At first glance, student housing costs seem nominal—it’s just the cost of renting a bed from someone, right?

That’s true in some cases. However, if you look, you’ll notice hidden value in the best apartments.

Here’s where to look.

Fitness Centers

Fitness centers are important for students because exercise is linked to boosted graduation rates and GPA.

Some apartments include access to fitness facilities in the cost of the rent.

Often, these fitness centers are located in a specific building in the complex.

However, some landlords may have worked out a deal with a local gym for residents to receive discounts.

Ask your leasing agent whether the apartment you’re interested in renting has a fitness center somewhere on its grounds, as well as whether you get a special discount at a nearby gym.

Recreation

Apartments often feature common areas that give residents access to swimming pools, green spaces, and designated gaming rooms.

This allows students to save on memberships to a local swimming pool or park, as well as saving on gaming consoles. By providing an entertainment center, apartments help save students money on equipment and games.

Security Services

Competition among housing complexes has typically resulted in beefing up security.

Security measures may include key cards to enter the grounds and specific buildings, along with security cameras providing a watchful eye.

Parking

The best apartments provide a guaranteed space for you to park as part of your rent.

This saves you from having to buy a parking pass from the city. Plus, you can save from parking at the meters or another paid lot.

Proximity To Shopping, Restaurants, And Other Activities

Speaking of parking, student housing may provide value by being close to your favorite places to shop, eat, and soak in the college experience.

Save money on parking by walking, biking, or carpooling. Then, use that money to enjoy your time away from your studies.

Furnishings

Look at whether your potential apartment provides:

• An in-unit washer and dryer.
• A full kitchen—dishwasher, microwaves, refrigerators.
• New or like-new bathrooms and carpeting.

Do laundry at home instead of spending gas and money at a laundromat. Save money—upwards of thousands of dollars a year—and be healthier by cooking at home instead of going out to eat every day.

Take advantage of what comes with your apartment.

Technology

Like security, competitive student housing complexes are investing in technology to serve their residents better.

Look to see whether your next apartment has an app that lets you submit work orders for maintenance or paying your bill. The best apartments will complete a service call within 24 hours, and most of them will be done in less than four hours.

These items really add up when it comes to hidden value in student housing. Take a careful look at what your next apartment provides, and see what gives you the best value.