Housing Tips

Find the Perfect Accommodation

The first big step in coming to University is finding accommodation which will keep you from suicide. This choice is often related to Russian Roulette as you will be stuck with whatever you got until your lease runs out. There are many companies and agencies who are set up with a list of housing options in your area to suit your taste. Just know that they receive a large fee for their service.

The debate rages on about the benefits of Greek vs. Dorm life. You should examine your purpose at University as well as what your character is like. Check the following list for an easier solution:

Greek vs. Dorm Life Soltionizer

You're a Greek if...	You live in a Dorm if...
Sleep is not a necessity. Morals and Values are those hot twin chicks across the road. 2.0 GPA means celebration-time! Beer, chips, candy, steak, and ice-cream encompasses the 5 food groups. 7-Eleven is the only store worthy of your presence. Chemistry and Psychology are math classes you aren't taking.	Sleep means 8 hours of peace and rest. You like coed activities 24 hours a day. You want a job after University. You are capable of scarfing down all-you-can-eat leftovers best described as, "Hot, brown and plenty of it" at the food hall. A trip to the local supermarket is considered to be a big night out. You like to keep your stuff.

Finding a House

With all the pressure that comes from your first year at University, attempting to find, move into and live in a house with a bunch of people is far too much hassle. The best option is to choose either a Dorm room or the Greek Life in order to settle in a little easier. After the first year or two, moving out into a house is often suggested as it prepares you better for living on your own after school. If this is where you are at, choose from the following options below:

Find your Accommodation

Basic Essentials

When packing for University, it is easy to load up everything from your first grade swimming medal to the shell you found in your driveway 5 years ago. It is important to realize that your room will have limited space and is often smaller that you think. Here is a quick list of essentials:

Bed (check the size, if it is provided, for bedding purposes)

Mini-Fridge (if you just don't want to leave your room)

Mini-Microwave (Oh, the power of the nuke machine!)

Computer (Universities do provide)

Books, Notebooks and other school paraphernalia

Lamp (Save your eyes!)

Stereo

Organizers (for closet, pens and pencil, books, etc.)

Umbrella (This is an often forgotten necessity)

Decorating - click to get some basic ideas

If you are living with a roommate, try and coordinate so that you do not have duplicates. Saving space is the key, so only take as much as you need for one month. you will find that this is what you will actually need for four years. If this is not enough, you can always have more sent.

Look around, and take some notes on the stuff you use everyday. If you want to take that juicer to get in shape, but haven't used it in over a decade, don't take it. It will only get in the way.

Insurance

Insurance is often a foreign and daunting aspect of adulthood which most feel should be left to, well, adults! Don't stress, as you might be able to get away with being fully insured without any work on your part. You do this by simply getting onto your parents insurance. Do you qualify? You will if you:

The address registered on your driver's license is your parent's home address.
You live at home during the summer.
Your voter registration is sent to your parent's address.

If you meet the above criteria, then you are eligible for using your parent's homeowners insurance plan. This plan protects against fire and theft. Is it best to sit down with your parents and their insurance agent to iron out any concerns or questions.

Most people don't insure as they don't need to. Stuff just ends up missing at University. However, it is important to use common sense:

Lock your doors and windows before leaving

Don't bring fancy stuff

Try to avoid flaunting your goods

Your wallet is your private life

Provoking people to jealousy will result in missing items. Don't bring your worst items to University, but don't wear your best jewelry every day... people will notice.

Claiming:

If you choose to claim a missing item, check out your parents insurance to see if this is really your best choice. When you do claim for a lot of little items, your parents' rates go through the roof, and chances are that you will not get very much return.

Generally speaking, insurance plans have a $300 deductible, so if you lost something worth $299, you don't get a penny. If you lose a $500 item, you only get $200 in return and if this happens enough, you rates increase. It simply is not worth claiming anything less than $1,000. Therefore, don't take anything you want to lose.