Penn State Off-Campus Housing FAQ

Have you recently started looking into off-campus housing in State College, or are you currently searching for information? Living off-campus has many perks. There are also some common questions that most college students have. Below are frequently asked questions and their answers.

How much will State College off-campus housing cost?

Determining an exact price for an apartment in State College involves many factors that can affect what you pay in rent, such as:

1) Location - This is one of the biggest factors that determine your costs. The closer you are to Penn State campus, the more expensive your accommodation will be. If you're looking for a State College apartment that is not going to cost a small fortune, it may pay to look for a place that's a small distance from campus.

2) Buying vs. renting - Renting is always cheaper than buying because when you buy a house you have to cover the cost of the mortgage on top of other housing expenses like property taxes and maintenance costs.

3) Number of rooms - If you get an apartment in State College with multiple bedrooms, you'll pay less per person than if you were all renting individual studios or 1-bedroom apartments.

What are the benefits of living off-campus?

If you're considering moving off-campus, you might be wondering if it's worth it. Below are a couple of advantages of living out of the PSU dorms and into an apartment you can call your own:

• More privacy

When you live off-campus, your home is your own. You don't have to share a bathroom or a shower with anyone. You can decorate your room however you want, and you can have whatever number of roommates you want. It's all up to you. No more sharing your space or having to borrow or lend things to match your roommate's preferences.

• Choice of furnishings

The biggest benefit of living off-campus is the ability to choose exactly how you want your space to look. When you live off-campus in State College, you can either rent an apartment that is already fully furnished, or you can furnish it yourself. This means that if you have a specific style or taste in furniture, artwork, electronics, and other items, you can purchase them to your liking. Additionally, when you live off-campus, you can decorate however you would like.

• Your own laundry facilities

Having your own laundry facilities means no more trekking down the hall with piles of dirty clothes and lugging back up freshly laundered ones. Plus, when they need washing, you can pop them in the machine right away rather than waiting until there's an opening at the laundromat on campus (or in your dorm hall).

• You can gain valuable life skills

Living off-campus can give you the opportunity to gain valuable life skills that will help you succeed in college and beyond. Having a roommate or two, paying bills on time, and managing your own schedule are all essential skills that can be learned while living off-campus.

• Money savings

For those who are on a tight budget, living off-campus is often cheaper than living in a dorm. Even if you need to pay for utilities and furnishings, a house or apartment may be less expensive than living in a residence hall.

How do I find an apartment in State College?

You need to find an apartment that's right for you, so take your time to explore your options. Here are some steps to take in searching for your ideal off-campus abode:

• Survey the market

Take a look at listings online and in local newspapers or apartment guides. Check out different neighborhoods or explore public transportation options if you don't have a car. If you're not sure where you want to live, take this opportunity to get familiar with State College before renting an apartment.

• Decide what amenities you need

Do you need a separate bedroom? Do you need to be close to public transportation or major highways? Do you want a pet-friendly place? Make a list of your needs and wants — then rank them in order of importance. That way, when it's time to narrow down your options, you can make decisions based on the most important things first.

• Consider your budget

The most important step in finding a good State College apartment is setting a budget and sticking to it. This should include any security deposits or application fees as well as monthly rent, utilities, and other expenses. Your budget should also account for how many roommates you plan on living with since more roommates can help share the cost of the rent.

• Locate a good property manager

A good property manager - like Nevins Real Estate Management -  knows the State College neighborhoods and has a whole menu of different off campus housing options to select from. They can help you determine what you can afford and then find apartments that meet your needs.

• Visit apartments on your shortlist yourself

Even if you work with a real estate agent, visit the apartments on your shortlist yourself. You'll want to look for cleanliness, safety features, storage space, and access to public transportation and other amenities. Don't pick an apartment just because it's in a good location or has the best price.

• Ask about security deposits and other fees

Each landlord has different requirements when it comes to leasing an apartment or home. Before you sign a lease, ask about security deposits (how much they cost, whether they are refundable or not) as well as any other fees you might have to pay (application fee, pet deposit, or monthly pet rent).

When should I start looking for a place?

Start your search early! State College can be a competitive market for apartments, so if you find one that you love, sign the lease as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it might not be available by the time you need to move in. Also, trying to find a place at the last minute is extra stressful. You're more likely to make mistakes or to end up paying way more than you'd originally intended.

