Maybe you originally moved into a dorm and have decided it’s not for you, or maybe you’re just unhappy with your current student housing. Whatever the case, it’s important to start looking for housing for next semester before your lease is up. Whereas it’s often possible to find housing at the last minute, starting early will mean you find comfortable housing that’s within your budget and close to campus.
- Decide When You Need to Move
The main factor that will influence when you need to start looking for housing is when you need to move. If it’s necessary for you to move by next semester, start looking between one and three months in advance. Giving yourself less time than this may mean you need to settle for an apartment you don’t love or is a bit out of your budget. On the flip side, starting too early may mean the apartment you find is no longer available on the date you want to move in. - Monitor Changing Rates
You may find that the same units are available at different prices depending on the time of year. Monitor rates over the time you’re searching to see if an apartment you like comes down in price. If it reaches a rate you can afford, contact the leasing office as soon as possible to secure the apartment — before someone else takes it.
Make sure you’ve figured out exactly how much you can afford by taking into account all your expenses. If you’re moving off campus, you can expect to pay less in total, but you will need to account for food (since you’ll no longer have a meal plan) and possibly utilities (although some student housing includes the cost of utilities in the rent). If the apartments you’re looking at are farther than walking distance from campus, you’ll also need to factor in transportation costs, such as public transit or gas and parking for your own car. - Look During the Off Season If You Want the Best Rates
If your main concern is being able to find an apartment you like within your budget, the best time to look is off season. Since demand is lower than the rest of the year, prices may drop. In most college towns, the slow season is the winter months, since most students will have found an apartment in the summer. However, there may be some units left that were never rented or that students have left due to a change in their circumstances. - Search During Peak Season for More Options
Alternatively, if you’re more interested in being able to choose from a wide range of apartments, the best time to look is peak season. Graduating students will be moving out of their units in the summer, which means plenty of apartments will be coming on the market. The downside is rates may be slightly higher than at other times of the year.
If you’re searching for an alternative to Fleming College residence, look no further than Severn Court. We offer leases starting in May, September, and January, meaning you can move in at the start of any semester. Plus, you can choose whether you want an 8- or 12-month lease — whatever is most convenient for you. Apply now.
