Tips for Students Moving Off-Campus

As you plan your move to off-campus housing, there are many details to consider. From finding an apartment with a suitable location to budgeting for living costs, you could have quite a few decisions to make. One place to go for advice is a moving company Gainesville, FL, students and families trust. Based on their experience, movers who help students with moving off campus can be a wealth of helpful information.

Consider the Location

The length of your commute to campus is an important detail as you consider apartments or houses off campus. Whether you travel on foot, by bike, or in a vehicle, your commute to class should be convenient. Living near places for dining, shopping, and entertainment is another consideration that can make life outside of class more comfortable. So, as part of your housing search, explore the surroundings of the places where you might want to live. And once you’ve found a location that works, call movers Gainesville students trust. Be sure to schedule your move early, so you have enough of time to settle in before the semester starts.

Start Looking Early

As you would with a homework assignment, start your search for off-campus housing early. Demand for student apartments is high in Gainesville, but more rentals become available once the semester ends. Rather than waiting until just before the school-year begins, look for housing months before you’ll need it. And if opportunities seem limited, stay determined, because new options for housing can pop up from one day to the next. In fact, many students find housing by word-of-mouth from friends or social media.

Create A Budget

In contrast to a dorm room, where living costs are bundled into a flat monthly fee, off-campus housing requires you to balance payments for rent, utilities, food, and other necessities. You may also have to purchase furniture, unless can find a furnished student apartment. With so many costs involved in living off campus, making a budget is a helpful way to manage your expenses. Additionally, creating a supplemental calendar to remind you of payment dates for electric, internet, and other services can help you stay on budget by avoiding late fees.

Read Your Lease

A lease, or rental agreement, is a binding legal contract. Before you sign on the dotted line, read the details, so you know your responsibilities as a tenant. Ask your property manager or rental agent about any details in the lease you’re unsure about. Knowing the guidelines of the property for parking, maintenance requests, guests, and vacate notices helps you acclimate faster to the rules of your new community.

Make It Feel Like Home

After the movers in Gainesville, FL, transport your belongings to your new off-campus housing, it’s time to make the place feel like home with decorations and personal touches. Make a list of the amenities you’d like to add and prioritize them. As money in your budget becomes available, add that reading lamp, artwork, or cooking utensil. When your budget is tight, look for pre-owned items at second-hand stores or in the “free section” on Craigslist.

A Gainesville Moving Company for Student Moves

The demand for Florida movers gets pretty high before the start of the school year. At UF Mover Guys, we have an easy scheduling process and large team of professional movers to help with your move. Let us handle all the steps of moving for you, including packing, loading and unloading, and transportation. When a full-service move isn’t necessary, you can hire our movers just to do the heavy lifting, or we can provide you with boxes and packing materials for a do-it-yourself (DIY) moving experience. Contact us for help with your next move.