How do I choose roommates?

When it comes to choosing roommates, you can't be too careful. You want roommates who will be compatible with your lifestyle and personality.

• Start by asking yourself what you're looking for in a roommate

Do you want someone who cleans up after themselves? Someone who prefers to stay in over going out? Or someone who is willing to go out with you on weekends? Do you want someone who is studying the same thing as you are or someone from another field of study? Do you need to live with someone who has a car?

• Use social media and online sources

If you have a lot of friends on Facebook or Twitter, ask them if they know of anyone looking for a place to live. If you don't want to post on your own page, send a private message or tweet to each one of your friends individually. Look at the people who have liked your status or retweeted you. If any of them are looking for roommates, consider asking them if they'd like to move in with you.

• Talk about bills

Before you move in together, lay everything out on the table and figure out how much rent, utilities, and other costs will be. If you're going to be paying less rent than your roommates, make sure you're contributing in other ways.

• What is a roommate agreement?

A roommate agreement is a contract that states the shared living expectations of roommates. The things listed in a roommate agreement vary by person and situation, but here are some common ones:

● How loud is too loud?
● What time do we have to be quiet?
● What if my roommate leaves their messes lying around?
● Can I play music without headphones?
● Is it okay if I bring people over?

What can I expect for utilities and living responsibilities?

When you live in an State College off-campus apartment, you are responsible for your own living space. Whether your roommates are there to help or not, it is important to be respectful of the common areas of your apartment by keeping them clean. As soon as trash starts overflowing or dishes pile up in the sink, a healthy living environment quickly turns into a dirty one.

Taking out the trash on a regular basis is something that many students overlook. Most communities have dumpsters located throughout the property so that tenants can conveniently throw away their garbage. You can also expect to see recycling bins around too.

Can I Get the Same Quality of Education Living Off-Campus?

Yes, you can get just as good an education living off-campus as you can living on campus. However, it's up to you to make sure that you are present for class and that you have the best possible environment for studying. If you choose to live with others who have different expectations for their time during school, it might make it harder for you to maintain your own focus and dedication.

What Are Some Tips for Managing Housing Expenses?

There are expenses that come along with living off-campus that can make it difficult to keep track of what you're spending each month. Here are some tips for managing housing expenses in off-campus apartments:

• Figure out your budget

You want to know exactly how much money you have coming in and going out every month. That way, you can avoid overspending on housing and other expenses, like eating out or going shopping.

• Cook at home

Did you know that eating at home is actually a lot cheaper than dining out? You'll save a ton of money by cooking for yourself instead of ordering takeout or eating at the school's dining hall all the time.

• Ask for student discounts available to PSU students

You'd be surprised at how many businesses give students discounts for being enrolled in college. Ask if a place offers a discount before you buy something. You might be able to get 10% off groceries or even 20% off clothing. It never hurts to ask.

• Keep your utilities low

If you have a roommate, make sure you're splitting utility costs evenly. If not, the responsibility of paying for electricity and waterfall is entirely on you. Make sure you don't waste them unnecessarily by leaving things plugged in when not in use or holding off on doing laundry until you have a full load.

What are the disadvantages of living Off-Campus?

For most students, the freedom that comes with living off-campus is a great advantage. However, there are some disadvantages that can make your life miserable if you don't take proper precautions.

• You will have to walk off campus

One of the biggest disadvantages is that you have to walk off-campus. No more being able to roll out of your dorm and make it to class with only a few minutes to spare. You will have to plan ahead and leave yourself 10-15 minutes in between classes so you can make it there on time.

• You must buy all of your own furniture

When you live in the dorms, almost everything is provided for you: a bed, a desk, and usually a chair. All of these items must be purchased when moving into an apartment or house.

• You must pay for utilities

Another disadvantage is that you will be responsible for paying for all your utilities. That means electricity, water, etc. It also means that if something goes wrong in your apartment, like a leaky faucet or clogged toilet, you will be paying for the repair or replacement of the said item.

If you're looking for more information about living off-campus as a Penn State college student, hopefully, this will help to clear some things up. To learn more about State College apartments for rent, contact the State College apartment experts at Nevins Real Estate Management at (814) 238-3153.