Finding suitable housing is a crucial step for students moving to or within the US. Whether you're an international or domestic student, securing the right accommodation can significantly impact your overall college experience.
The MyChek app offers valuable assistance with checklists and resources to streamline this process. Access curated checklists through the MyChek app to ensure you cover all essential aspects of your housing search.
On-Campus Housing: Dormitories
Benefits of Dormitory Living
Campus Facilities: Dormitories are located on or near campus, making it easy to attend classes and participate in campus activities. Also, this means you'll probably live near public transportation. It's a win-win situation.
Social Opportunities: Living in a dorm fosters a sense of community and provides ample social interaction. I made lots of my friends from the dorms where I stayed. When you're a newbie in a city you need social connections, and dorms are one of the best options.
Cheaper Billing: Most dorms include room and board for one fee, reducing the hassle of managing multiple bills. And it will be much cheaper than renting an apartment.
Types of Dormitories
Traditional Dorm Rooms: Standard rooms are typically shared with one or more roommates.
Suite-Style Dorms: Smaller shared living spaces with private bathrooms.
Apartment-Style Dorms: Independent living spaces with full kitchens and living areas.
Application Process
How to Apply for On-Campus Housing: Visit your university’s housing office or website for specific application procedures. All universities have different application procedures, so you should check each of them.
Deadlines and Requirements: Be aware of application deadlines and required documentation. You can create customized checklists on the MyChek app to track these deadlines and gather necessary documents. It prevents you from missing the last day of the application and submitting missing documents.
Off-Campus Housing: Rentals
Types of Rentals
Apartments: Private units within a building, available in various sizes.
Houses: Entire homes for rent, often ideal for groups of students.
Shared Rooms: Rooms rented in a house or apartment shared with others.
Finding Rentals
Websites and Apps: Use platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, Apartments, and Realtor to search for rental listings. You can use filters to best fit your needs!
University Resources: Check with your university’s off-campus housing office for listings and recommendations. Also, I suggest you join student communities, online forms, and groups for better opportunities. At my university, there was a student form section where students could look for roommates for their apartments or announce about moving to an apartment together. You should check them before moving. Additionally, engaging with student communities, online forums, and groups can enhance your social interactions and help build trust more quickly.
Real Estate Agents: Engaging a real estate agent can help you find rental properties in your desired area. They know locations better than you, and this will create a huge difference.
Rent Agreements
Understanding Rent Terms and Conditions: Familiarize yourself with lease terms, including rent, duration, and rules. Most of the dorms don't accept pets, so learning these kind of rules before moving is important.
Important Clauses to Look For: Pay attention to substances related to maintenance and lease termination. Use the MyChek app to create a checklist for reviewing lease agreements and preparing for your move. You can control these kinds of rules before moving whenever you want with ease and also with the user-friendly interface of MyChek you can control whenever you want with just one click.
Shared Housing Options
Roommates and Shared Apartments
Benefits of Sharing Housing: Cost savings and the opportunity for companionship.
Considerations for Choosing Roommates: Compatibility and financial reliability.
Finding Roommates
Websites and Apps: Explore Roomi, SpareRoom, and Craigslist for potential roommates.
University Resources: Utilize roommate matching services offered by your university.
Social Media and Networks: Look for leads in Facebook groups and university forums. As I mentioned earlier in this article, at my university, there was a student forum where students could find roommates or announce their plans to move in together. Checking these resources before you move can provide valuable opportunities. It is most likely that you will have a common social life and this can help you build trust more easily.
Setting Up a Shared Space
Dividing Responsibilities and Costs
Determine Shared Expenses: List all recurring costs such as rent, utilities, internet, and any other shared expenses. Agree on how these will be divided, whether equally or based on usage.
Establish Payment Deadlines: Set a schedule for when payments are due and decide on the method of payment (e.g., splitting bills via a payment app or a shared account).
