February 20–26, 2008, Number 482
Off-Campus Living
The time is drawing near when students will have to make the decision to either stay on or move off campus. This week's article is going to focus on aspects of living off-campus and provide information for finding places near campus that are available for students. Next week I'll include information for on-campus living so that parents and students may have all the information they need on deciding where to live for next year.
Moving off-campus is a big adventure, because it is the first time your student can either be on their own, or living with friends in a house/apartment. There comes a lot of responsibility with this choice, as it requires the students to handle rent on a monthly basis, as well as other bills. However, if you plan ahead of time, delegate one person in charge of all the bills, and split the total cost equally; it makes things a lot easier to handle. I can say from previous experience that this method works the best.
I've lived off-campus for two years now, and have lived in both a house and an apartment. The best method for finding a place to live off-campus is to check out the Undergraduate Student Government's (USG) website for off-campus listings. Here your student can find information about any houses that are available in the local area as well as surrounding areas of the Houghton community. The listing includes both houses and apartments and gives basic details about some of the specifics for the place. Included is contact information so that your student can get the ball rolling on finding a place to stay. The USG also provides information on one of their web pages on the renter's rights so that if you or your student has any questions about what their rights may be they can be well informed before they sign the lease agreement. If your student is unsure about the lease they are signing I suggest that they take a look at it and ask questions! Landlords are generally good people and are willing to assist your student in understanding what the lease agreement states. Overall I've never had a problem with the lease agreements. Most of them include the general information and don't have too much legal jargon to confuse people.
As for which place is better—an apartment or a house—it all depends on what your student and his or her friends are looking for. Usually, an apartment is more comfortable for only a few people (2 or 3) depending on the size and the number of bedrooms. Houses can be a lot of fun, because there is much more room than an apartment. This allows for everyone to be comfortable with the space they have. I feel that having your own room when you move off-campus definitely helps the atmosphere of living, but it isn't necessary. Some students are able to find a friend or two that they are comfortable enough to share a room with as well as general living space.
Re-contracting begins in the Residence Halls on March 1 and that is why I'm providing information this week on off-campus living and next week's being on-campus living. If you have any questions at all about this week's article please feel free to contact me at my personal email address and I'll be happy to assist you. As always, any ideas or comments are appreciated as well.
Until next week,
- Michigan Technological University
- 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295
- 906-487-1885