There are plenty of practical tips for managing rent as a college student. If you loathe the idea of living in a dorm and you want independence from mom and dad, getting your own apartment might be the answer. But like so many college students, you might experience frequent cash flow problems, which can make paying rent difficult. If you're determined to live on your own, here are seven tips for managing rent as a college student.
This is one of the best tips for managing rent. And although this may seem like a no-brainer, you might be surprised at the number of people with rent payments beyond their reach. As a general rule, your housing payment should be no more than 30% of your gross income. Therefore, if you earn $1,000 a month, your rent should not exceed $300.
To guarantee you have enough to pay rent each month, keep your rent money in a separate account. For example, after receiving her weekly check, one of my friends takes $150 and deposits this money into a separate savings account. This account is exclusively for rent. No matter what happens during the month, she always has rent money.
If you're trying to manage rent as a college student, you'll need to minimize your expenses. And if you don't cook, it might be tempting to eat out every day. However, eating out three meals a day adds up quickly. You're better off going to the grocery store and buying items to prepare yourself. This keeps your food budget on track, and ensures enough cash to meet monthly obligations.
As a college student living paycheck to paycheck, you might have limited funds for entertainment. This doesn't suggest sitting home bored each weekend, but you’ll need to get creative. Many places offer student discounts, such as movie theaters, museums and other local venues. Keep your student ID in your wallet and flash it to snag a discount.
When shopping for an apartment as a college student, look for apartments that include utilities with the rent. This way, you only have to worry about a few household expenses. Some apartment rents include water, gas and electricity. But you're responsible for your own cable, telephone line and renter’s insurance.
You might be determined to live in a specific apartment complex, but you need to be realistic about your budget. Champagne taste on a beer budget doesn't work. Even if you are approved to live in a more expensive complex, a higher rent payment might take all your extra cash.
Sometimes it's better to live alone, especially if you don't want distractions. But if your rent is too much to handle, getting a roommate can be the difference between living on your own and moving back home. You’ll need to be selective and thoroughly screen candidates. Choose someone with a similar personality and living style.
Getting your own apartment while in college is a huge milestone, but it's much easier to say than do. Be smart and only move out when you're ready, and if you're having trouble paying the rent, get a roommate. What are other tips for managing rent as a college student?