When you are looking for an apartment, most people go straight to websites such as Zillow, Bostonpads, and realty sites that list what is available to rent. The battle for the best apartment at the cheapest price with the most amenities is undoubtedly intense, and for most students, it is their first time trying to find an apartment on their own. Here is what you need to look for beyond what you are being told upfront.
For Northeastern University students, there are important apartment qualities that these websites do not include, but you should still factor them in when looking to rent. For example, the distance from campus or to your workplace is a huge factor. Walking 30 minutes to class in temperatures below 10 degrees combined with Boston’s notorious wind tunnels makes that house on Mission Hill a whole lot less desirable. There is always public transportation which can be quite accessible, but those prices do add up over time.
Other than distance to school, access to a grocery store is also important. If you live on Columbus Ave. or beyond, you have definitely suffered the walk to get fresh groceries. Giovanni’s Market has a supply of canned and frozen goods, but those can only sustain you for so long. A Trader Joe’s run will take you about 30 minutes to walk there, but it might be worth it for the frozen soup dumplings and cauliflower gnocchi. Convenience stores on Columbus and Tremont are smaller and more expensive, but that is the price you pay in an area highly occupied by students.
Inside the apartment, there are a few things to consider that will affect your general standard of living. Without an ample amount of natural light or overhead light, you might as well be living in a dungeon since the sun sets at approximately 4 p.m. during Boston’s winter. Natural light helps prevent this but leads to pricier electric bills, although even this can be hard to find in an apartment. Look out for sufficient storage space, as paying for a storage unit on top of an apartment is not ideal.
The first time living off campus comes with no supervision. There are no adults telling you who can visit your “grown up” apartment and telling you to go to bed when you have an 8 a.m. class the next day. Living in a building with mostly students will allow you to come and go without having to worry about noise complaints from families and residents with very different lifestyles. Being with other students can also allow for a sense of safety in the area because of the community it provides. Always pay attention when you are touring apartments, especially when trying to sign a lease as fast as possible. This process can be stressful, so remember to keep these tips in mind when you go apartment hunting. Good Luck!