 The Joys and Pains of Sharing a House When going to a university, we can all admit the joys and pains of having roommates for our housing. While you can avoid roommates altogether my renting your own private house or apartment, it can be quite expensive. If you are an international student, the exchange rate alone makes renting a private home in the USA incredibly costly. Some students have no choice but to share some part of their home to save money. Cost Savings of Shared Student Housing The biggest benefit of having roommates, is the ability to have a lower cost of living. Whether you are sharing a single family house, sharing a bedroom (super cheap, but yikes!), or simply renting a private room with shared living room in a student housing apartment complex, you can enjoy considerable savings by being willing to share. For example, the average cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in our city, could be over $1,200 a month. Yet, if you’re willing to rent a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,400 a month, and have a roommate in the other bedroom, you could cut your cost of living down to $700, a savings of over $500 a month. That is a big savings. And renting a $900 a month bedroom in a new luxury student housing community is still less expensive than renting your own private $1,200 a month apartment. Common Roommate Problems Yet, having roommates comes with its problems. For starters, you lose a large amount of privacy. And, if the roommates are new, or not relationally close to you, it can be a long and difficult journey to develop friendships and agree to ground rules. Here are some common issues: Noise Noise, especially late night noise, is a big issue. Whether you have a roommate that likes to party, or plays video games late at night, or simply talks on the phone to friends, sound travels. Sound can go through walls, floors and echo throughout the home. Boyfriends and Girlfriends Some roommates make the bad choice of having their romantic partner come over for time together. And while it may not be even sexual, just the romantic gestures and constant presence and talking can be uncomfortable and awkward for other roommates. A simple activity like a boyfriend and girlfriend cooking together, can take up the whole kitchen and make it difficult for others to use it. No one wants to be in the way of two lovers. Overstayed Guests Other roommates can bring guests and friends over; . . . too often. How often is too often? This becomes a grey area to decide. And how long do they stay over? Perhaps it is a roommate’s friend who comes over nearly every day, and stays until 11:00 watching movies. What if they are using the laundry, taking showers, or cooking food? Guests can become unwelcome very easily. Dirty Dishes That big pile of dirty dishes in the sink, or that messy plate laying on the kitchen counter can become annoying really quick. Dirty dishes are one of the most basic and most common roommate issues. Because everyone has different cleaning habits. And unfortunately, for college students, many students are fresh out on their own, many of whom had their mom do all their dishes. Bathroom Messes Whether it is shampoo bottles in the shower, or hair rollers, hair follicles, and dried up toothpaste stuck to the sink counter, there are many gross bathroom messes we won’t mention any further. If you happen to share a bathroom, you know the difficulties of trying to develop a way to keep it clean. Money Problems Finally, there can frequently be money problems. For example, do you rent a large home together, with one person in charge of paying the rent? Do you share any utilities? How about repairs, decor or common house items like cleaning supplies. Trying to hunt down other roommates shares to expenses can be a big headache, especially if they are financially irresponsible. Bringing Up Roommate Issues One of the most difficult experiences with having roommates is having difficult conversations with them. If problems arise, and they are not dealt with early, it only becomes more awkward to address it. This is where the need for early intervention, and early discussions (within the first week of living) are so essential. But if you have to have a hard conversation, you’ll need to plan. How to Start the Conversation There are a couple of tactics that work with addressing difficult issues with roommates. But they are not a sure fire technique to removing awkwardness, only ensuring that the conversation happens. Here are some tips:
What Happens If It Doesn’t Go Well? Sometimes, conversations with roommates do not go well. People in general are prideful and selfish, even if they don’t think they are. It is hard for them to take criticism. But just remember, your maturity grows when you take on the willingness to properly have difficult conversations. This is called tact. You may need to ask them to work on a plan to fix it. Or a plan to move out. Or, wose yet, you may have to move. There are many factors to consider, but often, problem roommates do find ways of correcting themselves, or self-eliminating (moving out). How to Have Better Roommate Experiences In The Future In the years of helping international student address their roommate issues in apartment complexes they live in, the single biggest piece of advice we can give, is the importance of setting clear agreements from the beginning. A simple “roommate agreement” that lets all roommates agree on certain standards can be a big help. It should address:
About the Author Mike Cutler lives and works in Reno. His family enjoys meeting international students and families and immigrants, along with exploring hiking and outdoors in Lake Tahoe. He is a native to the area, and works in business along with teaching at the University of Nevada, Reno - UNR. LinkedIn
