Every student has their priorities when it comes to finding a place to live. Some want to be close to campus, while others prefer a quiet neighborhood. Some might want luxury amenities like a pool or fitness center, while others are looking for a bargain. But if you’re moving out for the first time and do not know where to look, State College apartments have you covered. Here are some qualities every college student apartment at Penn state should have.
State College Apartments: Qualities Of A Good College Student’s Apartment
1. Floor Layout
As a student, you’re looking for more than just a place to lay your head at night. You want an apartment that fits the lifestyle you want to live while you’re away from home. If you’re going to be living in a new place, it’s important to choose an apartment with a floor plan that will meet your needs and make your life as comfortable as possible.
The layout is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an apartment. You don’t want to live somewhere that feels cramped or crowded—you want to be able to come home after a long day at school and feel like you have enough space for yourself. Some people prefer one-bedroom apartments because they can have their bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room—but others might like two-bedroom apartments because they get extra space for guests or roommates.
The best way to find out which floor plan works best for you is by visiting different complexes near Penn State and talking with the leasing agents about their available options.
2. Utilities & Amenities
When looking for an apartment near Penn State, it’s important to consider how the utilities and amenities will impact your life.
If you want to work out often, look for apartments with a pool or gym on-site. That way, you don’t have to worry about driving somewhere else whenever you want to swim or lift weights!
And if you’re looking for an apartment near Penn State with tons of social spaces, consider looking for one with a common area where all residents can hang out together. This way, you’ll always have something fun nearby when you’re not in class or studying at home.
3. Affordability
If a student wants to live off-campus, they will need an affordable apartment where they don’t have to spend too much monthly rent. This means it has to be within their price range and meet their other requirements.
Utilities can be a big part of your monthly budget. Finding an apartment with affordable utility bills is essential so you don’t spend too much on them each month. Also, if you’re paying too much rent, there won’t be room for utility costs and other expenses like food or transportation. It is recommended that student apartments provide as many utilities as possible as part of the monthly rent.
When looking at apartments, don’t just compare rental prices for similar apartments within the same neighborhood or building. Instead, try comparing rent prices between different neighborhoods or buildings as well—this way, you can know if you’re getting a good deal on your rent or not. Consider these factors when budgeting and deciding on an apartment like State College Apartments.
4. Smooth Application Process
If you’re a college student looking for an apartment near Penn State, you probably want one that has a smooth application process. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a long line at the office, waiting for your turn to be seen by an agent. And then, even if you make it past the line, you’ll still have to wait for them to get back to you about your application. And then they might tell you they can’t approve it without more information.
If you’re looking for an apartment near Penn State that makes the application process as painless as possible, look for one with a simple online application. Luckily, State College apartments make the application process smooth and easy.
The Benefits Of Off-Campus Housing
1. Off-Campus Housing Is Cheaper
When you live on campus, you must pay the university an entire semester’s rent before move-in, which can be very expensive. Room and board fees for recreation, laundry facilities, and other utilities are also included in the price of living on a college campus. However, if you live off-campus, you only need to pay rent and utilities. You will also have access to amenities such as a gym or pool that the university does not offer.
Another benefit of living off-campus is that most universities close their dormitories during significant holiday breaks such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. This means that students who live off-campus will not have to worry about finding an alternative place to stay during these times.
2. Housing Off-Campus Establishes Independence
If you’re living on campus, you’ll be surrounded by people who are all in the same boat as you—studying, going to class, and making friends. It’s easy to get caught up in that environment, where everyone shares a common goal: getting good grades so they can graduate.
But if you move off campus into an apartment or house with roommates, you’re suddenly outside that bubble. First, it’s a way to learn to take care of yourself. You will have to budget your money and make sure you pay your rent on time. You will also be responsible for all the cleaning and maintenance of living in an apartment or house. This will help you become more responsible and better understand how much work goes into renting property, which can come in handy later in life.
3. Off-Campus Housing Offers More Amenities & Freedom
Living off-campus can be a great way to experience more freedom and independence. You’ll have more amenities, like a kitchen and laundry facilities, and you’ll also be able to live with multiple roommates or even alone.
You’ll also have access to many more amenities than the school or dorms offer. For example, most off-campus apartments come with their own washer/dryer units so that you don’t have to go far away from your place to do laundry. They also often have pools and gyms, so students can work out whenever they want without driving elsewhere.
4. Clean Surrounding
Off-campus housing is an excellent option for students looking to live in a clean, safe environment.
When you live on campus, you’re surrounded by other students who may not be as conscientious about keeping their living spaces clean as you are. While this isn’t always the case—it’s possible that all of your roommates are not neat freaks like yourself.
If one of your housemates leaves their trash around and it’s infested with ants or roaches, it will not be fun when they bring those insects into your shared space. You’ll have to deal with them crawling over your stuff. Luckily, off-campus will stop this. Off-campus housing tends to be cleaner than dorms because there’s less foot traffic and fewer people living there.
5. Quiet & Peaceful
Off-campus housing is the place for you if you’re looking for a quiet place to study. The apartments are on the outskirts of campus, so it’s far away from the noise and commotion of campus life. You’ll be able to focus on your studies with no distractions.
6. Parking Availability
with off-campus housing, you don’t have to worry about parking. Parking can be a significant stressor for students at universities, and it can also be a huge expense. If you live on campus and have a car, you will have to pay for a parking permit besides your tuition and room and board. That’s not cheap! Plus, parking becomes even more difficult if there’s an event at your school—a sporting event, concert, or other activity. Off-campus housing means you’ll never have to deal with this issue again.
7. Utilities Included In Rent
One of the best things about off-campus housing is that some utilities are included in the rent. If you’re looking for a place to live, you know how important it is to pay as little as possible for your utilities. It’s hard enough to make ends meet with the cost of tuition and books—why add to that by paying for your electricity?
Utilities included in your rent can be a huge benefit. You can rest easy knowing that your monthly bills are covered, so you don’t have to worry about finding the money for them. So it’s essential to find out what’s included in your rent and what isn’t. For example, some companies might include water and sewage in their prices while others don’t. Some even offer cable TV packages and Wi-Fi services.
Summary
Ultimately, the decision to live in an apartment versus the dorms comes down to you and your preferences—which could be based on cost, living situation, or other factors. You want to live somewhere that will satisfy you until graduation. When selecting an apartment, consider if they meet your needs and how much you’re willing to spend to make it worth it.
