I have heard about how stressful finding housing can be, esp as an upperclassman. I’m not finding answers to some questions.
1- As a Sophomore, if you don’t sign a lease for an apartment in the Fall, how likely is it that you could stay in your current dorm (ie Cascadilla or West) in your Junior year. I know some do that, but what happens if you don’t sign an apartment lease in the Fall and then don’t get into a dorm? Is there plenty of housing to find something later in the year?
2- Are most apartments for 2, 3, or 4 or more students? Just wanting to know about how many students should group together before looking for apartments.
3- Do students share bedrooms or generally have their own? ( I heard one parent say their kid rented and was told they couldn’t have more than 2 people in the apartment).
4- Are most apartment leases for 1 year? I would imagine if you sublet for the summer, that if there is damage or bills not paid, that you would still be liable?
Any advice out there on what to do or what not to do?
Thanks in advance
I don’t know how it works at Cornell, but sure am interested to find out. Seems like upperclass housing off campus is quite expensive.
My other D is a junior at Carnegie Mellon and in Pittsburgh they have “brothel” laws, meaning that you can’t have more than 4 in an apartment, although some landlords just turn the other cheek, as was the case with my D and her apartment last year. They had 5 and the landlord was OK with that.
My D sublet her room last summer to a visiting student from India, and they made an arrangement for rent, utilities, etc., and it worked out just fine, but yes, my D would be liable for damages or any unpaid utilities for the summer. It is a bit tricky with subletters.
You can easily sublease from people who are away for a semester, like study abroad, but you would need to move after a semester. My kid was able to get great deals by subleasing.
Most apartment buildings will only allow one person per bedroom. My older one only shared an apartment with one other person for 3 years (sophomore to senior). It was easier, less opinions. One thing to keep in mind is when you sign a lease, try to get a separate lease so you wouldn't be responsible if someone should drop out. My nephew is currently dealing with an apartment mate who is not returning this fall due to health reason. It does happen.
See one.
Lease is always from Jun to Jun. You are responsible to sublease the months you are not there. It is most likely your landlord would need to approve the sublet and the landlord would require a security deposit, so any damage may come out of the deposit. It really depends on how you structure the sublease.
Cornell does allow sophomores to apply to stay in their same dorm junior year, usually in exchange for becoming somewhat of a mentor/guide (though not an RA, I don’t think) their junior year. I’m not sure how popular an option this is nor how guaranteed it is.
@lisaol The majority of students remain on campus until junior year although some do certainly get an apartment sophomore year. Collegetown (where students live when they live off-campus) is right by campus, so you can easily walk to all your classes or take the bus if you live in the lower parts of Collegetown.
Thank you, @oldfort.
Seems like a lot of unnecessary stress, but it has worked out for many before us, so it should work out for us. I really don’t like it, though.
