At Bard Townhouses in Shippensburg, PA, you can find spacious townhomes that fit your style and your budget. Enjoy the privacy of your own bedroom, making meals in a large kitchen, and socializing in the living room. With our abundance of amenities and having all utilities included in the price of your rent, you’ll have all of the comforts of home at a great value.

We offer 2, 3, and 4 bedroom townhomes for rent by the bedroom. Bard Townhouses is a rental townhome community for students at Shippensburg University, in the best location — across the street from campus.

Our community is rich with amenities. For students that enjoy outdoor activities, we have a volleyball court and a basketball court within our parklike community settings. We also have a clubhouse which features a large laundry room with a lounge area. Our business center offers several computers with a printer. Our amenities are designed to offer students entertainment, comfortable living, and aid in their academics.

Visit Bard.rentpmi.com for photos, floor plans, and details about Bard Townhouses in Shippensburg, PA. Bard Townhouses is professionally managed by Property Management, Inc.

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Pennsylvania's Property Management, Inc. recently updated its State College rental office to better reflect our company's commitment to offering premier off-campus living accommodations.

As soon as the students and parents walk through our doors, we want to help them feel comfortable while making significant life decisions, all while signaling the quality they should come to expect from Property Management, Inc. and the peroperties we manage. 
 

What Did We Change At Our State College Office?

After some extended work throughout the last few months, the office has a distinctively updated atmosphere that will hopefully increase workflow, grow marketing, and encourage more relaxation for students while the staff attends to their needs.

Regarding overall ambiance, the walls in the front office now sport a light blue/gray paint combination, and all the doors feature black paint for a clean, sleek look.

We improved all the passé cabinetry, hardware and countertops to help the entire space feel more contemporary compared to the old design. The beverage bar's red countertop has also been transformed as part of the overhaul.

You'll find practical improvements, too, as we got rid of the inconvenient built-in wall with the red countertop and replaced it with a table that's accessible for those with disabilities. Now, it has become an area that is much better-suited for leasing and paperwork.

Speaking of work efficiency, we enacted a change in layout. We've redesigned the floor plan to open it up, which helps maximize usage and reinforce a professional image. The changes to the entire office also made a profound impact on the front area with an increase in natural light and that immediately exposes the office to a higher amount of foot and car traffic.

Updated signage and handmade artwork serve to refine the office's student-friendly atmosphere even further.

Contact PMI's PSU Office Today

Trust PMI for safe and affordable student housing in college towns like Shippensberg and State College. You can experience the office's makeover firsthand with a visit to the location, which sits at 317 E. Beaver St. in State College. Visit us or give us a call at 814-278-7700 to schedule an appointment. 

The post Updates Completed on the State College PMI Office appeared first on GET TO KNOW PMI.

The decision to live on or off-campus can be a heated debate. Living on-campus puts you in the center of the college experience and within walking distance of your classes, but on-campus life isn't for everyone. Students who decide living off-campus in college is right for them will find there are plenty of benefits.

Depending on your school's student housing options, opting for an off-campus apartment can save you money. Plus, it offers you the freedom and privacy dorm living often lacks. So, are you ready to live off-campus? Here are comprehensive tips for students living off-campus in college.

Finding an Apartment

The prospect of living off-campus is exciting. You get to choose the neighborhood you live in and find an apartment that fits your lifestyle. Before renting an apartment in college, you need to consider several crucial factors.

1. Know Your Budget

More than half of colleges — 60 percent — either overestimate or underestimate the cost of living off-campus. That means you will need to do thorough research to create and manage a budget for yourself. Your budget could include things like income from your job, financial support from your parents, and scholarship funds. You should know approximately how much money you will have to spend each month. Here are seven major expenses to factor into your plans for living off-campus.

• Rent: Rent will probably be the biggest item on your monthly budget. How much of your income can you allocate to paying your apartment's rent? It is a good rule of thumb to put no more than 30 percent of your monthly income toward rent. You still have other expenses to pay besides rent. If you find a beautiful apartment that will put a lot of stress on your budget, it is probably a good idea to keep looking for your off-campus home.

