Apartment Hunting

<p>So, my roommate and I are in search of an apartment for next year. </p>

<p>We're hoping for an one bedroom/one bathroom apartment somewhere close to campus in North Village and are willing to spend up to $700/month. (Which is pretty flexible, right?)</p>

<p>We've already browsed through a few of the apartments, but have been shooed way since most of them aren't looking for tenants for September yet. We've always been told to start looking early, but are we looking too early?</p>

<p>Anyway. Any particular place/area we should look at? Are we going about this whole apartment hunting thing the wrong way? Are the apartments with the waiting lists worth the wait?</p>

<p>Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. :)</p>

<p>(And yes, I did look through the search feature before creating this thread. I just want more input.)</p>

<p>$700 each or for both? An apartment is about ~$1375 for a 1 bed + 1 bath in Westwood, plus utilities and misc. fees. The cheapest that I came across was $1300 on Veteran. Location, location, location, the closer you get the more expensive it becomes.</p>

<p>It might be a little too early for most places, but I advise you start looking. At least you'll get a feel for what's out there. You're getting shooed away because most landlords don't know if their current tenants will be renewing their lease or not. A good time to seriously start looking is in June, and walk around Westwood. You have to look for pleases with vacancies, look at the place, fill out applications + fees, get that approved, etc. It takes time. Good luck!</p>

<p>^ what he said.</p>

<p>and adding on to location, personally I'd look more into how the area is on the weekends. Some people like to live in an area where there are a lot of parties going on, but I personally like some peace and quiet. walk around westwood on thursday or friday nights and see which areas are quieter and which ones are loud. be on the look out frat houses and other party spots.</p>

<p>^ what they said. </p>

<p>Definitely locate apartment buildings you're interested in, give them you're numbers and have them call you if any apts open in around the time you want to move-in. Some will call, others you'll have to go visit again. In any case, good luck. I'm just glad I don't have to go through that again... at least here in Westwood.</p>

<p>After looking through some of the prices and calling a few places, we realized we're willing to pay $750-$800 a piece. (Still cheaper than dorms, which is what we're aiming for)</p>

<p>Most of the apartments we've setting our eyes on already have a gigantic waiting list. Which is pretty discouraging so far.</p>

<p>Oh, and what's the deal with leaving a deposit to be put on a waiting list? Good idea or bad idea?</p>

<p>But if anyone knows anyone with a decent one bedroom/ one bathroom they're deserting next year, we'd be happy to take it off your hands.</p>

<p>If I were you I'd put my name on the waitlist anyways. Since it's so early in the year, I bet most people will change their minds when Spring approaches.</p>

<p>Personally, I've never heard of putting deposit for waiting list. For my apartment, we were on the wait list. But did not put down a deposit until there actually was an apartment available.</p>

<p>I've signed up for on campus housing, but i'm also beginning to look for apartments off campus. I hope to get an off campus apartment, but if the best time is in june, i would have to sign up for on campus housing. Is on-campus housing irrevocable until june, can i get a refund if i find an off campus apt?</p>

<p>you'll never get the housing application fee back. i actually would not hold off apartment hunting till june. you should be set with the roommates (if you have any) and start to look around soon. I would get a list of possibles by Spring quarter. And during spring quarter I would start talking to the landlords/managers (if you haven't already) and see the possibility of getting an apartment for the upcoming year.</p>

<p>everything should be set before the deadline to accept the housing offer.</p>

<p>Do you guys know what's the best way to hunt for apartments? Some people told me to try craigslist; or is walking around Westwood the best way?</p>

<p>how about doing both?</p>