<p>My son was accepted to Fordham without housing (Freshman - Fall 2013). So we're currently exploring the idea of an off-campus apartment. I was wondering if anyone has any advice concerning location, or a realtor to use? Ideally, he'd be located as close as possible to the school and among other students. (I'm generally familiar with the Bronx, and we've already visited the school, so I know the challenges of living off-campus.) We'll be visiting the Residential Life office this week to see if they have any suggestions.</p>
<p>Anyone else in the same situation and looking for a roommate?<br>
If so, feel free to send me a private message.</p>
<p>We're still waiting for our financial aid package from Fordham and one other school, but he's really interested in Fordham and I'd love to make it work.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago we used College Street Realty at 593 east 191st street. 718-496-7855. He has losts of buildings in area. The safest streets are East 191st and the Bathgate section adjacent to the college because there are security guards right there. (check it out on google maps) If you walk around the area you will see real estate agent names on buildings. And he must go to facebook to his graduating class group and post that he is looking for a roommate and they find each other that way. The real estate agent might be able to help as well You can also send an add to residential life, but actually residential life was not very helpfull. Make sure he is on the waitlist for housing 12:01 am on whatever is the date they start it even before you put your deposit in, so he gets housing for the spring. Get offcampus housing cheap because if he has a yearly lease you might have to pay it out, and you don’t want to miss out on housing asap. The sooner he gets on campus the better. Maybe you can get someone to take over your lease, we did but there is no guarentee. So if it is cheap and you will also get the commuter grant(if local). Then taking on the Dorm if offerred and paying out your lease is not a financial hardship.</p>
<p>Fordhamrhmom… Thank you so much for your input. We went down to Fordham yesterday afternoon and spent time in the area. We wrote down many realtor numbers and emails. (I’ll add College Street Realty to my list). My son just joined the facebook page today. We’re hoping for some activity from that connection. Oh, and thanks for the waitlist information! </p>
<p>I emailed many realtors last night, but don’t expect to hear from anyone until Monday or after.</p>
<p>Was it difficult for your child to make friends while living off-campus? I actually think my son would enjoy being off-campus, if it’s the right location, but I worry about him walking home alone after every event and also missing out on any dorm activities. And I think it might be too isolating for a freshman.</p>
<p>Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience.</p>
<p>A freshman living on campus is of course better, but my child did meet alot of other students even though she was off-campus. If your son is on Bathgate (the section adjacent to school) or E191st it is almost like being on campus. She even had the meal plan. My D’s building was right at the security guard behind Walsh so coming home late after an event wasn’t so much a problem. and having a roomate helps. She was not thrilled with using the public laundry mat so did drop off and pickup, which was inexpensive. I was very nervous about her not being on campus but Fordham is such a good school we thought it was worth it, and she refused to commute. The first semester goes fast and she got housing by the spring. And now she is in dorm and doesn’t really do the dorm activities anyways, but really does like the dorms. First semester might not be ideal for your son, (but he might actually get more work done), but if he really wants to go to Fordham and has a little patience his 2nd semester will be more ideal. Good Luck glad I could shed some insight!</p>
<p>Is it cheaper to rent an apartment off campus, or are the costs comparable to living in the dorms?</p>