Thanks to modern technology, student accommodation hunting near the university belt has become a hassle-free experience. Nowadays, scheduling for physical visits is no longer obligatory, allowing students to assess potential properties, inquire about rental fees, and even seal the deal all online.
This contemporary way of navigating adulthood promotes a culture of efficiency, and values having a seamless transaction between the landlords and tenants. Unlike before, first-time lodgers don’t have to stress themselves with questions, such as where to start or who to look for. With the power of the internet, learners are guaranteed to get their dream place, even from the high-demand area of España.
Despite sounding easy for some, this task can still be overwhelming for others, especially with the pressure of learning budget management, understanding leases, and negotiating costs. Hence, Property Report is here to walk you through independent life and answer the most common queries about how to survive and comfortably live in a shared college accommodation.
When to start and where to look?
Tip #1: Advance all the preparation, including the apartment reservation.
Most students like the thrill of procrastination, only accomplishing their tasks at the last minute. While this practice still gets the work done, looking for a place in the Metro is something that cannot be delayed.
Since España is only a walking distance away from several colleges, expect that other learners share the same passion as you to secure a cheap yet quality student homes. In fact, the University of Sto. Tomas, one of the big four universities in the Philippines, records 42,000 to 44, 000 enrollees yearly, making the competition in the market high.
Starting ahead of everyone eliminates stress and provides a wide range of available options. This also allows parents to allot more time to research the place, double-check their children’s safety, and prepare for any possible problems, like leaking faucets. In terms of where to look, wide-eyed freshmen can trust the Facebook groups and TikTok finds.
Some property owners promote their businesses online, actively answering potential renters’ inquiries and more than willing to provide pictures of amenities. Through it, other sophomores also look for a dorm-mate to split the bills and share advice on how to start the journey to independence.
Still, no matter how welcoming the virtual community is, always make sure to do a background check and see if the people there are trustworthy. That’s why it is also smart to ask your relatives and friends for insights.
How to budget student monthly finances?
Tip #2: Students don’t have to hold a business degree to properly manage their expenses; prioritizing their basic needs is already enough to make their allowances last for a month.
One of the frequently committed errors by learners is to carelessly splurge on “rewards” after a long day at school. They often treat themselves to food or parties, believing that they deserve to take a break from the never-ending academic due dates and workload.
While there is nothing wrong with this, the problem arises on the mandatory payment day. During these times, renters suffer from tight budgets, resorting to eating convenience store meals just to make ends meet. Thus, it is important to always put the bills first, and the wants second to not compromise your comfort.
This can be put into practice by taking note of your overall spending. Through it, students can monitor their money, including the excess they can use to go out with their friends, or in case of emergency. Having a budget binder can also help, as each page can be labeled according to its purpose and keep all the fees organized.
It is also highly suggested to look for a roommate. As mentioned before, sharing a place with someone can immensely decrease one’s financial burdens. This allows students to enjoy a good dormitory, complete with quality security, and still get it for just half-price!
How to handle rental contracts and negotiations?
Tip #3: Once the college accommodation has passed the standards of parents and their children, the best thingto do next is review the contract.
Some landlords like to include vague statements on the lease, only to use them against their tenants over time. This may even cause headaches in the future or worse, legal consequences. To avoid the said predicament, make sure to check their written conditions, see if they align with your living terms, and question anything you find negotiable, such as early curfew hours.
Do not be afraid to bargain for a lower price and always communicate with the other party. Doing one’s research about the area helps to back up a student’s leasing requests. With this, lodgers can use the accessibility to nearby stores and unused parking spaces for those without cars to cheapen the rent.
Additionally, scan if the contract includes clauses that guarantee security and also know the landlord’s reputation from the other tenants. Remember that dormitories not only offer freedom from parental supervision, but also danger from the lack thereof.
Dormitory or student home hunting shouldn’t be a tug-of-war battle between cost and comfort. Students have the privilege to enjoy both, as long as they are looking in the right place at the perfect time. At the end of the day, it all boils down to how responsible one is to navigate adulthood and how much value one puts into finding a new home.
