Posts Tagged ‘living off-campus’

Off-Campus and Out-of-Touch

Monday, November 4th, 2024

To be honest, I’m tired of always being in a transition phase. I’ve been moving from place-to-place, never fully settling down, since starting college. I think it’s something I’ll miss in the future when I feel stagnant, but these last few years I’ve been between school and home and back to school again. It’s gotten pretty exhausting. It’s a different room every year, with different roommates, working a different job depending on where I am. It often feels like as soon as I get a sense of routine, something has to throw it out-of-wack. This year is no different— yet again, I find myself in a different place, trying to figure it all out. 

I just recently moved into an apartment, and I’ve been commuting to school for the first time. I’d never firsthand dealt with the technicalities behind apartment renting, so that was a huge learning curve itself, as was figuring out the wifi (and whatever the heck a modem is), gas, electricity, etc. 

 It’s been a huge adjustment commuting to school, since I have to account for different train times and slow areas on the tracks. Even weeks into the semester, I wind up cutting it a bit closer than I intend to when on my way to class. I’m used to being so close to campus I’m practically able to get to class from my bed in minutes. It’s taking time management skills, which I’m still building up. 

I feel like I’m really learning what it means to be “on my own.” Everything is changing, and I’m about to face the most daunting transition phase of my whole life next Spring—graduating college. 

Local cat tests out the climb-ability of our new apartment

But for right now, I’m trying to enjoy it. If I think too much about what happens afterward, I won’t be able to stand it. “Where will I live?” “Who will I live with?” “Where will I be working?” They’re all questions on the forefront of my mind, and other peoples’ too—just this last weekend I went home for my birthday and got asked all sorts of questions about my plans post-graduation. But I’ve come to realize I can take things a bit more slowly, going step-by-step. I can enjoy my last year of college and spend time with the people I love, while keeping my future in the back of my mind.

There’s this book my coworker recommended to me called ‘The Art of Now” by Eckhard Tolle. In the book he talks a lot about living in the moment and “letting the universe work for you.” I’ve never given “the universe” much thought, but there’s a lot of really uplifting sentiments that I got from reading the book—and I’m not usually a huge nonfiction fan. It inspired me to make an active effort to stay in the moment, and to stay centered in the present even while applying for internships and jobs in the future. Making sure I see the people I care about, I let my creativity out, and I spend my time mentally relaxing and doing things I enjoy— all while maintaining my grades and doing all my work on-time. It’s definitely no easy feat, but most worthwhile things aren’t easy. I’m trying, at the very least.

Living off-campus definitely makes things feel a bit more distant. Everything and everyone used to feel so close. I’ve noticed it’s taking more effort to stay in touch with friends; it feels like everything’s  a bit out of my reach. Still, part of “staying in the moment” to me is staying in contact with people who help me enjoy the moment, like my friends, my girlfriend—the relationships that matter to me. 

Things seem to be going by so fast and I’m trying not to forget to enjoy it—even if there’s a lot of new, stressful aspects of my life, and even if I’m not completely sure where I’ll be this time next year. All I can do is be the best “me” now, so I can be the best “me” a year from now, for myself and everyone around me. 

Get 10% off at Cambridge Naturals with this coupon and a student ID!

By: Meg Carey

Meg Carey is studying creative writing and publishing at Emerson College in Boston. They love reading and writing sci-fi, horror, and romance (bonus points if it’s all three), as well as poetry. You can find them on instagram @megcareywrites, and substack @megcarey.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Posted in Family, Friendship, Housing spaces, onCollege, onLife, onLove, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Conclusion

Saturday, September 3rd, 2016

Image Credit: http://1000awesomethings.com/2011/12/05/99-getting-the-keys-to-your-first-apartment/

Image Credit: http://1000awesomethings.com/2011/12/05/99-getting-the-keys-to-your-first-apartment/

At the end of the day, just remember that despite the stress, heartache, and bumps in the road that you will likely encounter, things are going to work out. You’re not the first person to search for an apartment, even though it may feel that way. I won’t lie to you, finding the apartment of your dreams may not be the most realistic thing right now, though it is a nice goal to have. At this point, your apartment hunting should be viewed as a learning experience that will help you long after you move out. And by going into the search with some information, you’ll feel better about the experience.

 Good luck, and happy hunting!

