How to Choose an Apartment Off-Campus! Mustangs, Are You Looking for Great Off-Campus Housing Near SMU? Start Your Search with These Questions:
Southern Methodist University has over 6,000 undergrad students, and this term nearly 4,000 of these will opt to live in non-university housing. Is one of them you? If so, keep reading! Fortunately, there are lots of great places to live in Dallas. But before you start looking, there are some things that may help you know how to choose an apartment better:
- If you’ve got your own wheels, then all of Dallas is your housing marketplace. If you’re on foot, however, is the place you’re considering close to campus so you can make it to class on time?
- House or apartment? Or do you want only to rent a room in a private home? Most SMU Mustangs opt for apartments.
- Are you introverted and do you prefer living alone? Or are you an extrovert, the sharing type, who gets lonely and loves company? If the latter, how many roommates do you want? And do you mind sharing a bedroom?
- Think about the “nice-to-have” features: Do you want a swimming pool? A place to do laundry that’s right there at the apartment complex? Make a list of your “most wanted” features before you begin your search.
- What kind of commitment is right for you? Do you want to sign a lease for the entire year? Or do you need a shorter-term lease because you’ll be leaving in the summer? Find out if you’re allowed to sublet while you’re gone, but keep in mind that this puts the burden on you of finding someone to take the place over during your summer break.
- Do you want to invest in buying furniture? Can you afford to rent furniture? Or can you get it from friends or family? No? Then you’ll want furnished housing.
- Perhaps the biggest question of all is—how much do you want to pay? Be sure you include costs beyond the rent, for things like cable TV, Internet, lights, and heating and cooling.
Got the answers? Terrific! You now know how to choose an apartment to meet all of your off campus living needs! You’re officially on your way to the fabulous freedom of off-campus housing in Dallas!