4 Apartment Tips for Recent Grads

By Ian Acosta on December 27, 2016

Time to find a place of your own! As a recent graduate, you may choose to live at home for a while to save some extra money. For those who do not have the opportunity to do this though, or who just choose not to, finding the best apartment is key.

In order to have the best first apartment experience upon graduation, follow these tips for recent grads.

1. Negotiate rent.

You just graduated: you likely still need a place with cheaper rent and utility costs. Though you may have scored your first full-time job, it will take a while for you to start building your bank account. The first step in choosing your after graduation apartment is negotiating rent. Negotiating rent does not always work, but it does not hurt to give it a try.

Get price quotes during your apartment search to compare between the places you are interested in. The landlord may or may not negotiate the rent price depending on the number of bedrooms and types of amenities, but you can try negotiating for price cuts in other areas, such as for free parking.

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Remember that supply and demand is key: if certain locations have trouble finding tenants, they may lower prices to attract more residents. Keep an eye out for places advertising offers of discounts on rent. Ask friends and family to keep you informed of any places they may pass while out and about or that they hear of from their connections.

2. Utilize utilities efficiently.

As a recent graduate, you may spend more time in your apartment, meaning you will be using more power, water, heat and AC. Utilities can easily get out of control, causing a huge bill at the end of the month.

Keep a monthly tally of utility usage to maximize usage while keeping track of cost. Cut out cable if not needed and explore as many different vendors as possible. Try and bargain to get the best rate for electricity, water, internet, and gas between providers. Saving money is the name of the game, especially as a recent graduate as you start your adventure in the “real world.”

3. Maximize your space.

You may have to live in a small apartment for the time being, meaning you may not have as much space as desired right off the bat. Create a blueprint or floor plan for each room in your place to allow for the best use of your space. For example, if you organize your kitchen strategically, you can organize all of your food, pots, and other utensils to make the space seem bigger. You can rearrange your furniture or other household items for the sake of convenience and to create different moods in your space. Think about creating a different plan for each of your rooms to stay organized and to make your small space seem larger.

4. Decorate to suit your new “adult” lifestyle.

You’re an adult now: it’s time to live like one. When you first move into an apartment, the space is pretty plain. The key here is to make the space your own while reflecting your new adult lifestyle. Bring some decorations and colors from home that create a welcoming space. Add in some posters, lights, photos and books to make the space feel more inviting. Hang photos of friends and family in each room. Start saving up for adult furniture and accessories. Switch out your paper plates and card table for real dishes and a dining room set.

Follow these tips to start living like you mean it as a recent college graduate.

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