Off campus housing guide
From Rofflehaus
Contents |
[edit] Welcome
So you've decided to live off campus. Good for you! Your primary concern will be dealing with your roommates and trying to survive, as you probably don't know how to cook. Have no fear.
[edit] Food
Living off campus typically means that you've got to feed yourself, or at least pretend to. You've got options. You can:
- Learn to cook (impress the ladies),
- Eat out all the time, or
- Starve.
You'll probably do a bit of all three. Check out Strangetalk recipes for some food you might be able to cook. Restaurants will give you plenty of options after you give up on the cooking thing and decide to eat out.
[edit] Utilities
Living off campus you are exposed to more of the nuts and bolts of living than in the Residence Halls. Depending on your lease, you will have to pay for some of your utilities. These may include:
Make sure you understand your lease; it will explain which of these (if any) is paid for by the landlord, and which you will have to pay for.
If you have to pay for a utility, be sure to contact the utility company well in advance of your move-in date to set everything up.
Very imporant: Have a plan for how to pay your utilities with your roommates. Stick to that plan, or you could be stuck with a big bill and no way to pay it. Goodbye electricity!
[edit] Shelter
The most important advice I can give is you actually read your lease, and keep a copy of it with you. Check out Who (Not) To Rent From for a list of recommendations for and against the local landlords.
[edit] Stuff to bring
If you don't live in the dorms, these are probably helpful:
Because apartments never have enough power outlets, and they are never in the right places, you might need these, depending on how nerdy you are:
- Extension cords (use the heavy duty ones, not the shitty temporary-only ones)
- Power strips
[edit] Transportation
Chances are you will live at least a teeny bit further from campus than you would in the Dorms, but not always. Have a plan for getting to campus; either take Cyride, ride a bike, walk, or come up with something creative. Lots of students drive to the Commuter Lot and ride the Orange Route from there.
If you have off-street parking, excellent. If not, be careful about parking. Many streets in Ames have alternate-side parking which can really fuck you over in tickets if you forget.
[edit] Neighborhoods
Check out these articles to find more information on living in specific areas:
