You’ve made the decision to move into an apartment for your next school year at ISU, but how do you pick which one is right for you?

Follow these suggestions for finding the perfect place!

Develop A List Of Priorities

What really matters to you when you’re looking for an apartment?

First, create a list of everything you would like your apartment to have. Then, categorize them into three buckets:

1. Essentials - You can’t live without these.  
2. Nice-to-haves - You don’t need these, but it would be really nice to have them.
3. Dream features - If the stars aligned, these would be included with your apartment.

As you develop this list, think about things like:

• Apartment location - Are you on- or off-campus? Are you near the buildings you’ll spend most of your time on academics, athletics, or your job?
• Amenities - Are renovations or recreational activities are important to you? Think about which category those might fit in.
• Utilities - Will you need to pay each utility separately, or will they be bundled together for your apartment?

Apartment hunting can be challenging, but completing this exercise will help you narrow your focus in choosing your ideal apartment.

Check out our current promotions to see what perks you get when you sign with First Site

Look Ahead

Start your apartment hunt early!

Many apartments available for ISU students fill up a year in advance.

That means as of this article’s publication, many apartments for the coming school year have already been leased.

Begin your apartment search well before you’re ready to move out of your current digs.

Know What’s Included In The Cost

Don’t judge an apartment solely on its monthly rent.

An apartment includes much more than bedrooms and bathrooms, including such features as:

• Parking - If you have your own car, this can be a huge factor in renting an apartment.
• Modern security - Find out what security features are included in your apartment shortlist, and what your surroundings are like.
• Furnishings - Maybe your apartment comes fully furnished, or maybe you’ll need to buy some essentials for your bedroom, dining room, or living room.

 Before you sign a lease, be sure to get a better understanding of what an apartment costs in Blo-No.

What Are The Perks Of Living There?

Once you’ve gathered a list of apartments you’re interested in living at, start thinking about the perks they offer.

These can be unofficial perks, such as proximity to Hancock Field or the academic hall in which you’ll spend most of your time.

Or, they can be official perks, like getting discounts at the best restaurants in town.

Knowing the full scope of what’s included in your rent goes a long way in finding the value in your apartment.

Get A Second Opinion

Finally, as you wrap up your apartment search, get a second opinion. 

One way you can do this is by talking to people who’ve lived with that company before, if you happen to know anyone. Maybe, for example, you know of a fellow Redbird or sorority sister who could tell you how a particular landlord responds to maintenance requests. 

Another way you can validate a landlord is by checking Google or Facebook for reviews. What are people saying about this company? That may throw some red flags, or confirm that you’re looking at the best place for you.

Follow each of these tips to find your perfect student apartment at Illinois State.