As the start of the semester approaches, many students are still searching for a place to live this Fall. If DCL has no available housing for you and you're not able to room in the same suite as your best friend, it might seem a as though you will be living in a cardboard box outside of 567 instead. However, you can rest assured that Savvy Student will keep you warm and dry this semester, as we have compiled a few tips to get you on track and help you find the perfect apartment.
1. Figure out your budget.
When looking for a place, it is best to find out how much you are capable of paying each month. Rent may or may not include utitilies, so make sure that you know what is being covered under the cost of rent. You may be able to afford the $500 a month, but when it comes to an extra $100 a month in utilities--you may have to reconsider.
2. Figure out your desired location
Do you want to live near campus or in the city? If you live in the city, will transportation be an issue? When considering which neighborhood you would like to live in, think about the residents, the neighboring stores and markets, and the type of neighborbood. Is it safe? Is it full of college students or working adults and families? You will need to make sure that you live somewhere that accomodates your needs and lifestyle.
3. Figure out your roommate preference
Do you want to live alone and rent a one bedroom apartment, or live in a house with 2, 3 or 4 other people. Do you want to live with friends or "strangers"? Remember that it may be much cheaper to live with multiple people than on your own. When deciding to room with friends, rememeber that sometimes even the best of friends may make the worst roommates.
4. Check out FullDorm.com
You can find a list of classifieds including off campus housing, roommate requests and even FREE decor for your new place. This website was created by college students for college students. You can log in with your Brandeis Unet information and respond to posts or write your own.
5. Plan for the first payment
A landlord can require first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit (not more than one month's rent). This means if your portion of rent is $500, you may need to come up with $1500. If you go through a real estate agent you may have to pay a fee equal to half of one month's rent. If you are relying on your refund from Brandeis, it may not be available by the first of the month so PLAN ACCORDINGLY. The office is not capable of processing refund requests until 10 days prior to the start of school, which this year is August 20th. It takes up to 7 business days for the checks to be ready. So there is a possiblity that you will not receive your refund by September 1st.
6. Check out the Department of Community Living's Helpful Tips
You can find out more information here on their website.
Good Luck Hunting,
Savvy Student
1. Figure out your budget.
When looking for a place, it is best to find out how much you are capable of paying each month. Rent may or may not include utitilies, so make sure that you know what is being covered under the cost of rent. You may be able to afford the $500 a month, but when it comes to an extra $100 a month in utilities--you may have to reconsider.
2. Figure out your desired location
Do you want to live near campus or in the city? If you live in the city, will transportation be an issue? When considering which neighborhood you would like to live in, think about the residents, the neighboring stores and markets, and the type of neighborbood. Is it safe? Is it full of college students or working adults and families? You will need to make sure that you live somewhere that accomodates your needs and lifestyle.
3. Figure out your roommate preference
Do you want to live alone and rent a one bedroom apartment, or live in a house with 2, 3 or 4 other people. Do you want to live with friends or "strangers"? Remember that it may be much cheaper to live with multiple people than on your own. When deciding to room with friends, rememeber that sometimes even the best of friends may make the worst roommates.
4. Check out FullDorm.com
You can find a list of classifieds including off campus housing, roommate requests and even FREE decor for your new place. This website was created by college students for college students. You can log in with your Brandeis Unet information and respond to posts or write your own.
5. Plan for the first payment
A landlord can require first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit (not more than one month's rent). This means if your portion of rent is $500, you may need to come up with $1500. If you go through a real estate agent you may have to pay a fee equal to half of one month's rent. If you are relying on your refund from Brandeis, it may not be available by the first of the month so PLAN ACCORDINGLY. The office is not capable of processing refund requests until 10 days prior to the start of school, which this year is August 20th. It takes up to 7 business days for the checks to be ready. So there is a possiblity that you will not receive your refund by September 1st.
6. Check out the Department of Community Living's Helpful Tips
You can find out more information here on their website.
Good Luck Hunting,
Savvy Student
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