By Alex Agahigian

Alex Agahigian was one of the Campus Clipper’s publishing interns, who wrote an e-book on how to find an apartment in NYC. This was the last chapter of her e-book. Follow our blog for more chapters from various students’ e-books. We have the most talented interns ever! For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Emergencies

Saturday, August 27th, 2016

Image Credit: http://www.lockaroundtheclock.com.au/locked-out/

Image Credit: http://www.lockaroundtheclock.com.au/locked-out/

Once you’ve moved in, you need to be aware that you no longer have an R.A. on your floor. You probably won’t have a doorman either. And there probably isn’t a mailroom or package center, so you’ll be the person signing for incoming packages. In certain situations, there are fool-proof ways to ensure you never have a problem. Don’t lose keys or get locked out by giving someone who doesn’t live in your building an extra set. That way, in an emergency you can reach them and don’t have to pay for a locksmith.

While dorms have R.A.s you can speak to when there are building issues or problems with your neighbors, the reality of apartment living is that you are essentially on your own. If there is a problem, you will have to speak with the people you’re living with. Sometimes, to avoid this issue, you can leave a note in your hallway. But the best thing to do is probably knock on the offender’s door. You’re not going to get peace and quiet 24/7, but if it’s been multiple weekdays of 3am parties, it doesn’t hurt to remind your neighbors that you are a student, and you would greatly appreciate their understanding that while you don’t mind parties, you do need some sleep. If you don’t get the response you want, talk to your landlord or other neighbors, and see if there is anything that can be done.

 If something in your apartment breaks, such as your toilet or stove, call your super. It’s his responsibility to take care of repairs, as long as the appliances broke down for reasons not directly related to you. Always remember that you’re renting the space, so, when you leave, everything needs to be in the same condition you found it in. There will be minor wear and tear, but there shouldn’t be a myriad of issues when you leave, or you’ll risk losing your security deposit.

By Alex Agahigian

Alex Agahigian was one of the Campus Clipper’s talented publishing interns, who wrote an e-book on how to find an apartment in NYC. Follow our blog to read more chapters from Alex’s e-book and use her advice to make your own apartment-hunting more fun and easy. For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful ebooks, we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Stay tuned for more tips from Alex on apartment hunting, check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Landlord / Lease

Monday, August 22nd, 2016

Image Credit: http://blog.easyroommate.com/responsibilities-landlord/

Image Credit:
http://blog.easyroommate.com/responsibilities-landlord/

While you shouldn’t be suspicious of everyone in New York, you need to be on your guard around your landlord. One of the most common issues with landlords is that they find reasons to not give you your security deposit back. In order to ensure this doesn’t happen to you, and no long legal battle ensues, demand a walk-thru and a walk-out when you move into the apartment and exit. If your landlord doesn’t want to do this, request the super does it with you instead. Take plenty of pictures of the floors, the appliances, and the walls as you’re moving in. If there are any major problems with the apartment, bring them to the attention of your super and landlord as soon as possible. You may think some scratches on the floor or a dent in a door isn’t a big deal, but your landlord may attempt to hold onto part of your security deposit, claiming there was damage done. If you take extra steps in the beginning, you won’t have to deal with a larger problem later.

You should keep both your super’s phone number and your landlord’s number saved in your phone, especially if your super doesn’t live in the building. Additionally you should familiarize yourself with a list of tenant rights and responsibilities, which can easily be found online.

By Alex Agahigian

Alex Agahigian was one of the Campus Clipper’s talented publishing interns, who wrote an e-book on how to find an apartment in NYC. Follow our blog to read more chapters from Alex’s e-book and use her advice to make your own apartment-hunting more fun and easy. For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful ebooks, we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Stay tuned for more tips from Alex on apartment hunting, check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Search

Monday, August 15th, 2016

Image Credit: http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/apartment-hunting-questions

Image Credit: http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/apartment-hunting-questions

I know it seems like we’ve been building up to this for a while, but the final thing you should do before you go out and search is to make a list of things you do and don’t want in an apartment. While this may sound silly, it’s easy to get overwhelmed after looking at multiple apartments, and forget what is important and what isn’t. Once you have your list, come prepared. Bring a camera, pens, notebooks, and if you can, someone besides the person you’re living with. A parent or some other mentor is always helpful because two heads are better than one. They may be able to point out something you haven’t considered. Don’t forget to ask about building amenities, such as laundry. Check the water pressure of sinks and the shower. Consider how many flights of stairs you’re willing to walk up. Take your time when you’re in the apartment, and feel things out.

