Why Finding Affordable Housing Matters for Online Students
This post will share tips and strategies for finding affordable housing for online students. While it focuses on online students, traditional students can benefit from these ideas.
Affordable housing for online students has become a very popular search. This makes sense, as students need to find ways to lower their education expenses to get the best return on their investment. Online students pay almost the same tuition and fees, sometimes even higher due to tech costs, as their traditional counterparts.
Rental costs are rising faster than wages! Between 2019 and 2023, rents nationwide increased by 30.4%, while wages only went up by 20.2%, according to Zillow and StreetEasy. As an online student who is already paying high tuition costs, rent can be a big problem.
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One of the main advantages of online learning is its flexibility. Yet, many online degree programs would still require you to attend some on-campus intensives, such as labs and exams. As a result, many online students prefer to live near or on campus.
The problem is that online students often go unnoticed. Online learners might not have access to university housing or the same support from their schools. This can make it difficult to find safe and budget-friendly places to live.
Plus, online students often have to juggle work and family stuff, giving them less time to look for housing. That’s why it’s important to check out different strategies and resources to find affordable housing for online students. This way, you can keep your finances in check and focus on your studies without the extra stress.
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- Using Federal Student Loans to Finance Housing in Online Programs
Assessing Your Housing Needs as an Online Student
With less guidance and options from campus housing officers, you’re often left alone in finding low-cost housing near online college. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing housing as an online student:
Budget
When figuring out your rent budget, start by looking at your income. If your parents are helping out, include that too.
A common guideline is spending only about 30% of your gross income on rent. For example, making $4,000 a month would be around $1,200 for rent. Spending over 30% of your income on rent can leave you with less money for bills and savings. Make sure your rent doesn’t make it harder to pay off credit card debt or loans, as it shouldn’t push you further into debt.
If 30% doesn’t work for you, try the 50/30/20 rule.
- 50% for needs
- 30% for wants
- 20% for savings and additional debt payments
Proximity
Is the housing near your college or the college’s administrative centers? Is it near your workplace? Proximity to college or your work offers several benefits:
- You’re always close to the campus. Being far from campus can be a hassle. You can’t just swing by to chat with a professor or join a study session on a whim. Living close to campus means you can easily visit the library for research.
- You spend less money on transportation. Transportation can get pricey. With cabs and gas costs, you might waste a lot just getting around. Living close lets you walk everywhere, and you might even shed a few pounds racing for on-campus classes!
- You enjoy the social life. College is about having fun, too! It’s all about balancing good grades with a social life. When you live near campus, you can easily hang out with friends and enjoy everything college has to offer. If you find that balance, you’ll have an amazing time.
Amenities
When selecting student housing near an online university, also think about which features matter most to you. Do you value having a shared area, a quiet study room, free use of laundry machines, or a fitness center?
The most important thing as an online student is to ensure that the place has a strong Internet connection. Your classes will be 80-90% online, which requires access to the Internet. You should also opt for a location that includes recreational spaces for unwinding after exams.
Safety
Safety is essential and should be your top priority. Check if the housing has security features like locked entrances, cameras, and well-lit paths. Also, look into the neighborhood’s reputation to ensure it’s a safe spot.
Researching Housing Options Near Your Online College
Of course, you can also take the time to drive through the neighborhood and check rental units. However, it will take much more time, effort, and expense. You’ll need to pay for gas, walk for miles, ask random people, and potentially deal with scheduling issues. Coordinating visits with landlords or property managers can be a hassle, and you might miss out on good options while you’re searching.
The best way to research budget-friendly living options for students is to join college forums, social media groups, and housing apps. Here are some of the top resources and websites you can use for looking for affordable rental units:
Student.com
Student.com teams up with verified landlords. You can find shared apartments and private studios on this website, showing several cheap student apartments near online colleges. Their filtering system is super handy—search by price, location, and even proximity to your school.
SpareRoom
SpareRoom allows you to create profiles, list your rooms, and explore potential roommates’ profiles too. The “flatshare” feature lets students post listings, making it easy to find that perfect roommate.
Zillow Rentals
As a student, you can find shared housing or your own space with easy filters for price, location, and more. Their extensive listings include everything from apartments to single-family homes, complete with high-quality photos and neighborhood info.
Trulia Rentals
Since 2014, Trulia has been Zillow’s sidekick. It offers guides for renters and buyers alike, collaborates with crime-mapping tools, and has recently added features to help LGBTQ+ people navigate housing laws.
Apartments.com
A go-to for many renters, Apartments.com has millions of listings, tons of filters, and a good reputation. You can even draw borders on the map to nail down your search area.
