“Where am I going to live next year?”
This is a question that many students are trying to figure out this time of year. If you are graduating, then your primary concern becomes getting a job or getting into grad school.
For those students left with another year of midterms, relationship problems and internship searches, however, the issue of finding a place to live soon becomes an unwanted burden. Most likely, with a little preparation, you will be a little more on track to finding that “home, sweet home!”
While University Housing states that the majority of incoming freshmen choose to live in the residence halls their first year, students often disregard the option of living there a second year. Senior business major Matthew Kernan explains that he didn’t mind living in the residence halls for a second year.
“I liked the dorms,” he said. “I am happy to live on my own now, but I met a lot of great people and had a good time.”
For those students who choose to move out of the dorms though, this is the first time they will live on their own, so finding a house or apartment seems like the logical first step toward adulthood.
With apartments ranging from as low as $200 a month to as high as more than $1000 a month, factors such as location, number of rooms and accessories all contribute to the total price. For example, a one bedroom apartment in the Hilyard House may cost you around $600 per month, but you will receive benefits such as secured parking, a washer/dryer, free Internet access and a weight facility.
Various other locations offer furnished and unfurnished bedrooms. Generally, the closer you are to campus and the newer the apartment or house, the more likely you will be paying a higher price. It is also important to look into the leasing terms. Many apartments are on a one-year lease, which means you will be paying past the end of school. Month-to-month or nine-month leases are also available.
If an apartment is too cramped, you may want to find a house to rent.
“A house is more private and separated, and it feels like it’s yours,” said senior education major Rachael Dollinger. “I have a lot of space that I can call my own.”
Renting a house usually ranges individuals anywhere from $200 to $450, depending on where it is and how many people you are sharing the rent with. There are many houses that can hold more than eight people.
If you are interested in living with a lot of close friends, another option may be to live in a fraternity or sorority house.
“The living environment is perfect,” said sophomore Nate Lyons, a member of Delta Upsilon since fall of 1998. “You are living with your best friends who can be there or help you with anything, and it’s as cheap as anything else you could find.”
Each fraternity and sorority house has its own uniqueness, are comparable to the residence halls in price and convenience.
Often, students are so excited to move out of their family homes and out of the residence halls that they forget living on your own can be very expensive, ASUO Housing Advocate Matthew Lieuallen said.
Lieuallen says that where you should live depends on what environment you are looking for. He said it’s important that students make sure they have roommates they can live with who are responsible and will pay the bills on time.
“It can really put a strain on your friendship if you keep receiving ‘past due’ notices,” he said.