• Security deposit and move-in fees: Some apartments will require a security deposit and/or move-in fee. Others may not have either of those requirements, but you need to be prepared to include that amount in your budget. A security deposit could be as much as one entire month's rent. Keep these two potential costs in mind when searching and budgeting for an off-campus apartment.

• Utilities: Your monthly rent may or may not include utilities. When you are considering an apartment, be sure to ask this question, so there are no surprises. Typical utilities include water, gas, electricity, heating and cooling, trash, and Internet service. The monthly cost of utilities will vary based on location, so you will need to do your research to find out how much you can expect to spend. Each utility is a vital part of a functional home. Make sure you factor in those costs.

• Pet fees: Do you have a dog or cat? You will, of course, need to factor pet care into your budget, but you could also incur a pet fee when you move into your apartment. Some apartment buildings do not allow pets, while others have an open-door policy for four-footed critters. In between, you will come across buildings that have pet fees that work much like a security deposit. Some buildings have monthly pet fees you will need to pay in addition to your base rent. Always ask about an apartment building's pet policy. In addition to fees, some buildings may have breed or species restrictions.

• Laundry: When you live in a college dorm, laundry is sometimes included in your overall cost of boarding. When you decide to live off-campus, laundry becomes your responsibility. Many apartment buildings have coin-operated washers and dryers. It usually costs a few dollars to wash and dry a load of laundry. You will need to remember to stock up on quarters. You may find an apartment with an in-unit washer and dryer, which means you can forget about quarters. However, this will contribute to your water bill if you live in an apartment where you pay for that utility.

• Parking: Do you drive a car? Some apartments have paid parking spots that offer a convenient and close spot to leave your car. Be sure to ask about that when you are on the hunt for an apartment. If you don't drive, you might need to pay for public transit to and from campus, depending on how far you live from your classes.

• Food: A meal card is one of the perks of living on-campus. You can swipe that card multiple times a day and grab ready-made meals at almost any time of day. Like laundry, meals become your responsibility when you live on your own. When you are considering apartment options, find out the location of the nearest grocery store. Then, think about how much it will cost to feed yourself three meals each day.
•  

2. Do Your Due Diligence When Selecting an Apartment

Once you have set your budget, you can narrow down your apartment search. But your budget isn't the only factor that matters. Here are few apartment features to evaluate.

• Size: You do not need the biggest apartment when you are a student, but you do want somewhere you will feel comfortable. Additionally, you want to ensure you are not overpaying for an undersized apartment. Go online to check out the average size and price of apartments in the area you are hoping to live. Compare those statistics to the size and rent of any apartment you consider.

• Walkthrough: Before signing any paperwork, you will want to do a walkthrough of the entire apartment and check that everything works. Do the lights turn on and off? Does the toilet flush? How is the water pressure in the shower? Do the locks work? Do the appliances that come with the apartment work? Is there any sign of bugs? Are there enough outlets, and do they work? You don't want to move into an apartment only to find a bunch of things in your new home are in dire need of repair.
• Amenities: Just because you are on a budget does not mean you can't look for apartments with amenities. Does the apartment have air conditioning? Check for that in-unit washer and dryer. Ask the leasing agent if there are any perks that come with renting the apartment. For example, a building might have a gym open to residents.

• Check your commute time: Whether you are driving, walking, or taking public transportation, you need to know how long it will take you to get to class and work. Commuting can eat up a lot of your time and your budget. Try a couple of test runs between the apartment and campus to get a good idea of how much you can expect to spend on the go.

• Lease duration and details: When you have found an apartment you want to snag, take time to read the fine print before you commit. Your apartment's lease will contain all the details about the rent amount, how to pay, the length of the lease, and any restrictions. Twelve months is the typical length of an apartment lease. Are you planning to live there for an entire year, or just the duration of the school year? Know the answer to that question before you sign. If you only want a nine-month lease, talk to your leasing agent and try to negotiate that. Breaking a lease can be costly and damage your chances of finding an apartment next time. 

Packing and Shopping for Off-Campus Life

Now you have tips on how to rent an apartment as a college student. Once you have signed the lease, you can start thinking about your move-in date. Are you paying for movers or a moving truck, or will you be recruiting family and friends and their vehicles? Have a plan in place to get all your belongings from home to the new apartment, which brings us to your packing list. Here are a few college apartment tips that will help you make sure you have everything you need.

