If you waited too long to start looking for housing when you started college and ended up being stuck in a dorm room, you know how important it is to begin your search early. When exactly is early enough will depend on the city, but it’s always good to start sooner rather than later. In addition, there are certain tactics you can use to ensure you don’t lose out on great housing to other students.
- Find Out About the Leasing Season
Leasing seasons differ according to the city. Ask other students and the staff at your school if it’s possible to wait to apply for a lease a couple months before you want to move in or if it’s necessary to apply sooner. In some places, you need to be on a wait list as long as a year in advance. - View Apartments at Least a Month Before Leasing Season
Give yourself time to view a few apartments to have an idea of what the market is like. Make a note of your favourites and find out when they’ll be ready to lease. Think carefully about your move-in date to ensure you’ll have enough time to settle in before your classes start up again. - Be Flexible
No matter how early you start looking for housing, you’ll be competing with other students for the best properties and may need to wait for someone to move out before you can move in. Keeping an open mind will mean you’re more likely to find suitable housing in time for next semester. For instance, being flexible can avoid you being stuck in a bad neighbourhood or in student residence. If you have a tight budget, it’s extra important to be willing to compromise. For instance, you may need to take a slightly bigger apartment to share with one extra roommate to make your housing more affordable. - Avoid Wasting Time on Unsuitable Properties
Know your budget and what features you need before you start looking for an apartment. Deciding later that a particular apartment is too expensive, has too few bathrooms, or is too far from campus will mean you wasted time you could have been using to visit an apartment that does meet your needs. - Ask Friends for Recommendations
Ask friends who live off campus if they know anywhere that may be renting. There could be another unit in their building or a roommate could be graduating and they need someone to fill the spot. Finding out about potential housing options this early will put you at an advantage over other students.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Fleming College residence, you can end your search now: Severn Court provides fully-furnished apartments just across the street from campus. You can request to live with friends or ask us to match you with roommates who have similar personalities and lifestyles to you. We have leases beginning in May, September, and January for eight or 12 months. Apply now to make sure you secure a place in time for next semester.
