Updated with current information for 2023
Congratulations! You made it. You’re moving out of your dorm room and into college housing – maybe one of the best Athens Ohio rentals. There are a lot of things to consider: roommates, housing insurance, decorating, parking spot and yard, but most important – selecting the right apartment or house near campus.
Chances are, you’re a rookie at this so we’ve got a few words of advice that can help. Let’s break down the off-campus move into manageable segments:
- Visit more than one place. Don’t rent anyplace based on pictures alone. Check out each place thoroughly, asking about appliance issues, noise level, renters’ rights and average cost of utilities over winter and summer. If you can find anyone who has rented the place before, be sure to get some history.
- Safety first. If safety is a big concern, make sure the windows lock and are not easily jimmied. Is there a different key to get into the building than the one that opens your door? In a multi-storied building, try not to live on the first floor. Safety can also include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure both are working.
- Renters’ insurance. While Athens is generally pretty safe, renters insurance is a good idea. It covers theft and fire. Once you move in, make a list or create a document with all your stuff for insurance purposes.
- Subletting. Think about a subletter if you plan to leave for summer and want to hold onto the apartment or house. Identify that person early and get a commitment.
- Compatibility. We presume you’ve chosen your roommates carefully, testing for compatibility of sleeping habits, ability to pay rent, etc. Make sure your roomies are also compatible with you as far as working out a schedule to clean and keep your home organized, and to attend to household chores like taking out the trash, mowing the yard, and the like.
- Location. Make sure the apartment or house is close to campus and has easy access to public transportation, if needed. Consider the proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities that you will need. Additionally, consider the parking situation at your rental- is there designated parking spot for tenants or will you need to find street parking? If you have a car, this is an important factor to consider.
- Lease terms. How long is the lease for? Are there any restrictions on subletting or making changes to the student rental? Are there any penalties for breaking the lease early? Be sure to read the lease carefully and ask any questions you may have before signing.
- Roommates. Who are you living with? If you’re not by yourself in a studio apartment or one bedroom rental, are your roommates also helping with the move in? Having assistance, especially in bigger student rentals off-campus like five bedroom homes, is almost always necessary. Be a team and work together.
- Move-in and move-out costs. Ask about the deposit and any other fees that you will need to pay before moving in. Consider the cost of moving trucks or professional movers if you need them. Make sure you budget for these expenses so you don’t end up with any unexpected expenses.
In summary, finding the right apartment or house off campus is an important decision that requires careful consideration of factors such as location, safety, renters’ insurance, compatibility with roommates and lease terms. Remember to visit multiple places, ask questions, and budget for move-in and move-out costs (especially if moving trucks are involved). With a little bit of planning and research, you’ll be able to find the perfect student rental to call home during your final college years.