Find an Apartment for Students Without Living on Campus. The Lofts of Columbia Has Tips for Choosing Your Off-Campus Housing 

It is normal for a college student to want their freedom and independence, especially when it comes to their living situation. The next step up from a dormitory on campus is a nearby apartment that caters to students and young professionals in Columbia, MO. However, you might be unfamiliar with off-campus housing options or have some reservations about finding the right apartment. Factors like base rent, utilities, amenities, location, and more will help you when determining the best apartment complex, and at The Lofts of Columbia, all of our buildings meet a wide range of needs. Explore apartments near campus and navigate the leasing process easily by following these steps.

Begin searching for off-campus Columbia apartments early

The sooner you start looking at apartments, the better. In a university town like Columbia, MO, there will be a competitive student population trying to rent a new unit in time for the next year. Apartments located downtown and closest to campus can receive even more applicants, meaning you should start searching months in advance of your preferred move-in date. Most leases for students begin around July or August, and it depends on your lease if you want to stay for the summer. Use this time to compare different apartments in Columbia, MO and clarify information about a complex by asking questions. 

Know your rights as a tenant in Columbia, MO

Most students looking for off-campus housing are first-time renters, and it is essential for them to understand their rights and responsibilities before signing a lease. In addition to learning federal tenant laws, such as the Fair Housing Act or the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you must know local regulations in Columbia. It is always necessary for college students to review the lease agreement thoroughly before signing up for a specific apartment complex. These contracts typically establish details like maintenance, utility expenses, and more to help you prepare for your Columbia, MO rental off campus. 

Compare the costs of rent for Columbia apartments near campus

The main expense to look out for when evaluating apartment complexes is the monthly rent. If the starting rent is too high and risky for you at the moment, it’s time to search for other options. Off-campus apartments may have a set of costs besides rent, such as parking garage fees or utilities like water and electricity. If you are renting with a pet in Columbia, MO, pay attention to one-time or monthly fees for keeping an animal. You will also need to consider living expenses like groceries, furnishing, transportation, and other external factors. Knowing your budget range will simplify your search for the perfect apartment in Columbia.

Decide whether or not you’ll live with roommates in a Columbia, MO apartment

There is one choice that can make all the difference in your leasing journey: roommates. Are you planning to live in a one-bedroom apartment, or will you move into a unit with another person? If you are renting with a roommate, it will also be important to determine how many people will share the apartment. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments are extremely common among students in the Columbia, MO area. Roommates can provide social benefits and help split your apartment costs, whether you are assigned randomly or choose to live with a close friend or partner. Once you’ve made a final decision, you can focus on units that either offer one or multiple bedrooms.

Tour the Columbia, MO apartment complexes you are considering the most

After a student has evaluated their budget and roommate preferences, one of the most vital steps is touring the most promising apartments near campus in Columbia, MO. The property owners can schedule an in-depth tour to give you a preview of college life in their complex, which allows you to walk through the space and see different amenities for yourself. As you tour various apartments, be sure to ask questions and learn more about their unique offers. You can also visualize potential living situations by checking digital tours or renderings from an apartment complex in Columbia.

Make a checklist of the features & amenities you need from an apartment in Columbia, MO

Endless apartments are at your disposal, but few can provide exactly what you’re looking for as a student or young professional. These needs vary from person to person, but they can make or break your off-campus renting experience. While some students may prefer to be within a walkable distance of campus, others might have a vehicle and require a safe, covered parking spot. You might also be wondering about washer and dryer options, or if the units come with a balcony. One of the most essential amenities in any Columbia, MO apartment is the materials used for flooring, walls, countertops, and other major finishes. Create a checklist of your highest priorities and keep track of them as you search for apartments. 

Carefully review security details before signing the lease for your Columbia, MO apartment

While planning to live in an apartment close to campus, you must optimize your safety by checking the safety precautions of various complexes. See if there are apartments with key fob locks, gated access, security cameras, and other elements to make sure your protection comes first as a college student in Columbia, MO. When you discover an apartment complex that balances security with the rest of its amenities, it will put your mind at ease for your upcoming rental.

Balance Your Apartment & School Life With The Lofts of Columbia. Contact Us to Learn More About Our One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom & Three-Bedroom Units

Want an apartment complex that is located near campus but offers freedom to its tenants? Tour and apply to one of our apartments in Columbia, MO. Whether you’re seeking something fresh and spacious, like The Lofts on Cherry Hill, or dreaming of a downtown unit at The Lofts on Broadway, we can match your living preferences and promise an amazing experience while attending the University of Missouri, Stephens College, or Columbia College. If you need an overview of The Lofts of Columbia or would like to check the waitlist on a particular apartment, don’t hesitate to reach out!