A guide to moving off-campus
Moving off-campus next year? Check out this list of “do”s and “don’t”s.
March 20, 2013
Alumnus Zach King ('12) and his friend Aaron Benitez chat at the table while senior Brad Storey washes the dishes. | Grant Walter/THE CHIMES
There is something to be said about freedom: Use it responsibly. Living in an off-campus house is one of the better decisions I have made while at Biola. In my opinion, the pros of living off-campus greatly outnumber the cons — and all of them have to do with freedom.
There are no quiet hours. There are no open hours. There are no communal bathrooms. I could go on and on about the benefits of living in a house or apartment off campus. However, this freedom does require you to step into a different kind of maturity — one that isn’t preached at school.
Here is a list of “do”s and “don’t”s of selecting off-campus housing.
Do
-
Start the search early — don’t wait until summer to look for fall housing.
-
Choose a place close to campus — commuting is killer.
-
Make it as affordable as possible.
-
Live with people you know and get along with.
-
Find a house with personality — make sure it is a place that feels welcoming.
-
Establish a good relationship with the landlord or homeowner.
-
Do the proper groundwork — research the cost of utilities, etc.
-
Find a place with appliances. A fridge is a good thing to have, as are a washer and dryer. A trash compactor is a cool feature, but not necessary.
-
Seek advice from your parents or a knowledgeable individual.
-
Ask the homeowner good questions such as: Does the plumbing work? Electricity? Do you care if we kill your lawn?
Don’t
-
Don’t live with someone you know will drive you crazy.
-
Don’t do all the work yourself — make sure you have help in the search.
-
Don’t get lazy — get out and visit a few houses.
-
Don’t base your selection on size alone — a big house doesn’t always make a good home.
-
Don’t be afraid to share your opinion with your potential housemates — let them know what you want in a house or apartment.
-
Don’t expect to get everything you want in a house.
-
Don’t forget to pray about it.