2008 Woodie Awards
Beyond the dorms
Students share housing tips
Curtis Thom
Issue date: 7/12/07 Section: Front Page
As another year approaches, a fresh batch of students will plunge into the realm of off-campus housing.
For those who decide to make that leap, the best advice is to listen to those with experience. Here are some pointers from students who learned the hard way:
Best friends don't always make the best roommates.
"Look for diversity in roommates," said Sara Jensen, senior in nursing. "If everything is familiar, friends wise, things get old and predictable. It's a good idea to look beyond good friends for roommates, because college is about branching out and making new friends."
Fully understand your lease before you sign it.
"Always check your lease over with your parents. They have experience, and know what to look for in leases," said undeclared junior Gabe Welling. "Read between the lines, and check to assure that you know what you are paying for, and that you can fully comply with your lease."
Get acquainted with your landlord earlier, rather than later.
"It's always good to find an easy-going, accessible landlord," said undeclared junior Steve Aikens. "Know that they're accessible, and willing to fix problems with the house quickly and proficiently."
Be prepared for unexpected expenses.
"Things break," said Joey Bitner, sophomore in physical education. "Just be prepared financially to cover the charges. More importantly, don't let things stay broken. That will only cause more problems down the road. An angry roommate is far better than an angry landlord."
You live in the house, but the landlords own it.
"Some landlords like to make unannounced visits," Welling said. "Keep the house in order, and cleaned, in order to keep the house to their standards."
Know what to expect in your price range.
"Rentals close to campus obviously draw the most attention, and a student can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$300 a month per bedroom in newer rentals, and $100-$200 per bedroom, in older houses," said Jim Bishop of Coldwell-Banker real estate.
Start looking early.
Bishop says that the market for rentals is usually flooded with calls around the end of the semester, before the next semester starts.
"Most of the market, in terms of rentals, is very tight," Bishop said. "Most market turnover occurs before the beginning of the semester, and remains very tight until the next circuit of houses become available."
For more information on housing in or around PSU, call the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, or area real-estate agents.
For those who decide to make that leap, the best advice is to listen to those with experience. Here are some pointers from students who learned the hard way:
Best friends don't always make the best roommates.
"Look for diversity in roommates," said Sara Jensen, senior in nursing. "If everything is familiar, friends wise, things get old and predictable. It's a good idea to look beyond good friends for roommates, because college is about branching out and making new friends."
Fully understand your lease before you sign it.
"Always check your lease over with your parents. They have experience, and know what to look for in leases," said undeclared junior Gabe Welling. "Read between the lines, and check to assure that you know what you are paying for, and that you can fully comply with your lease."
Get acquainted with your landlord earlier, rather than later.
"It's always good to find an easy-going, accessible landlord," said undeclared junior Steve Aikens. "Know that they're accessible, and willing to fix problems with the house quickly and proficiently."
Be prepared for unexpected expenses.
"Things break," said Joey Bitner, sophomore in physical education. "Just be prepared financially to cover the charges. More importantly, don't let things stay broken. That will only cause more problems down the road. An angry roommate is far better than an angry landlord."
You live in the house, but the landlords own it.
"Some landlords like to make unannounced visits," Welling said. "Keep the house in order, and cleaned, in order to keep the house to their standards."
Know what to expect in your price range.
"Rentals close to campus obviously draw the most attention, and a student can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$300 a month per bedroom in newer rentals, and $100-$200 per bedroom, in older houses," said Jim Bishop of Coldwell-Banker real estate.
Start looking early.
Bishop says that the market for rentals is usually flooded with calls around the end of the semester, before the next semester starts.
"Most of the market, in terms of rentals, is very tight," Bishop said. "Most market turnover occurs before the beginning of the semester, and remains very tight until the next circuit of houses become available."
For more information on housing in or around PSU, call the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, or area real-estate agents.
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