Assign Household Chores: Create a chore chart to ensure that cleaning, maintenance, and other household tasks are distributed fairly. Decide who will be responsible for what and how often tasks should be completed. In my house, we split chores based on week, for example, the first week of the month I'm responsible for all of the chores that belong to the house like cleaning, vacuuming, etc. But not responsible for personal things like dirty dishes since we cook separately.
Plan for Unexpected Costs: Discuss how unexpected expenses, such as repairs or emergency costs, will be handled. Set aside a small fund if possible. We don't have a fund, we share the expenses when it is needed.
Review and Adjust: Periodically review how the division of responsibilities and costs is working and make adjustments as needed to ensure fairness.
Creating a Roommate Agreement
Outline Expectations: Clearly define each roommate's responsibilities regarding rent, utilities, chores, and any other shared duties. Include rules about guest policies, noise levels, and common area use.
Agree on Personal Space: Set boundaries for private and shared spaces to respect each roommate’s privacy and personal belongings.
Conflict Resolution: Establish a process for handling disagreements or issues that may arise. This could involve regular meetings to discuss concerns.
Duration and Termination: Specify the duration of the agreement and conditions under which it can be terminated. Include procedures for giving notice if a roommate decides to move out.
Sign and Date: Have all roommates sign and date the agreement to ensure that everyone is committed to the terms and understands their responsibilities.
Keep a Copy: Each roommate should keep a copy of the signed agreement for reference. This helps to clarify expectations and prevent misunderstandings. And you can keep one in a common area like the kitchen.
By setting clear terms and responsibilities, you can help ensure a smooth and cooperative living arrangement.
Short-Term Housing Options
Temporary Housing Solutions
Airbnb: Find short-term accommodations on Airbnb.
Sublets: Look for sublet opportunities for temporary stays.
Extended-Stay Hotels: Consider hotels with extended-stay options for short-term needs.
When to Consider Short-Term Housing
During Internship Periods: If you have a summer internship or short-term program.
While Waiting for Long-Term Housing: Use temporary housing as a bridge until you secure permanent accommodation.
Budgeting for Student Housing
Calculating Housing Costs
Rent: Determine your monthly rental expenses.
Utilities: Include costs for electricity, water, and gas. You can read our blog about how to save on utilities for more information.
Internet and Other Services: Budget for Internet and other essential services.
Budgeting Tips
Setting a Realistic Budget: Ensure your budget accounts for all housing-related costs.
Finding Ways to Save on Housing Costs: Look for opportunities to reduce expenses, such as energy-saving measures. Turn unnecessary lights off.
Don't forget to use the MyChek app to create a budget checklist and track your expenses.
Important Considerations When Choosing Housing
Location
Proximity to Campus: Choose housing close to your university to minimize commute times.
Safety and Neighborhood Amenities: Consider the safety of the neighborhood and the availability of amenities. Safe areas near public transportation, markets, drug stores, and socialization locations like cafes are good options to consider.
Amenities
On-Site Laundry, Gym, and Study Areas: Look for housing with convenient amenities. If you are a student, a nearby library will be better than a cafe.
Transportation
Public Transport Availability: Ensure there are reliable public transport options nearby.
Parking Options: If you have a car, check for parking availability.
Legal and Practical Matters
Understanding Rental Agreements
Key Terms and Legal Rights: Know your rights as a tenant and the terms of your lease. Consult a lawyer if needed, this is important you don't want to be scammed or wake up one day and be homeless.
How to Handle Disputes: Learn how to resolve conflicts with landlords. Be aware of both your and their rights.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, agreements, and issues. This includes emails, letters, and photos of any problems with the property. Proof is everything!
Communicate Clearly: Address issues with your landlord in writing. Be clear, concise, and professional in your communications, outlining the problem and seeking a resolution. Proofs are important when you rent.
Follow Lease Terms: Review your lease agreement to ensure you are complying with its terms. Highlight any breaches by the landlord and refer to the relevant clauses.
