Apartment Search Tips for Graduate Students

Whether you're planning to move 2,000 miles away or to the other end of town, apartment search can be overwhelming. Here are some steps that can make it a little easier:

1. Examine your priorities, before heading for an apartment search. Determine what's important to you in your new home?
2. Before embarking on your apartment search trip, determine what you can afford to spend. Draw up a budget. You don't want to run out of funds two-thirds of the way through the school year! Learn how to manage your money before you move out on your own.
3. Begin your apartment search as soon as you know where you're going to graduate. In some areas, New York City, for example, finding a suitable apartment can take months. Keep your eyes open, and let your friends and relatives know that you're looking for a place. Speak with graduate students at your new school. They're a great source of leads and can tell you about what neighborhoods to avoid. Check out online listings, as well as the old standby, newspaper listings. If you're desperate, seek help from real estate agencies, but note that most charge fees that can range from $50 to two month's rent.
4. Bring a checkbook and an ATM card on apartment search trips. Some markets move so quickly that by the time you run home to get your checkbook the listing is gone. Be ready to put down a deposit immediately if you find a suitable place.