1. Bring What You Can From Home

It can be tempting to buy all-new things when you are moving into a new apartment, but remember, you still need to live on a budget. Look at the things you own at home when you are packing. Of course, you will want to pack basic things like clothes, your computer, and toiletries. When it comes to getting items you may not already own, ask your family. For example, do they have kitchenware they don't need anymore?

You will also want to take into consideration the duration of your lease when putting together your packing list. Will you be living in your off-campus apartment for an entire school year or more? Or, will you be making frequent visits home and living there between school years? If you are staying at the apartment for a 12-month lease or longer, you will want to pack the majority of your belongings. If you are living there just for the academic year, you can pack a bit lighter, which will make the move back home easier.

2. Remember You Might Need to Supply Your Own Furniture

On-campus dorms usually come with basic furniture: a bed, a nightstand, a desk, and a dresser. It is possible you will be able to find an apartment that is already furnished, but most apartments come unfurnished. Once again, check what pieces you can take from home to furnish your apartment. Try not to leave furniture until the last minute, so you can avoid living in a bare apartment.

3. Consider the Space You Have

When you are packing your things and buying new items for your apartment, remember the square footage of your new home. Can you fit a new flat-screen TV? Will that king-sized bed fit in the bedroom? Packing for the size of your apartment will help you make sure all your things fit. Plus, you can avoid packing unnecessary items that will end up making your new home feel cramped. If you have a studio apartment, you will have limited space. If you have a larger apartment with roommates, you need to remember you will be sharing common space in the apartment.

Quick tip for anyone living with roommates: Ask them what they are bringing. That will help you avoid having duplicates of things like microwaves and couches. Here is a look at some of the basics you may need for the rooms of an off-campus apartment.

Bedroom

• Bed frame
• Mattress
• Nightstand
• Bedside lamp
• Closet hangers
• Laundry basket
• Wastebasket

Living room

• Couch
• End table
• TV
• DVD player/gaming system
• Floor lamp

Kitchen

• Dishes
• Utensils
• Pots and pans
• Microwave
• Dish detergent

Bathroom

• Toilet paper
• Toiletries
• Shower liner and curtain
• Wastebasket
• Towels

Living in an Off-Campus Apartment

Once you have found out how to get an apartment in college, you will need to figure out how to live in one. Here are some basic guidelines to help you navigate the ins and outs of living in an off-campus apartment. 
 

1. Keep Your Kitchen Stocked

Remember how we talked about food being part of the budget? Well, grocery shopping for yourself can be a tough transition for a lot of college students. When you live at home with your family, you are probably used to finding a fully stocked pantry and fridge, if not having your meals made for you. Start out by buying yourself basic staples, such as salt, pepper, and flour. From there, you can make yourself a weekly grocery list that covers your meals for the week. Try to stick to your list and shopping schedule, so you don't find yourself in the middle of a study session with an empty kitchen. It can be helpful to meal prep, so you have food ready to eat throughout the week. Plus, this trick helps reduce the amount of food you waste.
 

2. Set Roommate Ground Rules

Living with roommates in an off-campus apartment means you are sharing space, expenses, and schedules. This might seem like nothing new to people who grew up sharing everything with siblings, but it can be a bit jarring for some college students. Whether you are friends with your roommates or you are just meeting, you can avoid a lot of squabbles by putting down some basic ground rules.

• Shared space: Roommates share the kitchen, living room, and bathroom of an apartment. That means everyone is responsible for the cleanliness of those rooms. Set basic expectations for how clean those rooms should be and split up chores. If one person ends up picking up after everyone else, roommate tension is inevitable. Likewise, you will need to coordinate use of those shared rooms. What time does everyone need to shower? What time is everyone going to cook their meals? How often can one person use the couch and TV in the living room?

• Shared expenses: Rent and utilities are obviously going to be a shared expense among roommates. Determine who will be in charge of paying those expenses and find a way to ensure everyone is pitching in their fair share. Beyond those two costs, you and your roommates will need to decide what else is a shared expense. Do you each pay for your own food? How about things like toilet paper and toothpaste?