Seek Mediation: If direct communication fails, consider mediation services. Many communities offer free or low-cost mediation to help resolve disputes between tenants and landlords.
File Complaints: For unresolved issues, you can file complaints with local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups. They can offer guidance and may go between if necessary.
Legal Action: As a last resort, consider legal action. Consult with a lawyer specializing in tenant rights to discuss your options and ensure you follow proper legal procedures.
Insurance
Importance of Renter’s Insurance
Protection for Belongings: Renter’s insurance covers damage or loss of your personal belongings due to events like fire, theft, or vandalism.
Liability Coverage: It provides liability protection in case someone is injured in your rental unit or if you accidentally cause damage to the property.
Affordable: Typically, renter’s insurance is inexpensive and offers significant coverage for peace of mind.
Health and Safety
Ensuring Housing Meets Safety Standards
Check for Safety Features: Ensure the property has working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and secure locks on doors and windows.
Inspect for Hazards: Look for potential hazards such as mold, lead paint, or faulty wiring. Address any issues with the landlord promptly. When you're leaving, you don't want to be held responsible for hazards that have already happened. Don't trust the landlord's word if they say there is no hazard, check twice to make sure. You can use MyChek to list hazards and add pictures as proof.
Verify Compliance: Confirm that the housing complies with local building codes and safety regulations to ensure a safe living environment. For example, if you're living in an earthquake area, make sure your building is safe for that.
Additional Tips and Advice
Start Early
Create a Timeline: Begin your housing search at least 2-3 months before the semester starts. This allows ample time to explore options, compare different types of housing, and address any issues that may arise. You'll have time to rent much cheaper.
Research the Market: Familiarize yourself with rental prices and availability in the area. Understanding the market will help you make informed decisions and identify reasonable offers.
Set Alerts: Use rental websites and apps to set up alerts for new listings that match your criteria or potential discounts. This ensures you don’t miss out on potential opportunities.
Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents, such as proof of income, references, and identification, in advance to speed up the application process once you find a suitable option. You can make this process faster by using MyChek.
Visit in Person
Schedule Visits: Arrange appointments to visit potential housing options. This allows you to see the property’s condition, meet with landlords or property managers, and get a feel for the neighborhood.
Inspect the Property: Check for any issues such as maintenance problems, safety hazards, or discrepancies from the listing description. Ensure that everything is in good working order.
Meet the Neighbors: If possible, talk to current tenants or neighbors to get their perspective on the property and the area. They can provide valuable insights into living conditions and the landlord’s responsiveness.
Assess the Commute: Evaluate the distance from the property to your campus and other key locations, such as grocery stores and public transportation options.
Ask Questions
Inquire About Current Tenants’ Experiences: Ask existing tenants about their experiences with the landlord, maintenance, and any issues they’ve encountered. This can give you a sense of what to expect.
Clarify Lease Terms: Ensure you understand all aspects of the lease agreement, including rent payment deadlines, penalties for breaking the lease, and rules regarding guests and subletting.
Discuss Maintenance and Repairs: Find out how maintenance requests are handled and how quickly repairs are typically addressed. This will help you gauge the landlord’s responsiveness.
Ask About the Neighborhood: Inquire about safety, amenities, and the overall environment of the neighborhood. This can help you determine if it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.
Network
Utilize Social Media: Join Facebook groups or other social media platforms related to student housing and local community groups. These can be valuable sources for finding housing leads and roommate options.
Connect with Fellow Students: Reach out to current or former students for recommendations on housing and roommates. They may have valuable insights or know of available options.
Attend University Housing Events: Participate in any housing fairs or events organized by your university. These events often provide opportunities to connect with landlords and other students looking for roommates.
Use Online Roommate Matching Services: Explore websites and apps designed for finding roommates, such as Roomi or SpareRoom. These platforms can help you find compatible roommates and shared housing options.
Download the MyChek app to make your housing search easier and stay organized with our app. Leave your housing search process tips and experiences in the comments section. How did you use MyChek during your housing search process?
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