What To Know About Apartment Hunting
Most Marquette students experience all of the joys and pains of living on their own in an apartment around junior year. If you are still apartment hunting, be sure to read these tips before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Do your research.
I am studying abroad and was given two housing options. I picked the apartment that I had heard of from past study abroad students. Honestly, I did no research on the place and did not even consider the other one. Marquette recommended living here and on I went. While the apartment is relatively cheap and has a great location, the living situation is less than suitable. Our apartment is overpopulated, covered in mold and when our washer broke it took about two weeks for someone to come and look at it. If I had done a little research, I might have been able to find some other options, or at least know what I was getting myself into.
2. You don’t have to live with your best friend.
If living with your best friend since diapers is something you have been planning on doing and feel comfortable with, then go for it. However, despite how much you love them, some people just aren’t meant to live together. That is okay. It is not a reflection on your relationship! In fact, if you don’t think you will live well together, you may be doing your friendship a favor by splitting up. Plus, spontaneous sleepovers are always a blast!
3. Talk budget with your parents (or with yourself).
Be honest with whoever is footing the bill, whether that be your parents, yourself or someone else. How much can you actually afford? Be upfront with landlords as well. When my friends and I went apartment hunting we were shown some options way out of our comfort zone. We asked if they had anything cheaper and they showed us a completely different building!
4. Make a negotiable list!
Will you die without air conditioning? What side of campus are most of your classes on? Can you live without a dishwasher? How much closet space will you need to accommodate all of the shopping you do on Black Friday? Make a list of things you absolutely cannot live without, and another for things that would just be bonuses. If you are living with other people have them do the same so you can make sure you are all on the same page.
5. Have fun!
For most of us, this is the first time we will have our own place. Your first apartment (or house) is a huge deal so don’t forget to have fun. This is an exciting time and you are on your way in adulthood. Even if it gets stressful, you should feel good about the experience!