Students and recent graduates are one of the largest groups searching for housing. Not every student and recent grad is from the area, but, for one reason or another, they have chosen Southwest Florida as their home. Housing is one of the hardest commodities to find in Florida. Rent prices border on the extremes, ownership is next to unobtainable, but everyone still needs to call somewhere home.
Apartments can offer multiple benefits, especially in newer communities with more amenities. Some offer gyms, pools and communal spaces that foster a sense of community, not so much an apartment building. For students transitioning from the dorms at FGCU, this is a viable option as the feeling of community is not lost.
However, the prices of some of these apartments are a cause for concern. Many entry-level jobs may make renting one of these apartments difficult. The search for an apartment may be like searching for the right “Saturday Night Live” sketch. Some are horrible, some are decent, but once you find the one, the rare, the ultimate apartment/sketch, you are set.
Apartments.com has offered numerous accommodations for finding housing. Renting and associated costs are always listed. Along with due diligence, touring a potential apartment is essential. Make sure to tour the exact unit that you were promised. Some units may appear well-kept and well-maintained. However, do not let the property manager pull wool over your eyes.
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Keeping a clear picture of what you expect versus what you are given can help you avoid being lied to by an apartment manager. Lease agreements need to be understood, read and then signed. While we often ignore terms of service and other agreements we sign, reading your lease can help you avoid costly mistakes.
In the case of credit monitoring, apartment managers often request a credit report to review your credit score. Keeping a good track of your credit score helps you exponentially in the long run. Minding your score and keeping it high increases your chances of success in finding a place.
A credit score simply states how good one is at paying bills. Low score, lower chances of paying bills on time, according to a credit score. When it comes to furnishing, sometimes the bare minimum is best. Do not go into debt just to furnish an apartment with a trip to IKEA. Go to IKEA for the meatballs, not debt.
While thrift stores may be worrisome, hard goods can be bought at a discount and cleaned when you’re in your new place. Hard goods, like tables, chairs, bookshelves and dressers, can be bought cheaply and cleaned for far less than buying new. Finding good deals at thrift stores is always a good idea.
While thrifting is often criticized for its “trendy” nature and for taking away from those who truly need it, thrifting for furniture as a college student is very much acceptable. Everyone needs a shelf, a dresser or a desk. There are many ways to succeed during and after college, but with the right place, success is built.