While Craigslist.org has gotten a bad rap, it’s a great resource for finding apartments straight from the previous renter. But if you’re wary, there are other great resources. Your college/university usually has resources for students. There’re websites like nofeerentals.com you can use. You can also go with a broker, but, unfortunately, there are fees involved—sometimes as high as 15-20% of a year’s rent. It’s better to cut out the middle-man and find an apartment through other resources.

You should start looking 6 weeks to a month in advance. Anything prior will be tricky, as most rental apartments are trying to be turned over quickly. Schedule looking at many apartments during the course of a day, and then narrow down your choices after a few of these excursions. It’s common for the person you want to rent from to pressure you, letting you know the apartment will go off the market soon. And though the turnover rate is fast, it’s better to make sure you really like the place than feeling panicked and rushing into a decision.

By Alex Agahigian

Alex Agahigian was one of the Campus Clipper’s talented publishing interns, who wrote an e-book on how to find an apartment in NYC. Follow our blog to read more chapters from Alex’s e-book and use her advice to make your own apartment-hunting more fun and easy. For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful ebooks, we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Stay tuned for more tips from Alex on apartment hunting, check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Expenses

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Image Credit: http://www.appsgalery.com/apps-by-rosi-reddy-8695

Image Credit:
http://www.appsgalery.com/apps-by-rosi-reddy-8695

If you’ve been living in a dorm or your parents’ house up until this point, you’re going to experience a new form of expenses: utility bills. It is very rare in New York City to have an apartment with utilities included (though hot water and heat must be provided by your landlord). The rates for electric bills alone are staggering, and if you engage in the behaviors you likely did pre-electric bill paying, you’re going to find yourself dealing with almost triple digit sums at the end of the month. In addition, there are no dining halls in apartments, so you’re going to have to have a food budget. And since you’ll probably be cooking, you’ll also be paying a fee for the gas that powers your stove and oven.

With this in mind, it may be helpful to make a list of all the estimated expenses, so you have a better understanding of what financial life will be like once you’re in your own apartment. And if things seem a little too extravagant, brainstorm with your parents and roommate on how to keep costs down. Remember to unplug your laptops, chargers, etc. in order to keep your electric bills reasonable. And if you know you won’t be using your stove at all, call Con Edison and tell them to turn off your gas, otherwise you’ll still be paying $10-20 a month for a service you’re not even using.

You’ll also have to decide whether to get Internet and/or cable television. Some people find cable a luxury that’s not realistic or affordable. So opting for a cell phone and Internet in lieu of a landline and cable can be a good option. Also, to help avoid food budget problems, consider going to farmer’s markets instead of the grocery store. The Union Square Greenmarket has in-season produce, which keeps costs down, and the prices are sometimes negotiable. And when going to the grocery store, bring coupons and stick to a list to avoid impulse shopping and overspending. Make delivery a treat when you’re in the middle of finals week and need a break without wasting time. And if you save going out to eat for special occasions, you’ll enjoy saving money and the occasional indulgence.

By Alex Agahigian

Speaking of saving on going out, here are some great student savings from Stuyvesant Organic with this Campus Clipper coupon:

StuyvesantOrganic

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful ebooks, we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Stay tuned for more tips from Alex on apartment hunting, check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Neighborhoods

Monday, August 1st, 2016

Image credit: https://media.timeout.com/images/102906033/225/169/image.jpg

Image credit:
https://media.timeout.com/images/ 102906033/225/169/image.jpg

When looking for an apartment, another important aspect to remember is the neighborhood you’re going to live in. This will not only help narrow down your search by limiting where you’ll be looking, but it will also give you a better idea of what you’re looking for in off-campus housing. At the top of your list of considerations should be how far your neighborhood is from your school, what kinds of public transportation is available, what amenities are in the area, and the safety of the neighborhood. You should ask yourself, will you feel comfortable walking alone in your neighborhood after dark? Will you be able to find food and household supplies easily? How far away is the bus/subway and does it run regularly?

While you may think you’re saving money by opting to live in a neighborhood that’s a little far from your school but with lower rent, remember that a monthly metro card in New York City is currently over $100. And you don’t want to live in a place that’s so far from your classes that it’s a struggle to be on-time. Narrow down your choices before you start hunting, as this will make things easier when you’re ready to look at apartments.

I would love nothing more than to list every neighborhood in the five boroughs and give you a detailed list of statistics about them all, but the truth is neighborhoods are always changing. If you try to stay completely current based on literature your head will spin. The best thing to do is talk to your friends who live in different neighborhoods and get their opinion. And be sure to visit neighborhoods yourself. Statistics offer some information, but the best information you can get will come from hands-on experience.

