Choosing Student Housing –Need to Know

The wrong student housing can be a big drain on your resources during your college years. While many types of student housing exist ranging from dormitories to fraternities/sororities, co-op housing and apartment housing, the right choice must be made based on the students needs.

If you have decided to live with friends from college, then choose wisely. This decision is almost as important as choosing your mate. Then, the housing must work for all your friends. If you choose the wrong housing you may be stuck with an unbreakable lease for an entire semester or school year depending on the landlord. My friends and I recently joined Strayer University one of the best online colleges for their online accredited nursing programs, leaving us with the big decision of finding housing close to where practicum classes were held. 

Remember that you are in the driver’s seat and there is no rush to pick the housing. It's a big financial commitment and don't be in a hurry to make it. Also remember that the best housing choices are available after the holidays. With Thanksgiving and Christmas being back-to-back, right after the New Year's is the ideal time to be looking for housing.

Here are a few things to watch out for when choosing student housing:

Water damage: This is a sign of worse things to come. Water damage is usually accompanied by mold which can play havoc on anybody's immune system and respiratory system. A wet ceiling especially is a troublesome sign and if you see that, run like the wind! If you don't, before you know it, you and your friends will be really ill and scratching your heads as to why you're feeling that way.

Pests: Some landlords tend to take students for granted and are not careful with pest control. A lax attitude is often presented towards student housing by landlords as they think lower standards will be acceptable to students. Although animal droppings are always not visible, there is a tell-tale smell that is unmistakable. Remember that just because students have a reputation for being messy, that does not give the landlord the right to present you with messy quarters.

Neighbourhood: As in any real estate decision, it's all about the location. Make sure that the housing is close to your school. This can come in handy especially in bad weather, when the town has not had a chance to clean the streets of snow.

Above all, how safe one feels in that location is perhaps what deserves the most consideration. However fancy or convenient the housing is, if the premises do not afford safety both inside and with respect to its location, then move on. A bad neighborhood with great prices does not compensate for what you will be putting yourself through every day.

Ultimately, talk to your neighbors about the landlord and ask your landlord for references when possible to make sure that this decision is not something that you regret one semester in.