The Ideal State College Apartment

Congratulations on your first apartment in State College! Living in a real place as an adult is an exciting but daunting stage of life. You have to figure out what you really need and how to afford it on a college student budget. If you keep these tips in mind, though, you can get past this annoying part of adulting and focus on having fun and making memories in your very own space.

The number one thing is to find out what appliances come with your apartment. It is not unusual for an apartment not to include a microwave so be sure to check that first. If you are a coffee drinker get yourself a coffee maker! While it is very tempting to just run down to the coffee shop for a five-dollar creation, you can save a lot of money by making it at home. You don’t even need to keep it simple with all sorts of one cup coffee options as well as watching for sales on things like espresso machines. While you probably realize you need dishes and silverware, you might not realize that these are items you can get from thrift stores! If you don’t care about things matching, check out your local second hand store for amazing deals on these necessities. Will your internet require a certain type of router and/or modem? Be sure to check ahead of time so you can find the best deal on that all important internet connection.

Between all the fun of living on your own, you will still be going to class and getting homework done. Put some thought into what you need to be productive in your living space. Having a dedicated, comfortable, work space in a quiet part of your room works wonders to keep your GPA up. Invest in a desk that works well for you. If your desk is too high or too low you are going to have back pain to contend with in addition to those looming deadlines. Get a proper office chair that won’t have you squirming after five minutes. As much as possible, keep this area as free as possible from distractions.

Whether you are a naturally tidy person or you only pull out a broom when you know your parents are coming to visit, you will need to have cleaning products handy. Before you move in, take another look at what you will need to clean. Do you need stainless steel wipes for newer kitchen appliances? What sort of flooring is that, really? Check with any roommates about allergies and product preferences. Hardware stores can be a good place to find a variety of cleaning products and tools at a variety of prices. While you are at the hardware store, don’t forget to get trash cans! They might not be glamorous but they are important!

Once the necessities are taken care of, find those fun items that will make your apartment a home. Find some art to put on the walls, or even make some of your own! Get a cover for that ratty old couch to pull your living room together more.

At the end of the school year, keep an eye on your school message boards and social media for students moving out of their own places. Many times, Penn State students who are ready to unload their furniture and appliances for free or cheap. Join freecycle groups and keep an eye on the thrift stores. If you are patient and flexible, you can get everything you need for much less than you think! Once you have everything you need, enjoy your place! College is an amazing time of your life, make the most of it!