When preparing to rent an apartment in Tuscaloosa, there are a few things to consider before signing a lease. Going in with an idea of exactly what you're looking for is the best way to select an apartment that will fit your needs. Searching for somewhere to live can be intimidating, but once you have narrowed down your options, the hard part is over.
Location, Location, Location
There are lots of options to weigh when it comes to choosing the area you want to live in. This one factor will color much of your living experience, so it is important to decide what preferences guide your apartment search. Do you want to have an apartment within walking distance of campus? Some buildings are just a few blocks away from the university's campus. How about proximity to nightlife? Apartments near the Strip can give you unparalleled access to bars, restaurants, and Bryant-Denny Stadium come game day. Prefer a quieter part of town? Housing by the Black Warrior River comes with more distance from the train tracks and a great view of the water. Each part of town has something to bring to the table.
Amenities
Many Tuscaloosa apartments have something beyond a basic living situation to offer. If you have an active lifestyle, consider looking for complexes with fitness centers, basketball courts, or yoga studios. For a dedicated study location, some apartments may have a study area available, with complimentary coffee for a boost. Once those hot southern days come around, living a short walk from a swimming pool is a definite plus as well. If extras like these are important to you, find out which apartments have your ideal combination of amenities.
Roommates
Unless you get along well with strangers, it's a good idea to have roommates lined up well in advance for the coming school year. Knowing who you'll be living with also helps with coordinating who will bring what for the apartment, working around each other's routines, and resolving conflict if problems ever arise. Having a group put together before signing a lease means that each of your future roomies can help with the apartment search as well. Many UA apartments also offer roommate matching, which can help match roommates according to your respective preferences.
Ask Around
There's a good chance that somebody you know has thoughts about apartments in the area or recommendations of their own. One of the best ways to get an idea of what a living situation is like is to hear about it from a resident or even a friend of a resident. Gathering information this way likely means receiving more honest and straightforward opinions of an apartment. You may find things out that an apartment complex may not tell you going in but would change your opinion of the location.
Take a Tour of UA Apartments
Once you have some UA off-campus housingoptions in mind, the only way to truly know if a place is right for you is to check it out for yourself. Most apartments have tours available for potential residents to see the grounds, model rooms, and more. Looking around the complex and registering for a guided tour is a great way to see if you're ready to choose a new home. Schedule a tour right from our listings and get connected with the leasing team!