Finding an Apartment: Tips for Graduate Students
Quote from http://gradschool.about.com
Whether you're planning to move 2,000 miles away or to the other end of town, finding and securing an apartment can be overwhelming. Here are some steps that can make it a little easier:
Examine your priorities.What's important to you in your new home?
Considerations:
Proximity to school
Safety
Parking
Laundry facilities
Public transportation
Pets
Determine your budget and decide on roommates.Before embarking on your apartment-hunting trip, determine what you can afford to spend. Draw up a budget. You don't want to run out of funds two-thirds of the way through the school year! Learn how to manage your money before you move out on your own.
According to budget experts, your monthly rental should amount to no more than one week's income.
zSB(3,3)
Sound impossible?
Proximity to school
Safety
Parking
Laundry facilities
Public transportation
Pets
Determine your budget and decide on roommates.Before embarking on your apartment-hunting trip, determine what you can afford to spend. Draw up a budget. You don't want to run out of funds two-thirds of the way through the school year! Learn how to manage your money before you move out on your own.
According to budget experts, your monthly rental should amount to no more than one week's income.
zSB(3,3)
Sound impossible?
This is where roommates come in to the picture.
Carefully select your new roommate or you could be disappointed to learn that your lifestyles don't match well. Speak with grad students at your new school and you may find a roommate with similar needs for quiet study time. Roommate matching services are also available.
Find an apartment.Begin looking for an apartment as soon as you know where you're going to grad school.
In some areas, New York City, for example, finding a suitable apartment can take months. Keep your eyes open and let your friends and relatives know that you're looking for a place.
Speak with graduate students at your new school.
They're a great source of leads and can tell you about what neighborhoods to avoid. Check out online listings, as well as the old standby, newspaper listings. If you're desperate, seek help from a real estate agencies, but note that most charge fees that can range from $50 to two month's rent.
What to ExpectBring a checkbook and an ATM card on apartment-hunting trips. Some markets move so quickly that by the time you run home to get your checkbook, the listing is gone. Be ready to put down a deposit immediately if you find a suitable place.
Be prepared to pay first and possibly last month's rent as well as a security deposit to cover any damages incurred during your stay. Inspect the apartment carefully before committing to it. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Take note of any existing damage in the apartment and have that written into your lease. You don't want to be financially responsible for it later.
