The Essential Guide to Finding Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing is something many students now opt into in because most city colleges either don’t offer on-campus housing for four years or the facilities aren’t up to par with what the student wants. If you, too, are in search of an off-campus apartment rental in NYC, there are a few things you need to make sure of before renting.

Where Should Your New Off-Campus House Be?

As a student, you might prefer your new house to be in close proximity to your college campus. The actual distance depends on how you plan to travel to your campus: bike, car, by foot, etc. Before you choose the best location, it is essential to consider your primary transportation.

Apart from the distance, finding the ideal location of your off-campus house, involves assessing whether the neighborhood is safe and secure. One way to do this is ask the local police for relevant information or do searches of crime incidents. Additionally, you can look for safety kiosks and speak to local residents about their experiences regarding safety in the neighborhood.

Can You Afford it?

Sure, a luxury student apartment might be fancy, but it’s not necessary unless you can afford it. Students usually run on a tight budget and they need a low-cost off-campus house. That being said, fully furnished apartments aren’t necessarily out of the price range and can provide considerable value.

Using a service to help you find an apartment based on criteria like location and price can help in this process. They’ll weed out the apartments you can’t even afford to look, streamlining the entire experience and letting you focus on getting situated as a student in a new city. A few of them even offer fully furnished apartments at unbeatable prices.

How is the Landlord?

When you’re signing an agreement with a landlord, it’s wise to do some prior research. A decent, reputable landlord will mean you won’t be scammed. Ask for his credentials before making an official contract and be sure to speak with a few existing tenants about their experiences. Also, once you make and agreement, always have the lease signed and written instead of an only verbal agreement.

Do You Want A Roommate?

There are all kinds of students: Some might prefer living alone, while others might prefer one or two roommates to keep them company. Having just one roommate, versus renting a studio, can save over $7,000 in annual rent in NYC, so it’s worthwhile to consider. Once you decide if you want roommates, and how many, you can start looking for off-campus apartments with the right number of bedrooms.

Renting an apartment off-campus in NYC can seem like a daunting task at first, but having a search service by your side can make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. A quality apartment rental service helps by finding the apartment  for the right price with the amenities you want, and removes any landlord concerns with verified background checks.