Tips For Finding Off-Campus Housing

It’s that time of year again! The year has sped by and now midterms have arrived, heralding the beginning of spring. Many students, frosh especially, are thinking about (or worrying about) getting a place to live. While the task is daunting, with a few tips and a game plan, finding your first house outside of residence should be a smooth-sail.

Find a couple of friends whom you trust, can live with, and have the same expectations out of university education.

• Most frosh have already completed this step but are missing some crucial points to cover with potential roommates. For example, make sure that your roommates are not going to back out of your housing plans as this can be potentially disastrous especially when you have signed a lease.

• If one of your roommates doesn’t mind storing their clothes on their floor or keeping food in their shoes, then you should probably rethink that person as a roommate, particularly if you are a clean freak.

• Finally, make sure that you speak about entertainment, such as parties and TV, especially if you are living with someone outside the Engineering Faculty (*cough*arts students*cough*)

Search through a number of resources (not only the listings provided by UW), bookmark prospective places to live, and TALK TO YOUR ROOMMATES ABOUT IT.

• By searching through Kijiji, The Record (which is updated daily) and other public house listings, you are more likely to get a cheaper rate for the same living arrangement found through the UW listings. This is especially true for housing that is further away and is viable for students who have cars.

• Set a budget for rent and other related costs with all your roommates. What may be a reasonable price for you may not be for your roommate. Check for hidden costs like commuting, furnishing the living space if it is listed as unfurnished, television and internet, etc. Be sure to keep an allotted sum for any unexpected costs you may encounter throughout the year.

Visit bookmarked places as a group

• By visiting each property as a group, you ensure that everyone will be comfortable with the living space. Things to keep in mind:

• • • Location: Is it a safe neighborhood? How far is it from campus? How far is the nearest grocery store, bank etc.? Is it on a bus route?
    • Facilities: Are utilities included? Are you responsible for mowing the lawn/shoveling snow etc.? Is Internet/TV included? Is laundry included? How far is the nearest laundromat? Is parking included?
    • Living Space: Privacy? How many bathrooms? Full kitchen? Laundry? Is the living space shared? Space for storage? Separate entrance?

• Look for convenience when it comes to looking at housing since a lot of time will be spent getting groceries, commuting, etc. Also, ask previous tenants about the average monthly cost of living and factor that in your decision.

READ THE LEASE!!!

• Far too many students get stuck with nightmare landlords, hidden costs, and unrealistic conditions when they sign a lease without reading it. One of the biggest causes of stress is taking on an extra rent when one roommate has dropped out. Make sure to read the lease thoroughly, highlight any causes for concern, and talk to your roommates about it. It is also advisable to get a professional (off-campus counselors at UW, parents, etc.) to look through the lease in order to bring up any important points in the lease. For the conditions outlined, think about the feasibility of these specifications being met. Most importantly, compare the given lease with other leases to ensure that you are getting a fair agreement between you and your landlord.

If you follow these simple but crucial ideas, then finding a good place to live next year should be easy. Remember that you should not be pressured into signing any lease and that you have options outside this arrangement. It is also a good idea to keep a list of basic things that are nonnegotiable when it comes to your living space. When looking for a place, remember to take your time and keep a clear game plan in mind. Finally, if you feel uncomfortable with the living situation, especially with the landlord, walk away. If all goes well, then living off campus should prove to be more enjoyable than residence (think of all the epic parties!)