Apartment Guide
ApartmentGuide.com aims to remove the uncertainty of apartment hunting with an abundance of vivid images and 3D tours of potential homes. Coupled with its wide array of detailed search filters, it’s easy to see why Apartment Guide is among the top choices for rental sites.
Facebook Groups
Use Facebook Groups to search for groups specific to your desired area, like “Los Angeles LA – Housing, Rentals, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets.” You can chat directly with those subletting or seeking roommates.
College/University Forums
You can also join institutional forums and ask for tips and advice on how to find affordable housing for students. There’s no better way to learn about the neighborhood than by talking to people who have lived there.
Tips for Securing Low-Cost Housing for Students
Here are a few online college housing tips to reduce overall expenses:
Negotiate rental terms.
When it comes to rent, don’t be afraid to negotiate a bit! Prices might look set in stone, but there are usually ways to score discounts or extras. Here’s how to go about it:
- Do Your Homework: Check out similar places to know the going rates. It’ll help you negotiate better.
- Show Off Your Qualities: Let landlords know you’re a great tenant by mentioning your good grades, steady income, or solid rental history.
- Think Long-Term: If you’re open to a longer lease, offer that in exchange for lower rent or waived fees. Landlords love stable tenants.
- Spot Issues: If you notice any flaws or repairs needed, use that as leverage to negotiate a lower rent or get those fixes done first.
Find a suitable roommate.
Living with roommates can really cut down on costs and make college more fun! Just make sure to choose people who vibe with your lifestyle. Setting some ground rules can help avoid any drama later on. A roommate agreement that outlines who does what—like paying rent and chores—can keep things smooth.
Shared accommodations are a hot trend among students. You get your own bedroom but share common areas like kitchens and living rooms, which builds a sense of community and often comes with better rent deals.
Understanding Lease Agreements and Rental Terms
Leases can feel super daunting with all that legal jargon. But getting a grip on yours is key to dodging unexpected costs or obligations. The most important things to understand in a lease agreement are:
- Rent Amount and Due Date: Know exactly how much you need to pay and when it’s due each month to avoid late fees. The best places to live near online colleges are those transparent about their fees.
- Terminating and Renewing: Understand the lease length and the process for renewing or ending it early, including any penalties.
- Guests: Check the rules about having friends or family over—some leases have restrictions on long-term guests.
- Subletting: If you plan to leave for a while, see if you’re allowed to sublet your place and what the conditions are.
- Maintenance Responsibilities: Know what repairs you’re responsible for versus what the landlord will handle.
- Pets: If you have a pet (or want one), make sure to read the pet policy—some leases have strict no-pet rules or require an extra deposit.
- Renters Insurance: Some landlords require renters insurance, which can protect your belongings and cover liability in case of accidents.
Student Housing Assistance Programs and Financial Aid Options
Some colleges can significantly help you in finding low-cost housing for students by connecting you with local resources. Most universities have housing offices that can help you find affordable living places. They often have listings for off-campus options and work with landlords who specifically rent to students.
One great example of a financial aid program that covers housing expenses is the Community Housing Program. These are affordable housing for students, funded by the government to keep rent low. Costs are based on a percentage of your income, making it more manageable.
Start by asking your college and local government about available housing programs. They’ll give you info on eligibility and applications. Also, check for any scholarships or grants your school offers for housing. Reaching out can really help lighten your financial load!
Alternatives to Traditional Student Housing
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional student housing, consider these options:
Co-Living Spaces
In this setup, you’ll enjoy private bedrooms complemented by shared common areas like kitchens and living rooms, fostering a true sense of community. However, co-living can limit privacy due to shared communal spaces. It can also lead to tension over cleanliness, noise, and shared responsibilities as differing habits and lifestyles clash.
Homestays
Living with a local family through a homestay can offer a unique cultural experience and a sense of belonging. Typically, you’ll get a private room and meals included, making it a cost-effective option for students.
The downside is that you may struggle to assert your preferences and feel uncomfortable with host parents managing laundry or meals. However, those who appreciate support may find this arrangement ideal. Just remember to discuss expectations before committing.
Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo offer flexible, furnished accommodations for varying lengths of stay, perfect for students attending workshops or short courses. While convenient and often cozy, costs can add up, so compare options and check for extra fees.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Budget and Lifestyle
Finding suitable student accommodation can be daunting, but it’s achievable with the right strategies. By budgeting wisely, exploring different options, and implementing strategies for securing student apartments, you can find a comfortable and affordable living space that enriches your college experience.