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 Finding the right student apartment in Reno can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the area. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Our guide is here to help, providing you with all the information you need to find the perfect student apartment for your needs. From location and amenities to pricing and lease terms, we've got you covered. Determine Your Budget and Needs.Before you start your search for the perfect student apartment in Reno, it's important to determine your budget and needs. Consider how much you can afford to spend on rent each month, as well as any additional expenses like utilities, parking, and internet. You should also think about the location of the apartment and how close it is to your campus, as well as any amenities you may need like a gym, laundry facilities, or a pool. By setting a budget and identifying your needs, you can narrow down your search and find the best options for you. Determine Your Budget and Needs Reno is not exactly a low-cost city to live in. It is mid-level in housing costs. There are many factors that cause this. Near UNR, most of the available land is built-out and hilly. And the newest student housing facilities target luxury paying students. Most private apartments, where you have your own kitchen and do not have to share, start above $1,000 a month. If your budget is much lower, you will need to be willing to rent a bedroom, and share a kitchen and common living area. And even those, are $800-$1,000 a month for the newest student housing facilities. Anything less, would require you to share a single-family house and rent a room, often through sublet groups. Some students have found creative ways to share rooms, or older houses, to find the lowest housing cost. Research Different Neighborhoods When searching for student apartments in Reno, it's important to research different neighborhoods to find the best fit for you. Consider factors like proximity to campus, safety, and access to amenities like grocery stores and restaurants. Some popular neighborhoods for college students in Reno include Midtown, Downtown, and the University District. Take the time to explore each neighborhood and determine which one aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. The east side of UNR along Valley road is mostly small houses in a mixed low to middle class neighborhood. Occasionally, there are rooms for rent by other students and sublets. The northeast side of UNR contains several large student housing communities including Republic, Saga, and Highlands. The west side of the university campus is incredibly hilly, with a mixture of small houses, dorms, and the latest student housing communities of the Academy, Park Place, Uncommon and more. South of the university is downtown. Canyon Flats is the main student housing facility in this area. Throughout each neighborhood, there can be at times a mixture of tourists, homeless street dwellers, other students, and senior citizens. An odd mix. Once you've narrowed down your preferred neighborhoods, start looking for apartments within those areas. Check out online listings and schedule tours to see the apartments in person. When touring, pay attention to the condition of the apartment and the amenities offered. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the lease terms, maintenance policies, and any additional fees. It's important to find an apartment that meets your needs and fits within your budget. By doing your research and taking the time to explore different neighborhoods, you can find the perfect student apartment in Reno. Consider Amenities and Features of all Reno Student Apartments When searching for student apartments in Reno, it's important to consider the amenities and features that are important to you. Do you want a fitness center or pool on site? Is a fully furnished apartment a must-have? Are you looking for a pet-friendly community? Make a list of your must-haves and prioritize them when searching for apartments. Keep in mind that some amenities may come at an additional cost, so factor that into your budget as well. Many of the newest Reno student apartments are amenity rich. Swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, tanning beds, lounges and more. Yet, residents pay for these through higher rents. Typically, the newest luxury student housing units will end up costing $1,000 or more a month for a bedroom, after all the added fees, utilities and premiums are factored in. Check Reviews and Ratings Before signing a lease for a student apartment in Reno, be sure to check reviews and ratings from current and past residents. This can give you valuable insight into the community and management, as well as any potential issues or concerns. Websites like ApartmentRatings.com and Google Reviews can provide a wealth of information from real residents. Don't just rely on the apartment's website or marketing materials - do your research to ensure you're making an informed decision. Zillow is a good place to start with for full house ratings. How do they handle lease breaks? How do they handle loud parties? Read these reviews carefully. Ask Lots of Questions and Proceed Once you have narrowed down your list of potential student apartments in Reno, it's important to schedule tours and ask questions. This will give you a chance to see the apartment in person, get a feel for the community, and ask any questions you may have about the leasing process, amenities, or policies. Be sure to ask about important factors like rent, utilities, parking, and security. Don't be afraid to take notes and compare your options before making a final decision. If you cannot tour, or are an international student living overseas, your best option is to ask lots of questions over email. Carefully take a look at their website. Do they show their staff team? Do they offer information about social life? How does roommate selection work? When searching for Reno student apartments, it is essential to make sure your questions are answered before you proceed. About the Author Mike Cutler lives and works in Reno. His family enjoys meeting international students and families and immigrants, along with exploring hiking and outdoors in Lake Tahoe. He is a native to the area, and works in business along with teaching at the University of Nevada, Reno - UNR. LinkedIn |
AuthorMike Cutler is a volunteer with the Reno International House and blogger of the local real estate housing development market in Reno. He likes to give advice for newly arriving students and immigrants, and report on the latest construction and housing needs around the University of Nevada, Reno. Archives
March 2024
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