If you’re a student looking for an off-campus apartment – or a parent who’s helping in the search – these five tips can help you find an apartment that you’ll love:

1. Pay a visit.

Never rent an apartment without visiting it first. That way, you can get a first-hand look at its location and check out a model unit.

Drop by at different times of the day, or during the week and on the weekend. Does the community seem quiet, or is there a lot of activity? By visiting, you’ll get a good overall feel and know if it fits what you’re looking for.

2. Make sure the location works for you.

Location is always a prime factor when you’re making a decision about where to live.

Consider how you’ll get to and from campus. Will you be driving? Or will you need to live within walking or biking distance from campus or on a public transit line? If you work, is it close to your place of employment?

3. Understand your rent and what it includes.

Monthly rent is a key consideration, but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when you look at quoted monthly rents from different communities. Find out if anything, such as cable, Wi-Fi, utilities, or water is included in your rent.

Also check out any amenities a community may have. If you have a gym membership, a workout room may let you drop that added expense.

4, Ask other students for recommendations

Find out what communities your classmates and other friends recommend.

And as you visit apartments that you’re interested in, ask people you see out and about how they like living there. They’re likely to be candid, but investigate what they say further, and put the most weight on your own observations. 

5. Check on safety features

You’ll want your apartment and community to be as safe as possible. Check out the lighting the community at night. Are common areas well lit?

Also check the types of locks. Do doors have deadbolts, the most secure type of lock? Are peepholes installed on front doors? Do windows lock?

Check out MSC UVA’s large selection of apartments to find the right one for you in the Charlottesville area. You can even submit an application online, or find a roommate to share expenses with.