• Guests: This issue can cause a lot of roommate disagreements, especially when quiet time for studying is essential. How often can each roommate have guests over? Is everyone comfortable with overnight guests?

3. Keep Track of Your Bill Due Dates

Living in an off-campus apartment means you have to juggle several separate bills. You need to pay for rent, Internet service, and any other utilities not included in the cost of rent. Forgetting to pay any of those bills can mean a utility gets shut off, and it could also affect your credit score. Avoid that issue by knowing your bill due dates. If you are forgetful, most utilities allow you to set up autopay.

4. Be a Considerate Neighbor

You probably do not want to deal with loud music and rowdy neighbors while you are trying to study or sleep. The same goes for your neighbors. Dorms have RAs to help keep noise in check and mediate disputes between residents. Off-campus apartments do not have that perk. Your neighbors might be fellow college students who don't mind late nights, but they might be people who have to get up for work the next day. Keep an eye on how much noise you are making when you blow off steam after a long week or a big test. If a neighbor asks you to quiet down, respect that request.
 

5. Use Your Freedom Wisely

The freedom that comes with living off-campus is one of the biggest benefits. You do not have to answer to a dorm's restrictions, such as hall meetings or mandatory quiet hours. Just remember, this freedom comes with responsibility. You still need to study for your classes. You need to pay rent and all your bills on time. You need to get along with your roommates. Balance your newfound freedom with the adult responsibilities of maintaining life in an off-campus apartment.

If you have decided to live off-campus while you attend school in Pennsylvania, PMI can help you find an apartment with the right budget, location, and amenities so you can focus on your academic career. Visit our student housing page to see our apartments available for rent in Shippensburg and State College, PA!

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But all good — and terrible — things must come to an end, and the dorm room experience is no exception. You’ve decided it’s time to abandon the tiny double room and public bathrooms of your college dorm and instead rent a place with your friends. Easy, right?

Not so much. No matter how many classes you’ve taken on gender studies, research methods, and abnormal psychology, there never seems to be a class on really useful life skills. No one sits you down and teaches you how to pay your taxes, how to recognize when a car salesman is trying to scam you — or, in this case, how to rent an apartment as a college student.

Renting as a student can be a complicated process with a lot of technical ins and outs no one prepares you for. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to tell you everything you need to know as you begin this process. We’ll try to answer the most pressing questions you might have and teach you the top apartment renting tips and tricks to keep in mind as you begin browsing nearby apartment listings.

Don't Wait to Look for a College Apartment

Here’s the thing about college towns — rentals go fast. Really fast. Even if you go to a small school, think about the sheer number of students who are going to be looking for rentals within a few miles of the school. If you go to a large school, this becomes an even bigger problem.

If you decide to wait until a week or so before school begins, you probably won’t be able to find an apartment. And if you do, it will be one everyone else has already passed on — either because it’s too expensive, it’s in a bad neighborhood, or it has insulation falling out of the holes in the ceiling.

If you’re looking for an apartment to move into in September, start looking right after your school’s graduation the previous spring, when many apartments will open up thanks to the mass exodus of graduating seniors. If you’re looking for an apartment to move into at the beginning of the spring semester, start looking during the fall.

A great way to begin your search is to drive or walk around the nearby neighborhoods, taking note of which areas you prefer. Additionally, you can talk with other students you know who are already renting. If they’re going to be leaving their current apartment, they might just be willing to let you know  or to put in a good word with their property manager. They also might be able to tell you if their property manager has other properties for rent.

You can also check for property listings online. If you are searching for a property lister near Penn State University, you can browse PMI's comfortable rental listings.

Decide on a Budget for Your College Apartment

Getting an apartment as a college student will require you to budget your expenses. Maybe you have already made a budget — if so, good for you! If not, this step is absolutely essential before you begin renting your first apartment. For many students, this is their first experience with budgeting. As intimidating as it might seem, it’s absolutely crucial to your success as a renter and as an adult.

Add up how much you spend on things like gas, food, textbooks, and other necessities, as well as any fixed payments like car insurance, health insurance, or any loans you’ve started to pay off. Designate a chunk of money you can allow yourself to have fun with — to go shopping, out to eat, to the movies, or any other activity. Decide how much you want to save each month.

