Every University of Florida student probably knows someone who lives in off-campus housing. Gainesville caters to students with a wide variety of hip and affordable housing options.
Students are typically eager to leave the dorm and move into their apartments. They view it as a part of gaining independence and becoming an adult.
As with any move, students often run into pitfalls. These pitfalls can sometimes be more than they bargained for.
Complications can be categorized into locating a property to rent, issues with the property owner and moving belongings.
Gainesville has a competitive renting market because of the abundance of students who choose to live off-campus. Students search for housing as early as the first few weeks of the semester before they move.
To compete, you have to find roommates and living quarters before the semester is over to ensure you have a place to live. Too many students wait too late.
Do not let the pressure interfere with caution, however. Thoroughly inspect the property in question before signing a lease.
Look for damaged or broken elements in the house. These elements include peeling paint, broken appliances, non-working light switches and health hazards.
Document any of these issues at the beginning. If you do not, your landlord might try to deduct them from the security deposit at the end of the lease.
Landlords oftentimes attempt to reduce the money returned from the security deposit for natural wear-and-tear. Do your shopping and try to pick a landlord that will treat you with respect and consideration.
Another big dilemma is actually moving your stuff into your new apartment. This part is where UF Mover Guys comes in.
Our company aims to take the stress off your shoulders. We will pack everything into our truck and transport it for you. The only thing you need to worry about moving is yourself.
You can drive to your new place with the assurance that your things are in good hands. We are careful to pack all of your things away quickly and without any breakage.
You might not think using a moving company is necessary. You may also think hiring a moving company is too expensive.
While it is true hiring a moving company is not necessary, being able to move with comfort and ease is well worth the price. And our prices are set with the goal of being cost-efficient for a college budget.
Despite some of the challenges presented in this article, one should not hesitate to move off-campus. Moving into an unsupervised, off-campus residence is a great adventure for any student.
The personal responsibility living off-campus teaches is excellent for any adult and the freedom it grants contributes greatly to personal growth and cultivates new relationships.
Whether this is your first or fifth time moving, living outside the dorm and in the community can be a rewarding experience.