The process of moving can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, whether it’s your first apartment or you’re moving for what feels like the hundredth time.
We want to make sure you find the perfect apartment for your needs; therefore, we’ve created a list of ways to prepare for your apartment search!
Ready to get started?
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Prepare Your Budget
Determine your price range so that you can narrow your search to apartments within your budget. A good rule to follow is the 50/30/20 rule. This suggests: 50% on fixed needs such as rent, utilities, and transportation, 30% on daily expenses such as eating out, shopping, and other miscellaneous activities, and 20% on long-term financial goals such as paying off debt and saving for retirement.
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Make a List of Non-Negotiables
Know what you’re looking for to make preparing for your fall apartment search that much easier! Some non-negotiables could include: access to outdoor space, pets allowed, laundry within the building, parking, or air conditioning.
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Find the Best Rental Websites for Apartment Hunters in Your Area
Look online to check out some of the best apartment hunting websites to get your search started! Once you have found a few places observe the details, consider the neighbourhoods, or take a walk around the area! Staying on top of listings is important so check these websites often. Another great way to apartment hunt is to ask around! Connect with colleagues, and friends, or reach out on social media to see if anyone has leads on an apartment.
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Keep in Mind a Few Questions to Ask
Once you’ve found apartments that suit your budget, meet your non-negotiables and you are ready to visit, have a list of questions to ask the landlord. Some good starting questions include: What are the terms of the lease? Are utilities included? Are there moving day restrictions? Can I make any changes to the apartment design?
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Check out CSI’s Student Living Guide
We’ve created a guide for all things related to being a tenant/renter! Additionally, we have partnered with Places4students.com to help students find a place to live around Conestoga College communities. Students can go to places4students.com and enter their choices of college and campus. From there a list of available housing is displayed for you to browse through! To learn more about Student Living, click the button below!
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