A Guide for Student Renters

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A Guide for Student Renters
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• Making the right decisions when it comes to
  student rentals can have a big impact on your
  quality of life. Unlike living in University of
  Alberta student housing, youll need to consider
  aspects like the condition of the apartment, the
  terms of the lease, and even who you live with.

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• However, this will definitely be worthwhile, as
  youll have more freedom and space. By drawing up
  a plan before you start searching, you can ensure
  that your home life is comfortable and problem
  free.

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Create a Budget

• Decide how much you can afford before you plan
  any apartment visits. That way, you can rule out
  anything that is too expensive. Calculate your
  budget for rent by taking into account how much
  youll receive in income each month and
  subtracting a portion for food, transportation,
  and entertainment.

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• If utilities are not included in the cost of
  rent, add this expense to your calculation.

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Choose Your Roommates Wisely

• Closest friends dont necessarily make for the
  best roommates. It is more important that you
  find people who are looking in the same price
  range and who have a similar lifestyle to you.
  Consider if you can trust potential roommates to
  stick to the terms in your contact, make their
  rent payments, and only invite over guests you
  are happy to have in your home.

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Consider the Location

• Ideally, you want to live walking distance from
  campus, but this may not be possible if youre on
  a tight budget. If you have a car, consider if
  there is adequate parking. If you want to rely on
  public transportation, check if the buses run
  frequently. If youd prefer to use a bike, think
  about where you would store it.

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Be Aware of Scams

• Anything that seems too good to be true probably
  is. Common scams include asking for payment when
  youve only seen pictures of the apartment, a
  high upfront security deposit, and excuses from
  the landlord about why you are unable to see the
  place. If something feels wrong, stop engaging
  with the landlord and look elsewhere.

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• You can avoid all the above issues by choosing
  off-campus student housing in Edmonton. Students
  can find a home at The Horizon. Youll be able to
  choose the size of suite according to your budget
  and either share with a few friends or take
  advantage of the roommate matching service. Best
  of all, youll be just minutes away from Grant
  MacEwan University and NorQuest College.