Renting an off-campus apartment allows you to truly feel independent. Being able to decorate and hang out in your own living space is a feeling that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. However, when choosing off campus housing, you are going to need to have some essentials for a successful school year.
Pushpins: You will be amazed at how much you can do with pushpins. Obviously, you can use them for hangings up pictures and posters but what are you going to do with your endless amount of sunglasses and hats? Make a cool design with the pushpins and hang up your accessories. You kill two birds with one stone, things are no longer on your floor and you have decorations! |
Coffee Pot: Don’t let F.O.M.O. (Fear Of Missing Out) get the best of you. You can go pledge that fraternity and still make Dean’s List. Just make sure to have a surplus of coffee, iced or hot will do the trick. Or an endless supply of 5 Hour Energy is probably your best option. |
Flashlight: This may seem simple but it is something that is so easily forgotten. Your power will go out at some point and candles are not always the best option. This is inevitable; so don’t get caught without proper back up. |
Coffee Table: A coffee table can be easily forgotten about when doing your apartment shopping but when hosting those late night study sessions, you want to make sure everyone has a place for a drink and their laptop. I would recommend trying to buy something with some storage so you can keep blankets and extras on hand. |
Greenery:Having plants in your apartment can actually improve moral and energy. Little known fact: talking to plants can actually help them grow. Now you have someone to talk to that I will guarantee will not talk back. |
Décor: You want this to truly feel like your home so you have get some wall art up. Don’t spend top dollar though. Check out local garage sales and you may come home with the perfect decorations. Garden Communities also has lots of create tips for DIY Apartment Décor, see how to spruce up your space. |
Silverware: Now that having your own kitchen complete with amenities, cooking is now more of a reality. Therefore, you are going to need silverware to eat that delicious food with. Unless you plan on stocking up with plastic silverware in the cafeteria. |
Dry Erase Board: So you can leave funny messages to your roommates and guests. One example could be “Hi Roomies! I know that you have papers that were due last week but if you could please leave me money for cable. I would appreciate it. Or I am going to have it turned off. Thanks friends!” |
Turn Everything On: Do not forget to call to turn your utilities on. In some counties, gas and electric are with a single company and sometimes they are separate. You will need to schedule an appointment to get your cable and internet hooked up too. |
Find Roommates: Living with others is a great way to save some extra cash. Ensure that the people you plan on living with are trustworthy, and that you communicate with them should any questions or concerns arise. |
Time to check something off your back to school list and find the perfect off campus apartment rental in NJ, NY or CT! Grab your book bags, your smarty-pants and go forth and prosper!