Moving out of the dorms and into an off-campus apartment is a rite of passage for many college students. For those attending school in Chicago, the city offers a wealth of options for off-campus living.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio or a spacious apartment with roommates, Windy City has something for everyone. In this guide, we share the steps for finding suitable off-campus rentals for students.
Let’s dive in!
Identify your budget and needs
Before anything else, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on rent each month. Take into account your income from part-time jobs or scholarships, and decide how much of your budget you can dedicate to rent.
In the same vein, be sure to include necessary expenses like application fees, security deposits, and utility bills when establishing your budget, as they can have a huge impact on your overall costs
If you’re going to be living with roommates, you’ll also need to agree on a budget that everyone can afford. It’s also important to consider the distance from your school. Many college students opt for apartments that are close enough to walk or bike to class.
Start your search
There are a few ways to go about this. The first is to check out online listings like Craigslist or Zillow. You can filter the search results based on your budget, location, and amenities. This is a great way to get an idea of what’s available in your price range and to narrow down your options.
You can also check out university bulletin boards or look for signs posted around campus – many landlords post flyers advertising their available units.
Ask for apartment tours
Once you’ve identified a few apartments that you deem suitable, it’s time to visit them in person to confirm if everything is as advertised. Always have an itemized list of must-haves handy specifically tailored towards your personal needs; some examples include noise level expectations, room size, storage space capacity, overall ‘feel’ of the place, etc.
It might also be useful to bring along someone to assist you during the viewing. A person who is familiar with the area and housing decisions can be a reassuring presence while touring an apartment.
Make sure the lease is clear
If you’ve found a place you’re comfortable with, don’t hesitate to move in quickly to avoid losing it to someone else. Usually, the landlord will ask you to sign a lease and make the necessary payments.
Be sure to read through the entire legal document carefully before adding your signature and ask questions about any unclear terms or conditions that the landlord forgot to address.
You should also always create a written record of any verbal agreements made between yourself and the landlord during negotiations so that you have proof in case of any disputes in the future. Don’t sign anything until you are completely sure of what all obligations come with living there.
Other useful tips worth noting
Begin your search early
A common mistake that many university students make is waiting until classes have already started before starting to look for housing alternatives. As popular areas can quickly become saturated, try to start looking at least two months in advance to secure a good spot before it’s too late. This way, you’ll have ample time to compare properties and prices before making a final decision.
Get referrals from fellow students or recent graduates
Ask friends, tenured students, and recent graduates about their experiences living off-campus in Chicago, especially those living in areas close to the university. They are prime sources for obtaining details about student living costs, party scenes, and convenience for getting to school quickly without relying on public transportation or enduring long walks or bike rides.
Use online search agents
Your time is valuable so it doesn’t hurt to use search agents or apartment locating services that work with many landlords across the Chicago area as they save time researching different locations, and rental terms, and can even help arrange viewings of properties. They can often even negotiate a better rate than what is posted online.
Negotiate
When it comes to pushing for better rent prices, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Landlords appreciate tenants who are knowledgeable about the market but willing to compromise.
Conclusion
Living off-campus can be an exciting experience but it can also be overwhelming. Take your time looking for an apartment and don’t rush into anything. Do your research and make sure the place is right for you before signing any papers.
With some patience and planning, you’ll be sure to find the perfect off-campus apartment in no time. Good luck!