Top 5 Amenities To Look For When Using Off-Campus Housing

While living on campus during the school year is convenient, it may not be the most profitable. Off-campus housing often has much more to offer than a small bedroom. Below is a list of amenities to look for when looking for apartments that are located on the outskirts of the college or university you plan to attend.

Furniture

Is the apartment for rent fully furnished? Since dorms come with beds and walk-in closets, you need to calculate the furniture in the rental price to see if it makes life off campus worth it. Fortunately, many apartment buildings that surround college campuses realize this fact and provide their apartments with everything from beds to coffee tables. If you are lucky, you may even find one with cutlery and utensils.

Kitchens

In addition to a furnished apartment, you will want to look for a place that has a kitchen. Since you will be further away from the school and its cafeteria, you will need to prepare most of your meals at home. Of course, preparing meals and snacks in your apartment is much more profitable than eating out every day, even in a college food court.

Utilities included

When you arrange to live in a dorm, you get the use of the room and all associated utilities for a price. Off-campus housing may or may not provide you with a monthly quote that includes utilities. Be sure to ask about this so you can get an accurate comparison of the total price of a bedroom versus a nearby apartment. Also keep in mind that it will be easier for a college student to pay a bill, verses three or four.

Wireless Internet Service

Does the apartment complex offer wireless Internet service for its residents or does it have a cafe where the Internet can be accessed for free? Perhaps there is a shared lobby where young adults can sit with a laptop and connect. College students benefit from the free internet by being able to conduct research for school assignments, verify their students’ accounts, and send emails home to communicate with family and friends.

Gym

Exercising at least 30 minutes a day is the best way to stay healthy and alert, so keep your eyes peeled for an apartment building that has its own gym for residents to use regularly. After locating one, ask what hours the facility will be open. Will this schedule fit into your class schedule? Also, you will want to know what equipment is present in the gym. Are there pesos? Do you have mats to stretch out? Will you be able to choose between a treadmill and an elliptical for cardiovascular workouts? Maybe they have an exercise pool that’s gentle on the joints.

The more amenities the off-campus housing facility offers, the fewer trips you’ll have to make to squeeze in things like meals, exercise, and class research. Once you find the perfect place at the right price, you can start your college career with a positive outlook.