Once you’ve done all this, look how much money you have left. This amount is how much you can spend on an apartment every month. Keep in mind that this figure doesn’t just include rent. It will also include any utilities that aren’t included in the rent, such as water, electric, trash, or sewer.

Compare your budget to the average prices of apartments in the area, and make adjustments to your budget as necessary. Determine which neighborhoods and which apartment sizes fit into your budget.

Renting a House or Apartment With Friends

You probably want to rent a house or an apartment with friends because it helps save money and allows you to hang out with your favorite people more. While this is a great way to rent while you're in college, there are some things you can do to ensure it's a smooth process. Before renting a house or apartment with your friends, consider the following tips:

Make Sure Everyone Agrees on the Apartment

Before signing a lease, make sure everyone who will be living in the home has a chance to walk through it or atleast take a virtual tour. You can even have everyone decide which room will be theirs to avoid confusion or disagreements on move-in day. Making sure everyone agrees on the house or apartment will help prevent any hard feelings in the future. It's also important to make sure everyone will be able to handle their share of the rent of utilities before deciding on an apartment. Some student housing management companies offer leases by the bedroom for student apartments.

Decide How to Split Costs

Rent and utilities are more manageable when you can split them between two or more people. However, it's important to decide how you and your friends will split costs once you move in together. It's a good idea to make each roommate the primary account holder for at least one bill and have everyone pay their fair share toward the expense to that person. This will ensure that one person is not responsible for all of the bills.

Additionally, if someone wants to take the largest room in the apartment or a room with an attached bathroom, they might be willing to pay a little more on the rent than everyone else in the house. If one friend primarily takes online classes and uses a lot of electricity throughout the day, they might be willing to pay a little more towards the electric bill than everyone else.

You should also talk with your friends about splitting grocery bills. You can keep your grocery bills separate and agree that everyone will take care of their own groceries, or you can purchase groceries together and split one bill. If everyone shares food in the apartment, splitting the bill may be the best option.

Set Rules Everyone Agrees on

Each of your friends may work different schedules, so make sure everyone can respect sleep schedules and keep the noise down when needed. It's also important to set cleaning schedules or expectations so everyone pulls their weight when it comes to maintaining the space.

Make a Checklist for Your College Apartment Visit

Picture this. You’re at an apartment visit, and the property manager shows you the coolest window seat you’ve ever seen in your life. You’re so thrilled by it that you put a deposit on the place right then and there. It’s not until after you move in that you realize the place has no laundry units and hardly any storage space.

It’s important to spend some time thinking about what you want in an apartment. What are absolute essentials that you’re not willing to compromise on? For example, you might need a certain number of bedrooms, or you might want to be within a five-mile radius of your school.

Next, make a list of the things you’d really like but don’t absolutely need. Some examples here might be a dishwasher, an extra half-bathroom, or a ground-floor location.

It doesn’t matter if your list is all in your head or a physical list you bring with you. Once you’re armed with lists like these, you can be more informed about your needs and wants when you go on apartment visits and tours. You can come prepared, knowing which things to look for and which questions to ask. You’ll never be so enthralled by a novelty feature that you forget your basic essentials.

You also might make a checklist of questions you want to ask every potential property manager. Some questions to include on such a list might be, “Are any utilities included in the rent? Are all the appliances in good working order? Who is responsible if the stove breaks or a pipe bursts?”

Visit Multiple College Apartments

You’ll often hear people say you shouldn’t marry the first person you ever date. After all, you don’t know who else is “out there.” How do you know the first person you’re with is the one if you have no one to compare them to?

Whether or not you believe that’s true, this principle is very applicable when it comes to apartment hunting. You might think you absolutely love the first place you visit. But it’s also possible you’re just overwhelmed with happiness at the prospect of having your own bathroom, a bedroom to yourself, and a kitchen that has more than a microwave and a mini-fridge.

You owe it to yourself to check out at least two or three apartments. Give yourself options to compare. Maybe it will turn out your first visit really was perfect. But either way, it’s worth seeing your options.

Don't Limit Yourself to Apartments

While apartments might be the first thing you think of when you think about renting, they aren’t the only option out there. Most towns and cities also have a wide selection of houses available for rent. There are also hybrid options, such as a single house that’s been subdivided into two or more apartments. Depending on your location, there are also options like townhouses or rowhouses.

