Student housing is a constant battle for many students and parents. A good place to start would be looking at the available housing options and what most individuals might consider "bad" or "bad neighborhoods." These can be more inexpensive and reputations are oftentimes completely overblown. 

Once the student or parent understands these things, it should be easier to narrow down where they want to look and what areas nearby might make their search easier. The next step would be looking into how much rent will cost and how close these places are to campus, which can make all the difference in pursuing one option over another. Many students spend a lot of time trying to find a place close to campus, but there are many other factors regarding where you need to live.

Student Housing On Campus

Finding student housing on campus is a big decision, and it might be challenging for most students, particularly freshmen. Doing research beforehand by asking friends or family members which college they went to and what living situation they had while at school is the first step in finding the best apartment. The best way is just looking at ratings online from other people who live with that particular school.

The simplest way to get housing as a student in the United States is to make a reservation directly via the institution and stay in on-campus housing. In catered or self-catered dorms, this often takes the shape of communal or private rooms. The benefit of living on campus is that there is never a long walk to your courses, but because university homes are community spaces, there is frequently a lot of activity going on there. The most common option for first-year or freshmen students is to live on campus since it offers an easy method to socialize. That being said, this method can be expensive, but it will acclimate you to the school quickly.

Student Housing Off Campus

The process of securing student housing off campus can be daunting, especially if you are just a recent high school graduate trying to find your first apartment on your own. More than 1 in 2 college students reside off-campus in the United States. Renting an apartment or house is the most affordable way for them to get some space and avoid living with their parents or other family members.

But finding an apartment can be difficult, particularly for an international student or freshman. Renting an apartment is just the beginning of most students' search. Most off-campus living situations require a bit more than simply finding a unit. It's not always clear what students need to do to get started, but understanding the university neighborhood is a good place to start.

One of the most important things is developing an understanding of the housing market in the institution area to get started on the housing hunt. Having a basic understanding of the average cost per square foot and how quickly similar apartments are renting starts you off on the right track.

A good way to begin the house search process is through one of several resources available to college students, including independent rental services, student housing websites, and university housing offices at schools across the nation.

Tools for Finding Student Housing

Students often struggle to find affordable housing while they're in school. On top of the competition and astronomical prices, students need to balance the process of finding an apartment with their class schedule. Here are the tools for finding student housing:

• Personal and professional networks - Searching via friends, relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, and other personal and professional networks is a smart place to start when looking for student accommodation.
• Realtors - The majority of college students acknowledge hiring a realtor to find accommodation can be beneficial. One advantage of working with a realtor is that they are informed about the property market and may focus your search on apartments that have the amenities you need. But keep in mind that this service has a price. Most real estate agents will bill a "broker’s fee" for their services.
• Online Housing Resources - House searching online is becoming more popular because it is a quick and simple way to view many apartments. There isn't much face-to-face connection; con artists might take advantage of this and make false adverts to con unwary students.

Here are a few tips that can help students avoid these rental scams

• Always confirm with the management firm and the landlord. Make sure you are aware of the property's owners and managers.
• Don't wire cash.
• Pay a visit to the flat. Consider inviting a local friend or family to examine the flat on your behalf if you cannot visit it yourself.
• If an offer looks too good to be true, always be cautious.