By Alex Agahigian

Alex Agahigian was one of the Campus Clipper’s talented publishing interns, who wrote an e-book on how to find an apartment in NYC. Follow our blog to read more chapters from Alex’s e-book and use her advice to make your own apartment-hunting more fun and easy. For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful ebooks, we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Stay tuned for more tips from Alex on apartment hunting, check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Roommate (s)

Monday, July 25th, 2016

Image Credit: https://www.unh.edu/housing/living-roommate

Image Credit: https://www.unh.edu/housing/living-roommate

Deciding whether to have a roommate or to live alone should be settled on before you even begin hunting for an apartment. A very common mistake students make is thinking that moving in with a friend is a great plan that doesn’t require serious talk or consideration. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. No matter who the candidate is, you need to sit down with your potential roommate and go over several things before making a final decision. Some important things to talk about are: the logistics of who will be paying, the neighborhoods you’re willing to live in, and your expectations about cleanliness and guests. While every little detail doesn’t have to be figured out between you and your potential roommate, you need to be clear and honest in your expectations. Once your name is on a lease, your credit is on the line. So if you aren’t firm about not wanting parties at the apartment, or ensuring your roommate has a viable job that can pay rent, you may lose your security deposit, or worse. Initial discomfort when talking about tough subjects will pave the way for an easier time farther down the road.

If living with a friend isn’t an option, then there are plenty of resources to find a roommate online. Facebook and Craigslist are two great sites. And you can also print out ads and post them around your school. Some schools even have resources that help you find roommates as part of their off-campus housing department. Just ask around and don’t worry that you’ll end up settling for a roommate who’s not a good fit. At any given time, tons of students are looking for roommates, so you’ll find your perfect match. Just give yourself time. Generally a month or two is enough notice.

Additionally, if parents are going to be involved in paying for the apartment, it might make sense for you to meet them as well. It will give you peace of mind, knowing how much financial support your roommate is getting. And if your roommate is going to be paying rent himself or herself, don’t hesitate to ask questions about her work and income. While these aren’t the easiest things to go over with a stranger or friend, minor discomfort now will prevent any miscommunications or issues when you’ve moved in and signed a yearlong lease.

By Alex Agahigian

Alex Agahigian was one of the Campus Clipper’s talented publishing interns, who wrote an e-book on how to find an apartment in NYC. Follow our blog to read more chapters from Alex’s e-book and use her advice to make your own apartment-hunting more fun and easy. For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful ebooks, we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Stay tuned for more tips from Alex on apartment hunting, check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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How to Find an Apartment in NYC: A Guide for Students – Introduction

Monday, July 18th, 2016

Image Credit: http://www.conway-homes.com/4-most-common-mistakes-when-apartment-hunting/

Image Credit: http://www.conway-homes.com/4-most-common-mistakes-when-apartment-hunting/

When one thinks of traditional college life, the universal image conjured by most people includes a bunch of students hanging out in a dorm. But dorms are expensive, and not every university can guarantee housing for all four years. Not to mention that dorms can be a breeding ground for a party atmosphere that makes studying difficult. Whatever the motivation is, many students are finding themselves opting to live in apartments and other forms of housing that aren’t affiliated with their university. Off-campus housing is now becoming a college norm.

I only spent one year living in campus housing, and my decision to rent an apartment in the city instead of staying in campus housing is one I’ve never regretted. But if I could go back and change one thing, it would be my inexperience. I went into this situation as a complete greenhorn, and through trial and error I was able to learn a lot. While no amount of advice can completely eliminate the stress of apartment hunting, I want to offer as much advice and help as I can.

So if the decision to live off-campus seems right for you, the first people you have to talk to are your parents. It’s important to know how involved they are going to be in this process. At the very least, encourage them to show their support by helping you look for an apartment. Make sure you have a clear understanding of why you want to leave the dorms, and find the best way to communicate this to your parents. Once you have an agreement worked out, it’s time to begin the process of finding an apartment in New York City.

By Alex Agahigian

Alex Agahigian was one of the Campus Clipper’s talented publishing interns, who wrote an e-book on how to find an apartment in NYC. Follow our blog to read more chapters from Alex’s e-book and use her advice to make your own apartment-hunting more fun and easy. For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourage them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful ebooks, we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Stay tuned for more tips from Alex on apartment hunting, check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during last year’s Welcome Week.

Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

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