<p>Quick rundown of the situation:
-I don't have anyone to share an apartment with next year.
-I've had enough "random selection" experiences that I'd rather not risk anything
-I'm prone to depression, and I tend to go home on a lot of weekends
-I can afford a 1-bedroom because I have a scholarship</p>
<p>Should I go for it? I have friends who would visit, and I have friends that I can hang out with. The already have other living arrangements, so that's why they're not an option.</p>
<p>Any advice? Know anything about 1-bedroom apartments?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I had my own apartment one year when I was at a college too far away to commute to. I loved it. Only you know your own situation with depression and what you can tolerate, as well as afford. Have you considered finding someone to share a 2-bedroom apartment with? Depending on the area, splitting the costs of a 2-bedroom might be cheaper than paying yourself on a 1-bedroom, and you’d still have your own privacy from your roommate. If you don’t have friends looking to room with you, start chatting with people around campus or online from your school and see if anyone’s interested. </p>
<p>If not, then a 1-bedroom or studio apartment might be good for you (studios are typically cheaper and you really don’t need all of that space of a 1-bedroom apt to yourself in college). Just be sure to read the entire lease carefully, and know what utilities are or are not included in the rent. Consider renter’s insurance if you have expensive stuff in your apartment, including a computer, tv, appliances, etc. And be sure to see the exact apartment you’ll be renting - don’t let them show you “models” or a “similar” apartment if the one they’re trying to rent currently has people in it. You don’t want to sign a lease and then find out your apartment isn’t exactly what you expected.</p>
<p>Check things out when you’re viewing places - turn on all lights, see how many outlets/jacks they have, look at the windows and see if they open, check the thermostat, see how secure the door locks are, if they offer on-site laundry or if you have to drive/walk to a laundromat. Check the faucets, run the toilet - make sure you’re in for no surprises.</p>
<p>It sounds to me like it’s a good option for you. Personally, I couldn’t do it. I like having my own bedroom but I would get lonely if I lived in a one bedroom apartment.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses!</p>
<p>I think that I would like sharing an apartment with someone, it’s just that because of the 1-year lease, it would really stink if you ended not getting along with the person. I’ve looked into online roommate sites and craigslist in search of someone, but I haven’t come across anyone yet.</p>
<p>goldandblue92 - are you in apartment with good friends now? do your roommates ever keep you up, get on your nerves? </p>
<p>novalynnx - did you have the studio or the apartment?</p>
<p>I had a 1-bedroom because I first moved in with my boyfriend, then spent the second half of the year by myself. I also had a cat and 2 pet rats, so I needed some extra space. Some studios are nice - they typically come with a little kitchen and bathroom attached to a big general room. </p>
<p>You could lease the apartment in your name only, and allow people to stay per semester (have them sign a sublet-type lease). That way if it doesn’t work out, they can move on after the semester and you don’t have to worry about defaulting on your lease because it’ll be in your name only, then find a new roomie.</p>
<p>I also suggest looking for people who are active in sports/clubs/organizations so that they are not sitting around the apartment all day driving you nuts.</p>