housing for you and your friends. Start browsing our listings today!
