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College can be an exciting and transformative moment for many students. It’s a time of personal growth and exploration, where they can challenge themselves academically and personally.
College life is often filled with new and diverse experiences, including meeting new people from all over the world, joining in extracurricular activities, and finding new interests and hobbies. Students can also expect to gain a wealth of knowledge and valuable skills from their classes, professors, and independent research.
But college life gets even better if you live in comfortable and accessible student housing. The search for this kind of accommodation can start as early as the year before admission. At this time, many students and parents go out of their way to reserve the best spots with the most desirable features and amenities.
Finding the perfect student housing can be daunting, but it’s a crucial aspect of the college experience. Proper housing guarantees a comfortable and safe environment, allowing students to focus on their studies and make the most of the usual school shenanigans.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which features and amenities to look for in student housing. Fortunately, there are key things that should fit every person’s needs. You can also check this site to view some great examples: https://vintageattabernacle.com/
If want something different or more, these features and amenities are a must:
1. Safety
Safety is a top priority when it comes to student housing. First off, the facility must have secure entry systems. This is essential to ensure that only residents and authorized visitors can enter and leave the building. This can include keyed locks, key fobs, or intercom systems.
It’s also a must that the facility has security personnel on-site for an added layer of security and peace of mind. Look for student housing communities with 24/7 security monitoring and security personnel available for emergencies.
Adequate lighting in parking areas can help deter crime and increase safety. Check if the student housing community has well-lit parking lots or garages. Also, research the area’s crime rate to see how safe it is. You can visit websites, such as Neighborhood Scout, to gauge the security problems in a place.
Furthermore, consider the emergency preparedness plans in place in the student housing community. Go for properties with fire safety systems, fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation plans.
2. Furnishings
Some student housing facilities offer fully furnished units, including beds, desks, and kitchen appliances. This can be a convenient option for students who want to avoid bringing their furniture.
On the other hand, other places offer unfurnished units, providing more flexibility and allowing students to personalize their living space.
Make sure the student housing you choose comes equipped with the kitchen appliances you need, such as a refrigerator, stove, sink, and microwave. You can also check if it provides enough storage space for your belongings, such as closets, dressers, and shelving.
3. Maintenance
The facility must have a responsive and professional maintenance team to address any repairs or issues quickly. You can also ask if they perform regular checks to prevent minor issues from getting worse.
Ensure the student housing community has up-to-date equipment and systems, such as heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. This will ensure that the living environment remains safe and comfortable. A reasonable cleaning schedule for common areas should also keep them well-maintained.
Having a quick response time to maintenance requests, such as AC repair, is a plus since delays in resolving maintenance issues can impact your daily life and studies.
4. Fast Internet
Fast and reliable Internet is essential to student housing, especially in today’s learning environment. See if the place you like offers fast and reliable internet speed. Look for at least 100 Mbps so you can adequately get the connection you need for various purposes.
Check if Wi-Fi is available in common areas as well as individual units. This will allow you to work and study anywhere in your living space. Ensure the internet provider has a good track record of network stability with minimal downtime. You may also evaluate the cost of the internet service, as it can affect the pricing for your chosen quarters.
5. Smart Temperature Control
Smart temperature control is a convenient and energy-efficient feature to look for in student housing. Look for places with programmable thermostats that allow you to set your desired temperature at scheduled times. This can help save energy and reduce your utility bills.
Consider student housing options with remote access to temperature control, allowing you to adjust the temperature from your smartphone or tablet. You can also check if they have energy-efficient HVAC systems, which can help lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Evaluate the climate control options in the student housing, such as air conditioning, heating, and ventilation. This way, you can tell if it’s sufficient for the local climate and weather conditions.
6. Study Spaces
Study spaces are a critical aspect of student housing. So, it’s essential to check if your preferred places have them. A facility with a dedicated study room can be a great plus. This space can provide a quiet and focused environment for your coursework and other projects.
In addition to dedicated study rooms, quiet areas within the student housing community can provide a suitable study environment. Look for properties with common areas, such as lounges or libraries, designated as quiet spaces.
7. Outdoor Spaces
If you love sunlight and fresh air, you should go for student housing communities with well-maintained common areas such as courtyards, patios, or balconies. These provide a space for residents to relax and socialize.
For something with more square feet, student housing communities close to parks or greenery are ideal. This can provide a peaceful and rejuvenating environment for students.
If you have a pet, look for student housing communities with designated pet-friendly areas. This ensures your animal friend has space for play and exercise.
8. Fitness Centers
A fitness center plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Look for housing spots close to gyms with a variety of cardiovascular and strength training equipment.
Make sure the fitness center has enough space for residents to exercise comfortably. To do this, go for facilities with a spacious and well-designed layout. They should provide enough room for multiple people to use the equipment at the same time.
Consider the cleanliness of the fitness center, as well. Look for well-maintained facilities to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.
Plus, you should check if the fitness center has opening hours that align with your schedule. The ideal fitness centers are open 24/7 or have extended hours to accommodate residents with different schedules.
9. Laundry Facilities
Consider the availability of laundry facilities in your area. It’s best to pick a student housing community with on-site laundry facilities or arrangements with nearby laundry services. These should have modern and well-maintained washers and dryers.
Of course, be aware of the cost of using the laundry facilities. Some student housing communities may include laundry in the rent, while others may require residents to pay for each use. It’s also best to check the hours of operation of the laundry facilities. Look for facilities that are open 24/7 or have extended hours to suit clashing schedules.
10. Parking
Parking is an essential aspect of student housing, particularly for those who own a car or motorbike.
So, consider the availability of parking options. Try looking up student housing communities that have on-site parking or arrangements with nearby parking facilities.
Some places may include parking in the rent, while others may require residents to pay for parking separately. Also, as mentioned in a previous point, think about how safe they are. Look for facilities with parking close to the student housing community or have direct access to public transportation at least.
11. Access To Transport
Speaking of which, closeness to transportation matters. A great housing spot should provide residents with convenient access to their university and other destinations.
So, consider the proximity of the student housing community to public transportation. Go for ones close to bus or train stations. The closer it is to the main roads, the better.
You might want designated bike parking areas if you choose to bike to school. Housing communities that have partnerships with car-sharing companies are also an excellent choice. They can provide residents with a convenient and affordable alternative to owning a car.
Know What To Look For
Finding proper student housing is a part of the college experience that should not be taken lightly. By considering the factors mentioned in this post, you can shortlist the options in your community more easily. Feel free to modify the tips to fit your specific needs.
As always, be thorough, consistent, and patient with your consideration. If you do it early enough, there’s no need to get frustrated or rush your search. And above all, keep your budget in mind. It’s no good to find a place that perfectly meets your vision, but not your monthly allowance. Happy hunting!
