Updated with current information for 2023
So you’ve finally decided to escape the dorms with off campus Ohio University housing. Congrats. You’re on your own. Freedom. But don’t expect it to be nothing but Animal House and John Belushi.
Before you plan the keg party and where to set up the beer pong table, there are a few things you might want to get straight first, like who’s stuck with the rent if your roommate flakes? What if somebody breaks up and it’s not on the lease? What do you need to do to get your security deposit back? The Huffington Post has a handy list of 12 questions to ask before you make the rental commitment.
The Beauty of Single Living
Of course, most of the concerns they raise can be avoided by living on your own. That’s the advantage of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Athens, Ohio. You have no one to answer to but yourself, which means you’re not stuck if you end up with flaky roommates. You also get to prance around in your underwear, get romantic on the couch, and never shut the bedroom door. It can get lonely, but you can always go out and bring the party back home. After all, there’s nobody to complain but you.
Living alone can be a great option for those who want complete control over their living space and don’t want to deal with the potential drama of roommates. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about renting a one bedroom apartment in Athens:
- Cost: One of the main drawbacks of living alone is the cost. Renting a one bedroom apartment can be more expensive than sharing a larger space with roommates. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for all the utilities and other expenses that come with living on your own.
- Loneliness: Living alone can be lonely, especially if you’re used to being around people all the time. You won’t have anyone to hang out with or talk to on a regular basis, which can be difficult for some people. You likely also won’t have a yard or parking spot to invite friends over or drive to a friend’s place.
- Safety: Living alone can also be less safe than living with roommates. If there’s an emergency, you won’t have anyone to rely on for help or support. You’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure your safety, such as locking your doors and windows and having a plan in case of an emergency.
- Responsibility: When you live alone, you’re responsible for everything that happens in your apartment. You’ll need to take care of all the cleaning, cooking, and other household tasks on your own. You’ll also be responsible for paying all the bills on time and taking care of any maintenance issues that arise.
Living with Roommates
If you’re not sure about living alone, you might consider renting a place with roommates. Here are some things to consider when choosing who to live with:
- Compatibility: It’s important to choose roommates who you get along with and who share your values and lifestyle. Make sure you’re compatible with your potential roommates before signing a lease together. If you’re sharing a place with four other people in a five bedroom home, you definitely want to like the people you’re living with – or else your next rental will be for a moving truck.
- Responsibility: Make sure your potential roommates are responsible and can be trusted to pay their share of the rent and bills on time. You don’t want to end up covering for someone who can’t keep up with their financial obligations. It’s not just finances either. If you guys live close to uptown, then people will likely be clamoring to use your rental’s porch or yard. Make sure you and your roommates have a plan to keep everything neat and tidy.
- Communication: Good communication is key to a successful roommate situation. Make sure you can talk openly with your roommates about any issues or concerns that come up.
- Boundaries: Set clear boundaries with your roommates from the beginning. Make sure everyone knows what’s expected in terms of cleanliness, noise levels, and guests.
Ultimately, the decision to live alone or with roommates comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. Consider your budget, social needs, and other factors when making your decision. Whatever you choose, be sure to do your research and make an informed decision.