<p>Not sure how many current SC student are on this site, but if any have experience living off-campus, I'd really like any help/advice you have. </p>
<p>How did you get off-campus housing? What's the process like? What things should I avoid doing/getting? What are the important things to look for in housing?</p>
<p>You just have to look (walk around, check the internet, websites, daily trojan ads etc). I'm in City Park right now, and although the bedrooms are a bit small (compared to the dorms anyways), the rent is about $500. And since it's a managed property, we always have a fairly quick response when things break. Like our refrigerator wasn't closing which was messing up the freezer temperature and they replaced it with a new one. And our shower head was broken and they fixed that as well. It's also really safe (we're on the 3rd floor) and there's a security guard at night (from 8pm to 6am, I think). He'll wander from building to building and walk through the floors. There's laundry room on each floor which is convenient.
We talked to the manager, got our parents to sign forms, placed a deposit. Not too painful or stressful. So yeah, that's my off campus experience.</p>
<p>Basically look around, talk to the manager, DEFINITELY look at the apartment. Be aware of the location (if you have a choice, don't get an apartment on the first floor). Make sure that you feel comfortable wherever you end up staying.</p>
<p>what's so bad about the rooms on the first floor?</p>
<p>i guess you cant keep your windows open, a guy at harvard summer lost his laptop, stolen through his window</p>
<p>Ok I'll ask if things are property-managed and see if I can live above the 1st floor. Good to know. I've also been told to ask about getting a school-year (verses whole year) lease. I definitely want a laundry machine in the building.</p>
<p>You probably won't find a school lease but ask what their subleasing policy is because sometimes you need to transfer the lease for a fee (like Conquest) and other times you don't need to transfer but since your name is on the lease your still responsible for the summer rent.</p>