<p>Hi; I'm going into Michigan's Program in Survey Methodology in the fall, but am having trouble finding housing. I want to find someplace that is cheap, quiet, and close to the Institute for Social Research, but I don't care about size or any housing amenities beyond internet access. I had hoped to get something for around 400, and had seen an ad for something that looked about right a couple months ago (though it had been filled up by the time I made contact). </p>
<p>When I contacted the Michigan housing people for advice, I was told that I should be able to find something for about that much. Hence, I was picky over the last couple months and ignored things for around 500. However, I think that may have been very bad advice. Now I don't even see anything for 500 dollars anymore. I've been checking the housing listing and rooms for rent pages several times a day, but don't see very much. Does anyone have any advice on where else I could look? Is 500 a month still feasible? Would it be useful to go up to Michigan to look in person, or is basically everything available online? Thanks a lot for the help.</p>
<p>I don’t know who told you $400. A lot of it depends on what you are looking for. Are you planning to have roommates? If so, are you planning on sharing a bedroom with a roommate. Housing in Ann Arbor is very expensive especially close to Central Campus and you could spend $600 and end up with a dump. Other questons to ask are whether utliities are included. Heat can be quite expensive especially in older poorly insulated houses with inefficient furnaces. If you need parking, that is sometimes extra. Also you will likely need to sign a 12 month lease.</p>
<p>It sounds like you are a grad student or a transfer student. At this point, I would consider looking for someone who needs an extra roommate. Perhaps someone is dropping out of school or transferring and is stuck with a lease they want out of.</p>
<p>I’m not sure where to look but I know some people post of Facebook. Also some of the management companies will assist with this but I think it is mostly the higher end that do this. Also you could look into coops. It would also be cheaper if you are willing to look farther away from campus but then you will have a longer walk or have to take a bus.</p>
<p>Sometimes rents come down towards the end of summer when the landlord realize that the space will not be let unless the rent is lowered but I would hate to count on that especially when it seems that there is once again upward pressure on real estate prices.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I had talked to the off campus housing coordinator before; when I asked if a place like this ([UM</a> Off-Campus Housing Unit Details](<a href=“http://offcampus.housing.umich.edu/lt/unit_details.cfm?UnitID=30179]UM”>http://offcampus.housing.umich.edu/lt/unit_details.cfm?UnitID=30179)) was typical, she told me it was. Apparently, that was very rare. Do you think it would be worth going up to Michigan in a couple weeks to try and find something in person, or do you think I’d be able to do just as well by simply looking online? Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>It’s hard to know whether a trip would be worthwhile. It may help to see if you can find some leads on-line first. This is something that might work.</p>
<p>[HOUSEMATES</a> NEEDED FOR Quiet COlONIAL*********](<a href=“http://annarbor.craigslist.org/roo/3796109506.html]****HOUSEMATES”>http://annarbor.craigslist.org/roo/3796109506.html)
[Large</a> Room in Grad-House in Kerrytown area](<a href=“http://annarbor.craigslist.org/roo/3796849405.html]Large”>http://annarbor.craigslist.org/roo/3796849405.html)</p>