Off-campus housing can be flexible,
but that depends on where you live. Not every housing option allows students to
move in roommates when they want, do what they want (within reason) or break
the lease. So, you’ll need to find a place and a landlord that are as flexible as
possible. But, since this is easier said than done, below are a few tips that
can help you find “student-friendly” housing.
Weigh Your Options
Some college students turn to off-campus
housing because on-campus accommodations just aren’t available. Because of
this, you should consider your options before every semester begins. Just keep
in mind that a shortage of on-campus housing can put pressure on the off-campus
market. This means higher demand for student apartments for rent, resulting in higher rental rates. Whether
you’re planning to live on or off campus, explore your options and put in the applications
in as early as possible. However, if you can’t secure an awesome off-campus
apartment or a University
of Waterloo residence, consider subletting
or perusing the roommate ads.
Sublet or Find a Roommate
Subletting can help you save time and
money. You won’t have to pay a large deposit or sign a lease. But if you’re
going to sublet, look for a place before the school year begins. Remember that
real estate is “hotter” during the summer; even the subletting market. To find
a place, you can check out any third-party listing website. Many of them have
listings for sublets and roommates. Additionally, search for a roommate(s) as
early as possible – at least two months before the fall semester begins. With a
roommate(s), you can share bills, rental costs and other expenses. Just make
sure the person or people you live with complement your lifestyle and
personality.
Search for Student-Friendly Housing or
Landlords
Most landlords don’t like high turnover
rates, meaning they don’t like getting new tenants often. However, for many
students, they’re academic, work or living situation can change at any time. If
this is your case, then you’ll need a landlord that’s flexible or
“student-friendly.” Consider housing at a residence like King Street Towers,
which is designed to accommodate students, their budgets and their
ever-changing lifestyles. Plus, they offer amenities like a gym, yoga studio,
study lounges, game rooms, and more. Before signing a lease, be sure it’s
flexible, offers a fixed rental rateand allows you to move in roommates, sublet
or move out early. As a student, you should never sign a full-year lease unless
you’re committed to staying long-term.
