How Do I Find An Apartment?

Are you living alone or with roommates? How much rent can you afford? Once these issues are decided, consider the following methods of finding an apartment.

The safest way to find a good apartment is to move into an apartment or complex where a friend has already lived. This will let you use your friend's experience as a "test drive." Does the landlord make repairs? What do the utilities cost? How is the noise level? Is it a safe neighborhood? Are pets allowed?

Check reviews online to see what experiences other students have had. 

Gather information before touring the apartment. Have your list of questions ready: How much is the rent? The deposit? How many bedrooms? Laundry? Storage? Off-street parking? Which utilities does the landlord pay? Are pets allowed? What is the term of the lease: One year, 6 months, month-to-month? If the information you obtain sounds good, set up an appointment to view the apartment. Be aware that if the landlord will not let you tour the actual unit you will be renting before you sign the lease, the unit you get may not be as high of quality as the model unit you toured, or the pictures you saw on the landlord's website.