Off-Campus Housing Blog

young woman holding glove over face with word "bye" stitched on it

Managing Your Summer Expectations

March 20, 2018

Apartment Living, Budgeting, Family, Food, Off Campus Housing

With midterms coming to an end, summer break is just in the distance. In the midst of studying chaos, the only thing on our minds is what we can’t wait to do when we are free for summer break. The thing with this kind of planning is that we tend to get over-excited. In reality,…

What to Do When Your Parents Come

March 19, 2018

Apartment Living, Family, Food, Maintenance Tips, Off Campus Housing

Living on your own for the first time is as exciting for you as it is nerve-racking for your parents. Every parent worries about their child, no matter that child’s age. Your parents are wondering if you are eating enough, excelling in school, associating with good people, and if you are safe and happy. A…

Ways to Make Your Apartment More Efficient

March 15, 2018

Apartment Living, Budgeting, Kitchen, Maintenance Tips, Off Campus Housing

An energy efficient home benefits the environment, as well as your bank account. Ensuring that your apartment is as efficient as possible helps both the planet and your energy bill. Here are some eco-friendly tips to not just go green, but keep your green! Go Green throughout the Home Begin with the lighting in your…

What To Do With Your Old Textbooks

March 14, 2018

Apartment Living, Decorating Tips, Maintenance Tips, Off Campus Housing

You’re going to have a lot of classes over the next four years, and each class usually has more than one required read. After a few years, you’re going to have more textbooks than you can handle. Here are some ideas of what to do with your used books: DONATE THEM: Libraries love donations,…

Do I Want Roommates?

March 13, 2018

Apartment Living, Off Campus Housing, Roommates

Roommates offer companionship and financial support you would otherwise lack flying solo. However, there is a lot to consider before inviting someone to share in your personal space. Here are just a few: Pros: Splitting the costs – Rent and utilities add up quickly. From a practical point of view, it may seem like rooming…

Tips for Finding a Last Minute Apartment

March 12, 2018

Apartment Living, Budgeting, Family, Leasing Information, Off Campus Housing, Roommates

Sometimes things don’t work out. Your roommate is driving you crazy, your landlord raised the rent, or maybe your parents kicked you out of the house. The point is that now you need an apartment, when most, if not all, on-campus apartments are full. So how do you find an apartment at the last minute? …

Why Tweeting About Your Roommates Is A Bad Idea

March 9, 2018

Apartment Living, Off Campus Housing, Roommates

Roommate drama is inevitable. Living in a tight, semi-shareable space with someone who a) smells bad b) talks loud c) never shares in apartment chores, etc., can really get annoying. Nevertheless, it may be best to suppress your urge to vent to everyone your know (and some you don’t) over social media. Consider this: social…

5 Organic Products that are Worth the Splurge

March 8, 2018

Apartment Living, Budgeting, Food, Kitchen, Off Campus Housing

When trying to eat healthy, most of us will have to come to terms with the higher grocery bill. The fact is, healthy food costs more. Organic foods are perhaps the most expensive because the cultivation process takes longer and is more involved. Organic means natural, which means it is made from something living and…

Should You Room with Your Best Friend?

March 7, 2018

Apartment Living, Maintenance Tips, Off Campus Housing, Roommates

Rooming with your bff just seems to make sense. You know each other pretty well and you love hanging out together, so why not live together? It’ll be the perfect arrangement… except maybe not. Living with your best friend may not be the sunshine and rainbows you imagine. There’s a reason for the saying “you…

Spring Break Vacations That Aren’t the Beach

March 6, 2018

Apartment Living, Budgeting, Transportation

Beaches have long been popular spring break destinations. During spring break, beaches everywhere fill with college students and traveling families. However, sun and sand isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for an alternative to the crowded shores, keep reading. The Mountaineer Are you the type that loves to indulge in solitude or warm campfires…

Decorating Like a Disney Princess

March 5, 2018

Apartment Gear, Apartment Living, Decorating Tips

You finally have your own space to decorate however you wish. You can now free your inner Disney princess, and we have a few ideas to hopefully inspire you to do that through home décor! Keep it Neat and Clean Nothing says “Disney Princess” as much as cleaning like a maid! We all know Cinderella…

How Salt Lamps Can Pump up Your Pad

March 2, 2018

Apartment Living

Himalayan pink salt lamps have been trending in the last few years. What’s it all about? Sure they look cool, but they can actually be rather beneficial for your apartment as well. Typically giving off a pink or orange hue, these lamps do not make for a great source of light, despite the name. Rather…