My first apartment!
@sierranicole24 (71)
United States
April 12, 2012 8:44pm CST
So I recently decided that I am going to get an apartment next Spring instead of staying in the dorms at my college. I have found a few places that seem to be great places to live. I mean they have to be pretty nice since I plan on living there for at least four more years. The only problem with that is that they cost a lot more because of how nice they are. I mean these places have a bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining area, walk-in closets, and a nice sized bathroom. Not too bad for my first apartment right? The only thing is I have to work two jobs this summer in order to make enough money for rent for 5 months. I am going to be working my butt off so that I can afford this apartment. The main reason I want to get an apartment instead of the dorms is so I can move in with my boyfriend. When we move in we will have been together for just under 2 years. Now some people think we are crazy and don't believe that this relationship is going to last, but I mean people have gotten married in less time. But that's all beside the point. What I really need is some advice on what to look for and what to avoid when looking for an apartment. So here are some things that you can help me with.
What is better, furnished or unfurnished?
Should I be looking for a place that is closer to work or school, or should I just look for the nicest apartment no matter the distance?
Is it cheaper to get your own utilities or have them included with the rent?
What should I avoid?
If you have any other advice for me that would be great! I'm just looking for the best apartment available that is going to be reasonably priced. And if it helps, I go to Marshall University in Huntington, Wv. Thanks!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@Ladycwells (96)
• United States
12 Nov 12
I too am looking for an apartment. I checked out some student housing, off campus, and they were nice but didn't fit for me. Being an older student, most room mates would be half my age. So I am looking for somewhere I can rent, with utilities included. It will take a great deal of my student loans to pay it up for a full six months but thats ok.
It sounds like you might have some help from your boyfriend so I would talk with him about the apartment you already found. It sounds really nice. If you both do half at least, it might not be so hard on ya.
@Lastbrother (171)
• United States
13 Aug 12
It depends on you. Would you want to save money or have a nice place to live? Personally, as a college student, I would rather save money because I don't want to push myself deeper into debt. The money you save now could be used to buy a nice house in the future!
-I believe unfurnished is great because you could move in furniture to your taste.
Get a place close to work and school because it's more convenient.
-I can't say for sure. If you're super eco friendly and conserve every resource, pay -for your own utilities. If you forget to turn off the lights a lot or leave the faucet on, include it in your rent.
-Avoid loud areas. It's not a problem till you're studying for your finals and next door is having a party.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
16 Apr 12
I am looking around for my first apartment myself. I've lived away from home but never alone. My recommendation is to probably go with something that is furnished, but to be sure you understand what consequences might occur if the furniture was to get damaged (as in financial burdens). To me it sounds as if you plan to get one of those sub-let's? I think that's what it's called. The ones where you live in the apartment for a few months out of the year and then leave when out of school?
I'm not sure what else to recommend but I do think that those that include some utilities are mostly cheaper, atleast in my area and I am only a State below you.
