State College apartment tips for PSU students when moving off campus

Choosing an apartment or house to live in comes with a variety of choices - from how many roommates to have, to the time it will take to drive or walk back to Penn State campus for class. When choosing a location, keep the following in mind.

State College apartments can be convenient with many buildings close by campus and some apartments offering cheaper rent options for students than renting a house. Apartments offer the experience of being free from the dorms, without the need to take on someone else's mortgage payment - as happens when you rent a house. 

Getting a roommate or two can help cut the cost of renting an apartment. Living alone will cost more than living with others, so prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to be dealing with a few other people in similar situations.

It's essential to check the apartment you want to move into before you sign the lease. Most apartments in State College will allow you to come and tour the place before you sign a lease. If you're looking at apartments, ask if you can take a look at the place you'll actually be living in. Check under the sinks, in drawers and around the corners of the rooms for signs of bugs or rodents. Keep a lookout for water damage.

Know what the State College neighborhood is like around the building, including grocery stores, gas stations and walkability. Have an idea of how accessible parking will be during different hours of the day and confer with roommates about their needs concerning location and nearby neighborhood. Make sure you're comfortable walking around the area and don't strain yourself when running errands or going out for jogs. Knowing the area beforehand is essential to comfortably moving into your new State College apartment.

Many apartments in State College will already have stoves and fridges. You might need a microwave, coffee pot or toaster depending on your preferences and any other kitchen appliance that suits you. Some State College apartments come furnished with TVs and beds but you'll likely need to bring your own TV and potentially a washer and dryer depending on the location. Apartments usually opt for a laundry area on the first or basement floors or no area at all on the premises.

Know ahead of time what is included with the living space and what you'll need, going through each room to determine a list. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the living room, each room will likely need something that isn't provided.

From nightstands to beds to kitchen tables, something is sure to be missing and will need to be included in your list of needs. Unlike appliances, which are immediately helpful and can be necessary, not all the furniture will need to be bought when moving in. If you're on a budget, focus on the important items and move down the list. For example, a bed should be a high priority item while a couch might be lower. Compile all the belongings you have between you and your roommates and slowly work toward other items to buy in the future. Thrifting is a great way to get unique and affordable furniture without breaking the bank.

Cleaning supplies are essential with antiseptics, bleach, sponges, scrub brushes, gloves and more greatly helping to clean the place up before moving in. Taking care of an entire apartment with no breaks for spring or summer can mean a lot of maintenance, cleaning and vacuuming. Prepare ahead of time based on total carpeting, the type of kitchen and bathroom cabinets and even the paint on the walls. All of these details will affect how easy it is to clean and what sort of cleaners and scrubs you should be using in order not to cause damage.

Moving off campus can be a scary ordeal with a lot of unknown factors, from dealing with a new environment to new neighbors. With enough informed preparation and knowledge when choosing a State College apartment and the ability to make a cohesive list and communicate with roommates, moving into your new apartment can be a wonderful time of change and independence.

Nevins Real Estate Management rents apartments in State College. Contact them at 814-238-0153 to learn more.