Let’s look at a few pros and cons of houses vs. apartments.

Off-Campus Apartment Pros

• Fewer roommates are required to pay rent.
• Less responsibility for outdoor and household maintenance — a maintenance worker will usually take care of these things.

Off-Campus Apartment Cons

• You have to share spaces such as a laundry room and lounge.
• There is a higher potential for noise from neighbors.
• There are shared spaces in the building such as hallways and stairwells.

Off-Campus House Pros

• Houses usually have more space.
• You will have more privacy — for example, you won't have neighbors you can hear through walls.
• You will have a private washer and dryer.
• The lproperty manager will be more likely to allow pets.

Off-Campus House Cons

• More roommates are required to pay rent.
• More outdoor and household responsibilities, such as mowing the lawn and shoveling snow.

Pay Attention to the Whole Apartment Complex

Even though you’ll undoubtedly pay the most attention to the individual apartment you’re touring, don’t forget to look at the entire apartment complex as a whole. Whether it’s a multi-story apartment building, a row of houses split into apartments, or some other situation, it’s always worth it to be aware of how well they’re maintained.

Be Wary of Housing Scams

It’s unlikely you’ll encounter something like this, but it’s always best to be prepared. Because most property listings occur online, it’s only too easy for someone to grab photos of a random, nice-looking house and try to pass it off as a real rental they own. If you seem young and inexperienced, you may be a particular target for these types of scams.

Some warning signs of a scam include:

• Prices that seem too good to be true or are inconsistent with the neighborhood and size/quality of the property
• Endless excuses as to why you can’t visit the property
• Requests to receive payment before you’ve seen the property
• Odd grammar mistakes or broken English in the rental listing

Visit Any Potential College Apartments at Night

One of our most important tips when renting an apartment is to visit a rental property at different times of the day. Any apartment can easily pass as cozy in the daylight. The sun is shining, there are plenty of cars driving by, and there might even be kids playing in a nearby park. But no matter how much you like an apartment during the day, drive by it again at night and take a good look at the neighborhood.

If it looks the same at night, that’s great. But many neighborhoods that look good during the day become unsettling at night. As you drive past your potential apartment in the dark, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable walking down this street at night by yourself. If your answer is no, you may need to seriously consider looking for a different apartment.

Be Ready to Make Your Deposit on the Spot

As we’ve mentioned, competition for apartments near colleges is fierce. Imagine this scenario. You visit an apartment and love it but decide to take a day to think about it — to be sure you’re making the right decision. The next day, you call the leasing agent up and announce you’ve decided to take it. There’s just one problem: In the day you took to think about it, someone else snatched it up.

When you go to apartment viewings, you have to be ready to put down a deposit right away. If you love a place and feel confident in it, don’t be afraid to put down the deposit right then and there. Always bring your checkbook to events like these for this very reason.

When you do fill out an application or sign a lease, you may also need to provide copies of certain documents and information.

You may need:

• Your Social Security number
• Any previous renting history
• Personal references
• Proof of income such as bank records or paystubs
• Credit score — If you don’t have acredit score yet, you may need to bring information for a cosigner.

Talk About the Length of Your College Apartment Lease

Technically, a lease can be for any amount of time. Most commonly, though, leases are for one of the following durations:

• One year
• Six months
• Nine months

It’s important to talk with your landlord or apartment leasing office and discuss which option works best for both of you. While this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, many leasing agents and property companies will rent at a lower price if you agree to rent for longer. They don’t want the hassle of putting the place back on the market after only a month or two. That means they’ll often try to make it worth your while to rent for longer. If they don’t make such an offer upfront, you might propose it yourself.

Read Everything Before You Sign It

Yes, the lease might be 10 pages worth of tiny print and technical jargon. It doesn’t matter. You still have to read it. If there’s anything that still seems murky or confusing after you’ve read the lease, ask a parent, a trusted mentor, or perhaps a friend who majors in technical writing. Ask them to walk you through the document, and then thank them profusely afterward.

