Tips for Choosing Off-Campus Student Housing

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Tips for Choosing Off-Campus Student Housing
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• Living off campus can be a major decision
  that requires major consideration. Fortunately,
  its something that many university students
  experience, so theres plenty of advice and
  resources out there. These tips and resources can
  help you find the right off-campus housing for
  your budget and lifestyle. Helpful tips include
• Starting early
• Understanding the costs
• Touring several housing options
• Checking the universitys board

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• Starting Early
• There can be a lot of competition for
  off-campus housing, so you should start looking
  as early as possible. Ideally, you should start
  looking during the summer, as more students move
  out and more housing becomes available then. The
  competition for off-campus housing increases
  during the fall, which can make it difficult to
  find the highest quality student housing Oshawa
  has to offer. So, start your search in the summer
  and dont hesitate to make a move when an
  apartment or room becomes available. Make sure
  youre available for a viewing as soon as a
  property manager contacts you.

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• Understanding the Costs
• Living on your own can be expensive, and even
  more so when youre unaware of the exact costs of
  things. Common expenses to consider include
  monthly rent, utilities, groceries, cell phone
  bills, costs of household products,
  transportation fees, and monthly parking fees (if
  applicable). Once youve worked out the
  approximate monthly amount of these expenses,
  create a workable budget. If you have roommates,
  divide the costs evenly. Knowing what you can
  afford can help you find the right
  accommodations.

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• Touring Several Housing Options
• Youll never know what housing option is the
  best fit if you dont try out several ones. This
  includes apartments, rooms, and townhomes.
  Explore your options and tour as many homes,
  neighbourhoods, and housing types as you can.
  Itll help you become familiar with the housing
  options, their neighbourhoods, and the pros and
  cons of the different types. For example, student
  apartments are often all-inclusive and offer
  amenities that townhomes do not. Some
  neighbourhoods are also more walkable than
  others and offer proximity to your university.

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• Additionally, while furnished apartments can
  be convenient, they can also be more expensive.
  Ultimately, you should look for housing that is
• In a safe, walkable neighbourhood and close to
  your campus
• All-inclusive
• Free of hidden fees
• Offers flexible leases and reasonable rental
  rates
• Filled with amenities

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• Checking the Universitys Bulletin Board
• You may find that some of the student housing
  Durham College has to offer can be found on
  campus bulletin boards. These boards often
  feature the best off-campus housing opportunities
  for students, including those offered by Village
  Suites Oshawa. However, the housing opportunities
  offered can change day-to-day, so check the board
  early and as often as possible. Housing from the
  board is also often readily available, so even if
  theres a lot of competition, youll likely find
  a place when apartment-hunting this way.