Getting your first apartment is a rite of passage for college students everywhere, representing an important step into adulthood. Though you won’t be living in your unit forever, you still want to choose your first rental property carefully. Keep the factors below in mind to ensure you find the right place for you.

How to Find College Housing 

1. Look for Reputable Landlords

A good landlord can be the difference between an apartment you love and a place you can’t wait to leave. Your campus housing office will likely have listings of local units offered by landlords with good reputations, and many online agencies allow past tenants to leave reviews. Craigslist® and other community advertising sites can be a valuable resource, but be on the lookout for scams; walk away if someone asks you to wire money before you’ve seen the place.

2. Investigate the Neighborhood

It can be difficult to get a read on a neighborhood after just one visit. An area that seems quiet and peaceful in the early afternoon on a Thursday might be something else entirely on a Friday night. Before submitting your application, visit the area a few times, and consider talking to current residents who live in the building.

3. Budget Carefully

Most college students live on a tight budget, so work out how much you can afford before going apartment hunting. Most landlords won’t rent to a tenant unless your income meets a certain threshold, usually at least three times the monthly rent. If you don’t yet have an income, consider asking your parents to co-sign the lease. 

With great apartments located in the heart of Hastings, NE, Maendele Properties offers high-quality housing to everyone. Their clean, affordable units are close to campus, with easy access to cafes, grocery stores, and everything else you might need. Follow their Facebook to see their current selection of apartments for rent. Call (402) 984-2020 or visit their website to apply today.