<p>Looking for off campus housing? Don’t forget to attend the Off Campus Housing Fair today!</p>
<p><a href=“http://housing.ua.edu/on_campus/event_calendar.cfm?p=2[/url]”>http://housing.ua.edu/on_campus/event_calendar.cfm?p=2</a></p>
<p>Off-Campus Housing Fair (Housing)
More than 25 properties to preview! Stop by and speak with representatives from local apartment complexes about their amenities, rates, & upcoming deals! </p>
<p>October
@ Ferguson Center, main floor | October 09, 2013 - 10:00 am </p>
<p>November</p>
<p>@ Ferguson Center, main floor | November 13, 2013 - 10:00 am </p>
<p>December</p>
<p>@ Ferguson Center, main floor | December 04, 2013 - 10:00 am </p>
<p>Here are some things we learned from our D’s off campus search.</p>
<p>Begin by determining a budget for off campus housing and the number of potential roommates.</p>
<p>Make a list of your needs and wants. Note anything you must have or do not want/need.</p>
<p>Location: Walking /Biking distance Shuttle – private or UA
(will the location be convenient/inconvenient on a regular basis? gamedays?)</p>
<p>Furnished/Unfurnished
Utility allowance
Washer/Dryer provided or only hookups?
Internet provided
Cable provided
Pets allowed
Number of occupants in the complex? Per unit?
Roommate matching
Individual leases? Separate leases?
Subleases allowed?
Amenities (pool, computer lab, gym, etc.)
Parking availability
Gated or security (if gated, is the gate actually closed when you visit?)
Move in date for new residents? Fee for early move in?
Term of lease agreement - how long? procedures for paying rent while away? Fees?
Student only complex? Any restrictions?
Will you see the actual unit you will rent?
How/when will you select the location of your unit? Are they assigned or selected?
Are all layouts identical? Baths? Bedrooms? floor coverings? furniture?
How are maintenance issues reported and how are they resolved?
What is 24 hour maintenance? Emergency?
What is the resident’s responsibility?
Pest control?</p>
<p>Consider your personal preferences and what you need and want from a property. Prioritize the most important factors on your list of needs and wants.</p>
<p>Use the off campus housing website, the Apartments Alabama app, and other sources to identify apartments that may meet your needs and criteria (cost, location, etc.). You may also consider properties recommended by word of mouth. See link:</p>
<p><a href=“http://offcampushousing.ua.edu%5B/url%5D”>http://offcampushousing.ua.edu</a></p>
<p>It is never too soon to begin scoping out potential complexes. If you want to get a true picture of what a property is like, you will need to make a few unscheduled visits on your own. Consider word of mouth, but do your own leg work. Be aware of special incentives, but do not let that be the determining factor of when you sign a lease. Do NOT rely on a scheduled visit or written material provided by a property. Visit any property you are considering at different times of the day and week. Plan to visit on a Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday or Sunday afternoon. If the property has a pool, visit while it is warm. It is also a good idea to check the FB page regarding a property. Temper any complaints or glowing reviews, but look for consistent complaints. Note that some complexes will remove unflattering comments by residents. Conduct an internet search on the property.</p>
<p>Consider your personal preferences, but also look at any of the following that would concern you:</p>
<p>Lighting around the property – parking, trash receptacle, stairwells, entryways
Cleanliness of the property – Look for trash, signs of bugs or other pests, landscaping, building conditions. Is the trash receptacle convenient? Does it appear to be maintained or overflowing?
Availability of parking for residents? Guests? What about during special events/game days?
Does the complex appear to be quiet, rowdy, deserted, crowded?
What amenities are available? Do they appear to be in use by residents?
Is there a property manager or community director on site? When?
Read local news and campus news articles about what is/has been going on in a complex.</p>
<p>Consider the venues around any property you are considering. Will they impact your living experience daily or on a regular basis? Noise? Parking? Traffic? Lights? Safety/Security?</p>
<p>While crime can occur anywhere, each of us should be concerned about personal safety and the potential for serious crime in the area where our student is considering living. I found it helpful to perform a google search and also search the local newspaper during our off campus housing search. </p>
<p>Good luck and happy hunting!</p>