Living in a college dorm is mostly a freshman thing, and many upperclassmen opt to say good-bye to their dorm for a new life off campus. This transition from life in a dorm to life in an apartment is a big one. Here are some things to keep in mind in order to survive when you venture off campus.
Tips for Surviving Life Off Campus
From RA to Landlord
When you move to an off campus apartment, you’ll exchange your residence adviser for a landlord. It’s important to communicate with you landlord correctly. By communication we mean anything written or spoken. Know your rights, and document everything. From the onset, you should document both written and verbal agreements. This will help avoid mishaps, such as when you’re only returned a partial security deposit when it should have been more. For example, if any agreements are not written into the physical copy of the lease, write them in and have both the rental company and all roommates initial the changes. It’s also important to inspect the apartment’s condition, including appliances, and write down any damages. Take a picture, keep a copy for yourself, and submit one to the rental company. The rule of thumb is to make sure everything is written within the legal document of the lease, even if it is an addendum.
From Meal Plan to Cooking for Yourself
Exchanging dorm life to life off campus in an apartment also entails replacing the college cafeteria’s ready-to-eat food with your own grocery shopping and cooking. Get to know the local food stores, and sign up for coupons and sales newsletters. After all, you’re on a college-student budget. Browse the Internet or invest in some yard sale cookbooks to learn how to cook up a few simple meals. Not only will you learn how to whip up something good fast, you can avoid the mishaps of overcooking or under-cooking. And to make things easier, make a cooking schedule with your roommates.
From Tiny Dorm to a Roomy Apartment
You’ll also need more essentials when you go from dorm to apartment. Make a list of all the things that you’ll need in your new home, even the small stuff like toilet paper. Take the time to sit down with your new roommates to brainstorm all of the basics, so you don’t miss anything. And in addition to the basics, think of ways to make your apartment your own. Add a special touch with decorative plants, your favorite posters and some yummy-smelling candles. It’s these types of add-ons that make an apartment home.
If you’re ready for life off campus and looking for an upscale college student apartment in Boone, be sure to check out The Standard. With amenities like heated outdoor spas and a fitness center, apartment washers and dryers, and a residential lounge, it takes college life off campus to new heights.