Living arrangements: apartments, dorms, houses, etc.

<p>So, I'm a freshman currently living in the dorms, and it seems like spring semester is when people start checking places out to live for the next year. I don't think I want to live in the dorms again, and my friends and I have heard that the dorms are more expensive than other options anyway, if you're splitting rent with other people. I want to hear from the CC community to find out more about the housing situation.</p>

<p>A good-sized group of friends and I are thinking of renting an actual house and splitting rent, if it's cheap enough. Have you heard of people doing this? Is it even plausible to think that someone would rent out a house to a group of college kids? Haha.</p>

<p>What did you do your second year?
What are important things to look for in an apartment or house?
Are there any particular areas that you would/would not recommend?
Are there any mistakes that you or a friend made that could've been avoided?</p>

<p>Also, if you lived in the dorms for your second year, I'd love to hear from you, too. How did that go? </p>

<p>I'm just in need of general advice. Any and all stories or words of wisdom are much appreciated!!!</p>