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Moving into an apartment after your freshman year can be a big transition. Between choosing a place that suits your budget, to choosing the right roommate, to deciding on the perfect location, there are a lot of factors to consider. Most students moving into off-campus housing in Tuscaloosa are first-time renters, and this means that there are a lot of things to learn very quickly in order to be successful. We have put together a few tips in order to help you optimize your first few months as a new renter in Tuscaloosa.
Read the Full Lease Agreement
After you have made the decision on where to spend your sophomore year, there can be a lot of paperwork to fill out and hoops to jump through. It may seem tedious, but one of the best pieces of advice we can offer is to read through all of the paperwork you are asked to fill out when you sign a new lease. In that paperwork, there is valuable information on moving in and out, items that are prohibited in specific living areas, and other expectations set by the landlord. You will find dates and times for moving in and out, the appliances and amenities that are included in your rent payment, and which utilities are included versus which ones you will have to set up yourself. Similarly, you will find information about pet friendly apartments, guests, acceptable noise levels, office and amenity hours, and other information about the overall building. All of this is important information to be aware of before signing your lease, as it has the power to sway your decision for living in that apartment.
Set a Reminder to Pay Your Bills
Remembering to pay bills is another important aspect of the life of a new renter. Moving into a UA apartment after freshman year means that students no longer have their ‘rent’ included in tuition bills each semester. Rent is usually monthly, and neglecting to pay can result in deduction of credit scores and eventual lease termination should the problem persist. As a new renter, paying bills can be a difficult habit to get into, as it is new and many students have not had to do so previously. Set a reminder on your phone or other device, whether on your calendar or another app that you check frequently, in order to ensure that you pay your bills on time.
Know Who to Call When Something Breaks
There are always unexpected issues that may arise during your time living in a new apartment. Problems occur every now and then, such as when a pipe bursts, the air conditioning stops working, or you do something as simple as forgetting your key. You apartment will have a list of who you can reach out to when these types of things happen, either on the website or in lease agreement or other paperwork that you will be given when you move in. Keep track of that contact information for when the day inevitably comes that you need a hand.
Learn Emergency Procedures
Finally, it is important to be aware of emergency procedures for your apartment. In case of a fire, know the best and quickest exit route. Similarly, inclement weather occurs frequently in Tuscaloosa. Some apartment buildings double as storm shelters, but other do not. Be aware of the closest building near you that can provided safety during inclement weather, and be ready to get there quickly if necessary. Knowing these procedures and others like it are important for your safety, so ensure that you are aware of the protocols.
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