No matter how far into your college years you are, it’s important to do your research when it comes to Ohio University off-campus housing. Undergraduate students, and those in graduate programs, should look into the great potential for this living option and all it can provide.
With that in mind, there are many things to look for and keep in the back of your mind in regards to living off campus. Students who are beginning the process of apartment hunting should continue reading (or bookmark this page for later) to learn some of our recommended tips for finding the right off-campus housing in Athens, Ohio for you.
1. Take Advantage of Tours
Most apartment complexes or housing units will allow students to schedule a tour before they sign a lease. Taking advantage of this can be done in many ways, such as by:
- Scheduling an in-person visit or viewing a virtual tour of prospective locations
- Taking friends or family members with you to a tour for additional perspectives
- Having roommates join you on the tour, if you plan on living with others
- Asking plenty of questions about the unit you’d be living in, or the apartment complex as a whole
Students who are interested in touring University Commons can simply contact our team today to schedule a showing! We offer 1-, 2- and 4-bedroom apartments for our tenants.
2. Think About Your Commute to Campus
Living off campus means that buildings you normally spend your time in (e.g., Ping Center, Alden Library) may suddenly be much a further commute than before. Determine which on-campus buildings you’ll be spending the most time at moving forward and either find a living option nearby, or establish your means of transportation to campus.
Whether you’ll be walking, driving, biking, taking the bus, or utilizing any other method of transportation, it’s important to keep things such as night classes and weather conditions in mind.
University Commons not only lets you park your car at our apartment complex, but we offer a private bus system to and from campus – exclusively for our residents!
3. Ask About Amenities
Another important thing students should keep in mind when deciding between options for off-campus housing in Athens, Ohio are the amenities that are (and aren’t) offered. Apartment complexes and homes can each include varying amenities, so it’s important to communicate with prospective landlords and determine what exactly is being provided, then decide which amenities are essential for you and make them a priority.
For example, if something you’re looking for in a residence is access to a washer and dryer, making sure that is available should be at the top of your list.
Additional amenities that students should ask about during their showings may include:
- Parking
- Workout and study areas
- Kitchen appliances
- Central heating and A/C
- Internet and cable access
University Commons is proud to offer our residents a wide variety of amenities and features, including all of the ones in the bullet points above, plus complete furnishing for each room, and a swimming pool.
4. Have a Designated Place to Park
If you have a car on campus, or will have one by the time you’ll be off campus, it’s important to decide where you’ll keep it parked. Some housing locations will provide a parking spot at an extra cost, so it’s good to know where you’ll be parking before you move in, and budget for it if necessary.
Our apartment complex comes with private, off-street parking for each resident that’s included as part of your lease!
5. Work Out Furnishing Details
Whether you’ll be moving off campus by yourself or will be living with roommates, it’s important to work out the details of who’s bringing what. To do this, you must first know what your future apartment or house includes, in terms of furniture.
Some items that you may have to account for when moving off campus in Athens include:
- Couches
- Chairs
- Dishes
- Glasses
- Lamps
At University Commons, our lease includes the above items and more! Refer to our Features page for our full list of furnishings and housewares items.
6. Determine Your Budget
A vital thing to keep in mind when browsing off-campus housing in Athens Ohio is your budget. Once you have that set, it’s of course vital to find a home that is within that range.
In addition to your rent, costs that you should factor into your monthly budget may include utilities, cable and internet.
University Commons is proud to offer affordable prices for our units. Services that are included in our rent are water and sewer, trash, bus transportation, and parking.
Want to Learn More About Off-Campus Student Housing? Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
Students who want to learn more about our Ohio University off-campus housing can do so by signing up for our email newsletter or getting in touch with our team today!
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