ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With 87 percent of students living off-campus, housing is a hot commodity. Fortunately, Apartments.com – the most visited apartment listing site – helps students find the perfect off-campus place to live for the upcoming school year with helpful tips and resources.
Don’t wait until it is too late
Once the peak season arrives, off-campus student housing begins to fill up quickly, so it is not in a renter’s best interest to wait until the end of the summer. By that time, the majority of beds across the nation are already leased. As the semester nears, renters late to the game may be left with less desirable options, whether they are far from campus, too expensive, or poorly managed.
Plan ahead
Before beginning the student housing search, a plan needs to be in place that includes a detailed budget considering all factors that could affect it. For example, rent and utility costs can vary by the number of roommates living in the space. Whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished could impact the budget, as well. Next, renters should determine if they want to live with others or alone. It is also helpful to create a list of desired rental amenities, such as a pool, a nice gym, or private bathrooms. Developing a budget and amenities wish list before the housing hunt begins helps student renters navigate the choices and find the perfect off-campus place to live.
Begin the search
With a solid plan made and a list of preferred amenities, it is time to begin the search for the ideal off-campus rental. On Apartments.com, student housing options are now more accessible and easily identifiable through several new and improved search features and information.
- Search sub-navigation – The site offers a new search navigation that includes a lifestyle filter with a student category. When selected, it will identify student-relevant listings: those classified as student housing properties or located within three miles of a college campus, those within a 30-minute walk from campus, or student housing with per person pricing.
- Map Overlay – A new map overlay feature adds specific points of interest, including neighborhoods, transit stops, restaurants, and college campuses, to give students a better picture of what is located in the surrounding area.
- Amenities – Each listing has a comprehensive list of what each property has to offer, including pictures and local reviews for reference.
- Local Guides – local guides on Apartments.com contain information about different areas around schools and points of interest, helping students determine what neighborhood might be right for their off-campus living needs and preferences
Tour the properties
After finding the top contenders on Apartments.com, it is time to visit properties “IRL” by scheduling tours to look closely at the complex and the apartment itself. During the tour, renters can observe everything from the landscaping to visible security measures. Experiences with the staff should also be taken into account and renters should be prepared to ask plenty of questions about the lease, management, maintenance, and social activities. Being an informed renter is important in making the best rental choice.
Sign the lease and enjoy
Once student renters have explored all options and made an informed decision, necessary documents will need to be gathered and fees or deposits may be due. Renters should be very aware while signing the lease so there are not any surprises later down the road. After the lease is signed, next up comes packing and thinking of ways to decorate!
Finding an off-campus apartment can be difficult, but Apartments.com makes it easy.
About Apartments.com
Apartments.com is the leading online apartment listing website, offering renters access to information on more than 1,000,000 available units for rent. Powered by CoStar, the Apartments.com network of sites includes Apartments.com, ApartmentFinder.com, ApartmentHomeLiving.com, Apartamentos.com, WestsideRentals.com, ForRent.com, ForRentUniversity.com, After55.com and CorporateHousing.com. Apartments.com is supported by the industry’s largest professional research team, which has visited and photographed over 400,000 properties nationwide. The team makes over one million calls each month to apartment owners and property managers, collecting and verifying current availabilities, rental rates, pet policies, fees, leasing incentives, concessions, and more. Apartments.com offers more rental listings than any other apartments website, and innovative features including a Polygon™ tool that allows users to define their own search areas on a map, and a “Plan Commute” feature that lets users search for rentals in proximity to a specific address. Apartments.com creates easy access to its listings through a responsive website and iOS and Android apps and provides unmatched exposure for its advertisers through an intuitive name, strategic search engine placements and innovative emerging media. The Apartments.com network reaches millions of renters nationwide, driving both qualified traffic and highly engaged renters to leasing offices. For more information: www.Apartments.com.
Contacts
Megan Sweat/Christine Dusome
The Zimmerman Agency
(850) 668-2222
[email protected]
