You get a taste of what it is like to be an adult once you step into a university. Being distant from family and to set foot in a different environment can be quite overwhelming. Do not fear, this change will help you make smarter decisions and manage your finances better. But what is it like to be a university student?
We know how puzzling it can be for students to decide what degree they should pursue. In addition, the immense stress you get from managing your student loans. But that’s not the worst part yet, they have to deal with one more thing. Housing. It is more convenient for them to live close to the university because it is one less thing to worry about. On the contrary, it will cost you. A lot. This goes as well for teachers; it is not t easy for them too.
As a result, establishments have turned into accommodation facilities since the demand for housing for people in universities are high. Of course, the housing should be student-friendly and affordable. Here are seven tips to remember when looking for accommodation:
1. Begin your house hunting early
Starting early when looking for houses will be an advantage since accommodation by then would be cheaper since it is not peak season or a week before the beginning of classes. Accommodation prices would spike up once class starts, and you will have a harder time looking since most of them would be occupied.
Looking up 1-4 months ahead will be the best way of choosing since options are not yet limited. With the advancement of technology as well, it would be a swift process for you in finding a proper place.
2. Do a background check
When looking into accommodation, it is best to check the environment to see if it is safe. Go to their website, observe if the place offers amenities that would be beneficial to students, and if the price is worth it. Studying the location or surrounding of your future house is a need since you would a haven to escape the stress from your academic life.
It is important to see what type of accommodation they offer. Every country has its variation, from apartments to hostels with single rooms, you have to pick what is best for you and would fit your budget. See if they offer a gym, pool, or even a library.
3. Make a budget plan
Aside from managing expenses for student loans, let’s not forget about expenses for necessities and school needs. You need to consider every penny that comes out of your pocket and be careful not to overspend. Be extra careful when spending to avoid making a mistake. If you skillfully organize your budget, you might find yourself a suitable apartment.
4. Be thrifty
As a student, you need to purchase the necessities you need for school. Buying them directly from the store will definitely cost you. But with the help of technology, a lot of buy and sell websites have come up. From used laptops to on-sale academic books, you can definitely find an alternative store that will be budget-friendly.
5. Look over your contracts
One of the most important parts of moving into a new house is checking your contracts. You need to read every word of the contract and inspect if there are any hidden terms, unjust and menacing deal. If you were to sign the contract without careful studying, you might be put in an uncomfortable situation leading you to pay sums of money and even a visit to court.
And as an applying tenant, you must ask your property owner your obligations when you start living in your flat.
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Tenant Obligations
It is important that you make sure to pay your rent on time. Many property owners have different payment schemes and it is your responsibility as a tenant to follow their rules to establish a good relationship that is built on trust. If you live with other tenants, you should set rules and roles on who should collect rent and hand it to the owner. In this case, you may organize a system that will work for you and your teammates.
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Billing
It must be established upon contract signing what the tenant will still be paying aside from the housing. Electricity, water, internet connection fees will be included but some accommodations would just leave out these payments which would be such a catch for the tenant.
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Paying for damages
Sometimes accidents happen and you need to know who will be liable for the payment of the repairs. Make sure to understand your coverage for the damages, if a window broke in the accommodation you are staying in, but you were not present, would it be covered by the property or will you be the one that takes full responsibility for damages.