Housing or accommodation costs are among the top university-related expenses for all students, including those under scholarships. Budget-conscious students often choose to rent out apartments to save rental money. Choosing an apartment outside your learning institution is daunting, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area.
Looking for a student apartment also requires a lot of special considerations. Location and proximity to their learning institution aside, below are a few things students prioritize when searching for college apartments.
1. Amenities are a deal breaker
While most students use location to narrow down on possible apartments, they also prioritize amenities. As a result, Aria Calgary and other student apartments have prioritized various student-friendly amenities in their apartments. Common amenities prioritized by students include:
- WI-FI – Most learning institutions have embraced online learning, especially after the pandemic. This increased the demand for reliable internet connectivity. Other add-ons that come with internet connectivity include remote thermostat control, wireless door locks, and water monitoring features.
- Storage – Students have a lot of personal items, ranging from personal clothes and bikes to sports equipment. Most will certainly appreciate apartments with extra storage space.
- Furnishing and appliances – Students also prefer apartments with good furnishing and functional appliances. For instance, well-functioning air conditioners are important for students in warm areas, and a heating system in cold areas.
Other basic apartment perks, such as a fitness center, enough parking space, and a business center, attract students. Interior elements like private bathrooms and a good network are also a priority.
2. Access
Moving from one point to another safely and hassle-free is very important for students. While students with cars ideally don’t prioritize public transit, they want apartments with garages and safe parking options. However, students who rely on public transport prioritize proximity to transport systems, bike lanes, and other mass transit systems.
3. Costs
While the general trend gravitates towards budget-conscious leasing, student apartments are designed to appeal to different students with varying budgets. Housing developers typically build housing units tailored to suit underclassmen, graduate students, and others, depending on their budgets.
Student apartment communities differentiate themselves in many ways, including floor plans and general design styles. Just like travelers choose between luxury apartments with spas and moderately-priced hotels, students also have a choice between costly and averagely-priced apartment options according to their financial abilities and lifestyles.
4. Maintenance
Most students juggle between class work and hourly jobs, making it necessary for them to live in regularly maintained apartments. Properly maintained buildings save both time and money. Ignoring simple maintenance practices, such as plumbing, can lead to stressful consequences.
5. Lease flexibility
While the pandemic significantly affected the real estate sector, it paved the way for various changes in renter-landlord agreements. For instance, most colleges closed during the pandemic. Most students also lost their jobs, which made it difficult for them to pay rent. Students currently prefer apartments with flexible lease terms, such as subletting, to avoid these situations. Landlords should also be transparent in their refund policies and other fees.
Endnote
Looking for a student-friendly apartment can prove daunting, especially in urban areas. Most students are looking for apartments with all the necessary amenities and in the right location.