Thanks to the internet, we live in an age where most of us blindly click the “Yes, I Agree” box without even bothering to read the thousands and thousands of words in the terms of service. You probably do this every day and never think twice about it. However, your lease is different. You need to read through it carefully and know what you’re legally binding yourself to.

What is the penalty for breaking the lease? What does it say about late fees for your rent? What does it say about who is responsible for anything damaged within the apartment? What does it say about starting a business from your home? The list goes on and on.

Check Out PMI’s Rental Properties For Students

There are many factors to consider when renting an apartment in college, but it’s not impossible! If you’re going to school, have a summer internship or are otherwise interested in renting in Central Pennsylvania, we hope you’ll consider our comfortable rental properties in State College. Use our off-campus housing services to find your college house or apartment. If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you at 717-730-4141.

The post Getting an Apartment as a College Student appeared first on GET TO KNOW PMI.

At some point in your undergraduate college career, living off campus will be a no-brainer decision. The benefits of living independently from campus dorm rooms will change your college experience for the better. Whether you’re beginning your sophomore or senior year, the upsides of living in an apartment, house or townhome are tremendous.

While some universities require incoming freshman to live on campus, dorm life is the classic way to kick off your four years. But once freshman year is over, you can and should become an independent student. Here are seven reasons why:

1. Networking

Living off campus is one of the best ways to network with non-student residents. Meeting neighbors who can teach you about the surrounding community is a great way to become more involved.

For example, college towns often have different religious groups, food banks, local shops, markets and other community events. Bonding with people of all ages in the same community is a gratifying feeling.

And of course, familiarizing yourself with student neighbors is great networking, too. As more and more universities switch to suite-style dorms, students are having more difficulty getting to know their hallmates. In an off-campus setting, becoming acquaintances with other students is more common.

2. Cheaper Alternative

As if college tuition isn’t already burning a hole in your pocket, living on campus and paying for a meal plan adds up to an even bigger hole.

According to a 2013 case study, the cost to live on campus since 2008 has risen by $1000. On average, room and board for on-campus living equates to $11,571, while off-campus housing is $9,669. This means students living on campus are paying about $2,238 more per year than those off campus.

Living off campus also allows you to properly budget your money depending on your different needs each month.

3. Year-Round Housing

In most cases, landlords allow you to stay in your house or apartment during holiday breaks and vacations. Many landlords will also give you the option to re-sign your lease before other students have the chance, so you could even go multiple years without moving.

4. Roommate Control

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a bad roommate — one who never washes the dishes, comes home late at night and is too loud to notice the people around them. It’s never a fun time.

With off-campus housing, you have complete roommate control. It’s up to you whether you want three roommates or none. You can pick and choose if you want to live with friends or a common acquaintance. Choosing someone who is compatible and responsible is in your hands.

5. Amenities

Off-campus apartments and houses typically have more amenities than dorm rooms. You’re provided a full refrigerator instead of a mini fridge that can barely hold a gallon of milk. Cabinet space is more abundant, and luxuries like dish washer, washer and dryer might even be included.

Living independently could also allow you to be closer to stores, parks and night life.

6. Freedom

The freedom of living off-campus is one step up from residential dorm living. You’re no longer supervised by the infamous Ras, and people can longer tell you what to do. Not to mention, catering to a roommate is now a thing of the past.

You have the freedom to invite more than three people to your room at once, and there’s no curfew. As your own boss, you can come and go from your apartment as you please.

The freedom you feel living independently also gives you a sense of accomplishment and preparation for the real world. In the likely case you’re still supported by your parents, you’ll slowly pick up more responsibilities by living alone.

7. Alone Time

Having a designated living space all to yourself is essential for some much-needed seclusion. The stress of wondering when your roommate will come home and whether they’ll bring their significant other is no longer a worry.

Living off campus also gives you privacy from disturbances. You’ll be able to sit down for a night of studying or relaxing to watch a movie without dealing with roommates, RAs and any other unneeded distractions.

What Are You Waiting For?

It’s smart to start searching for off-campus housing options early in the school year. Most college students begin signing leases a year in advance to receive the best prices and lock in their roommates. If you wait too long, availability may be limited, and the prices could skyrocket.

Start your search now at Property Management, Inc. to explore your own off-campus housing options.

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Benefits of Off-Campus Housing

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