I’ve always lived in an apartment while attending university. Even my freshman year. I knew I wanted to be able to cook my own meals, have the responsibility that comes with living off campus. Ultimately, however, I wanted to be able to get away from campus when I wasn’t in classes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there is anything wrong with living in residence, i have friends who LOVE it. I just didn’t feel it was the right fit for me.
I started looking for an apartment the summer before freshman year of university. I looked up places online and began the grown up process of calling, emailing and viewing listings. It was SCARY! The first place I looked at was a tiny apartment on the main floor of an old character home. When I say tiny, I mean absolutely tiny, one row of cupboards, two miniature rooms and a bathroom adequate for a baby, and the walls were all white, my favourite color. With that said, I absolutely adored it. It was a 2 minute walk away from the university and I felt it was perfect. However, it was scooped up faster than I could even process it. So, tip #1 act fast! Surely, I did find another apartment, 2 bedrooms, a few minutes from uni, new construction, it was great.
I lived there for my first 2 years of university and learned a lot so I’d like to share some tips with all of you!
Inspect Carefully
Moving into an apartment means acting like a real adult and with that comes great responsibility. Something I completely over thought when I first moved out was inspecting the apartment. Luckily, my boyfriend works in the trades and new a great deal about this kind of thing so I had nothing to worry about. However, if you don’t have someone to help you make sure you do a thorough walkthrough with your landlord and write down (and take pics) of any damage before moving in. That way, you won’t be stuck paying for it when you move out. Unfortunately, lardlords often take advantage of young people, expecting them to know nothing. They get more money out of you, but youre taken advantage of in the end.
Distance
Distance is important to keep in mind when looking for an apartment. Do you have a vehicle? Is it reliable? Or, do you have to rely on public transportation to get to and from class? It is completely fine not to have a vehicle when you go off to college, but take note of where the bus stops are to ensure your commute to school is easy and efficient.
Rent
It is most likely if you are a freshman you will just be renting an apartment, condo, or house. The #1 tip I can give you for this is to ensure you stay on top of rent. Being early is MUCH better than being late. So, set the money you need for rent aside as soon as you possibly have it and do not touch it. It is also helpful to make it on your calendar or in your phone before the last day of the month, this way you won’t forget to pay amidst the chaos that is your classes.
Groceries – Keep it Simple
Grocery shopping is probably one of my favourite activities (yes, that’s how lame I am) but i remember walking into the store for my first real grocery shop and feeling completely overwhelmed. I had no clue what to get! However, as time went on and I felt more comfortable living on my own I realized having a simple grocery list is essential. I find going shopping once a week is the best for my lifestyle and if I need something throughout the week running to the store one other day isn’t a huge deal.
I always pick up essentials like oats, lettuce, apples, rice, and bananas. Ya’know the things that taste yummy and can be made real quick for a busy schedule. (Having snacks you can throw in your bag is also a must!) You can check out my healthy grocery list here.
Find Responsible Roommates
Having roommates, or even just one, keeps rent cheaper than it would be on your own. Also, this way you can split bills like electricity and internet. However, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have RESPONSIBLE roommates, after all you have to live with them. In most cases, you have to sign a lease for a year and living with people you don’t get along with makes the school year extremely difficult and more stressful than it needs to be. Some people say it’s better to live with your best friend, I however, don’t think that’s the case. I personally think if I would’ve lived with my best friend it would’ve ruined our relationship (sorry Marielle). Living with someone is drastically different than spending even a lot of time with them. Make sure you get along with your roommate but if you aren’t best friends that is a-okay.
Find your own Space
Finding a space that is yours is extremely important for your sanity. Your space might be in your bedroom or it might be away from your apartment. It could be a space that is quite where you study or a pace where you go to relax and destress. My own space, has always been the gym and the walk I take to and from the gym.
Where is your space?
Don’t Expect Luxury
It’s okay to want nice things but your college apartment does not have to be the apartment you see the rich kids parents buy them in the movies. There is a good chance you are paying for rent almost or entirely on your own, don’t be ashamed if you can’t afford the nicest condo in the most ritzy neighbourhood. You’re doing great if you’re even able to move away from your parents. Be proud of where you’re at. It’s just a milestone to get you to where you eventually want to be!
Yes, this is my ceiling, and yes that is a huggeeee crack in my ceiling (LOL). I am paying my rent on my own and I am proud of myself for doing so! That pesky crack doesn’t mean I live in a dump, nor does it define me as a person, that pesky crack simply symbolizes a milestone in my journey to becoming a university graduate.
If you’re moving to off-campus or into your first apartment don’t be afraid to ask me some questions in the comments down below! I’d love to help ease the stress that comes with this amazing journey!
