Student accommodation doesn’t come cheap in almost
every state. Rooms and apartments sometimes come with very hefty price tags
that most students find it impossible to manage. But before you decide to book
a room at a certain spot in campus, make sure you research the housing options
available first. Know what the price range is to reduce your chances of paying
more. And on top of that, take advantage of the following tips to save on
student accommodation.
Rooms with fewer amenities
Accommodation options will have varying prices mainly
because of the amenities being offered. If your budget is very tight then
consider looking for apartments or rooms with fewer amenities. You don’t need
to stay in an apartment that has a gym and sauna. You can also opt for an
apartment that doesn’t include a meal plan in order to pay less. Another option
is to consider student apartments which are situated farther away from campus
because most of them cost a little lower.
Get a roommate
Having a roommate can help you to share the expenses
involved with renting an apartment. You can even afford to stay in an apartment
that is close to campus and has more amenities if you get a roommate. However,
choose a roommate carefully. If you live with someone who will hold parties and
end up destroying furniture and fixtures, remember that you’ll both have to pay
for them.
Negotiate rent
A good way to pay less on student accommodation is to
negotiate with the landlord in order to pay less. When inspecting the room,
look out for areas that could be damaged or any other points which you can use
to negotiate a much lower deal. Remember to start looking for accommodation
early when the prices are still low. When everyone else opens school, it’s
going to be difficult for you to negotiate a lower price.
Living at home
For those who can manage to live at home and drive to
campus every day, this can be a huge cost saving measure. Staying at home has
its perks among them missing out on the experience of being independent. It may
feel like you are reliving high school since your parents still have to take
care of you. However, it’s a great way to save on costs for those who don’t
mind.
Look for accommodation outside student area
You’ll find neighborhoods which may be close to campus
but don’t have many students. Some of these areas are actually cheaper to rent.
Sometimes areas which attract so many students can be expensive because the
landlords know their properties are in high demand. Look for a different area
to stay even if it may mean you’ll have to commute every day to school. But
make sure you don’t spend more money on transport in the long run.
Also remember to read the contract carefully before
signing. Sometimes your parents will be asked to act as your guarantors so that
if anything goes wrong, they can accept the financial or legal responsibility.
Posted By: College Park Apartments http://collegeparkapartments.net
