 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   Newly arriving families and students to Reno and UNR always ask: What is there to do in Reno on hot days? While summer evenings here in the high desert can be cool and comfortable, and the season itself is fairly short, daytime high temperatures in Reno can be hot. The brutal direct sun, as well as the dry air, can all lead to dehydration and sunburns, and can be especially difficult if you have children who want to get out of the house. Here are 10 places to go and things to do in Reno with your family during hot summer days: 1. Float down the Truckee river This is likely the most popular activity for families, singles and couples during the summer in Reno. The Truckee River is a beautiful life-giving waterway within the Reno-Sparks area. It flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Within the city of Reno, it remains a cool yet fun way to enjoy the summer, in the fresh cold water from the Sierra Nevada mountains. Grab a tube (you can buy at most stores, even grocery and drug stores), good shoes (it’s rocky throughout the river) and float the river- as long as you know how to swim!. A popular leg is the Crissie-Caughlin park put-in all the way to downtown at the whitewater park. You’ll enjoy fun, yet manageable rapids for families, for a fun ride, along Idlewild park, riverside drive and ending in some exciting drops and dips in the middle of downtown. Other famous put-in spots include Mayberry Park, and Rock Park in Sparks. Downtown Reno’s riverwalk area also features a waterfall fountain display, and is near many of the well known summer events that Reno hosts, including Hot August Nights and Artown. 2. Visit the Nevada Discovery Museum Cool, safe, and full of interesting exhibits about Nevada and science. It is especially fun for families and kids, where parents can have a break for an hour or two while their kids explore the leaf waterfall tower, and many mind-blowing magic experiments. Located downtown, the Nevada Discovery museum is a perfect indoor attraction when the weather is too hot or too cold. 3. Swim at Reno’s top swimming spots Topping the list would be Wild Island water adventure park in Sparks. This waterpark featuring slides, a wave pool, lazy river and other attractions is not only fun for children and families, but others as well. College students, young adults and senior citizens can enjoy the varying array of wet, cool and fun ways to enjoy a summer day at a classic American waterpark. If you are looking for a less expensive way to simply get in the water, Reno’s Idlewild park outdoor pool, along with the outdoor pool at Bower’s Mansion are popular. Lastly, splash parks are becoming popular all over the USA. Lazy 5 park in Spanish Springs and North Valleys Regional Park in Lemmon Valley both have new splash parks guaranteed to entertain your young kids at a nominal low-cost fee. 4. Beat the Heat inside Meadowood Mall This traditional indoor shopping mall provides a climate controlled reprieve from the heat (or cold in the winter). With approximately 80-100 stores and restaurants, throughout three wings, there is plenty to shop and eat, or simply walk around in, while you spend the afternoon window shopping. And the kiddie features like a play area, can be a nice break for weary parents. 5. Cool off in air-conditioned hotel casinos Casinos and kids? Well, some of Reno’s well-known casinos have plenty for children to do, including arcades, restaurants, pools, and simply walking and exploring. Likely the most famous is Circus-Circus with a midway, sure to give plenty of affordable entertainment with families. And it is all connected seamlessly with Eldorado and Silver Legacy, for a large indoor air-conditioned destination downtown. 6. Visit Lake Tahoe No visitor or resident of Reno will feel complete without a day trip to Lake Tahoe. The cold blue clear waters, along with the cooler temps in the forest, are a major summertime draw for Reno residents and tourists alike to relax in. And there are so many destinations around the lake that there is not enough time in a lifetime to even truly experience all of them. In the summer, a walk on the now-famous East Shore trail, including the Tunnel Creek trail and a visit to Hidden Beach is a must; or go even further to the highly photographed Sand Harbor beach.. King’s Beach, Tahoe City beach, and a family bike ride along the west shore trail along highway 89 are also top summer pics. And that is just North Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe has its own plethora of summertime destinations to visit. And when Fall, Winter and Spring roll around, these seasons all have their own highlights and hot spots around the Lake to visit. No wonder it was rated a favorite lake in the USA.(1). 7. Hike in the Sierras Reno is right on the edge of the Sierra-Nevada Mountain range. These famous granite-peaked rugged mountains along California and Nevada contain some fantastic hiking. Summertime in the west coast is fairly dry, which makes for abundant outdoor recreation, without too much mud, rain, and mosquitos, that are common in other parts of the country. The Pacific Crest Trail, and Tahoe Rim Trail are both close and well-known. But there are plenty of other trails that are suitable for families and kids. Consider the Donner pass train tunnel trail, and trails along old highway 40 just west of the summit. All have safe and reasonable lengths, with amazing views and shade, along with cooler temperatures of the high-elevation. 8. Relax in the shade at these top parks Some of Reno’s older parks are lined with beautiful old-growth shade trees. Idlewild Park is a long-time classic near downtown, with plenty of shady lawn areas to lay out a picnic blanket. As a bonus, there is a kiddie park, and a children’s train ride (on select summer weekends and holidays) that still operates from a previous amusement park. They also have a newly built jungle gym for kids, right next to the well-known Idlewild Park pool. Other parks that are known for shade include Chrissie-Caughlin Park, Mayberry Park, Rancho San Rafael Park, Wheatland Park, Bartly Ranch, Galena Creek Park and Rock Park. Find some shade, stretch out and play, and cool off. 9. Get out in the morning and evenings You can explore many of the trails and fun areas of Reno, like the Midtown District, or bicycling along the Truckee River together with your family, without the heat and burn, if you simply can get out and go before 9 am, or go out after 6 pm. The sun is less strong, and the air is wonderful. And kids will always remember a fun walk in the evening in some of Reno’s classic neighborhoods like Riverside Drive and Newland’s Manor. 10. Summer fun in your yard If you live in Reno, or are staying at a home with a yard, this final suggestion is a classic American tradition. Get out some pool toys, turn the hose on, and cut up some watermelon. Kids have a blast playing in lawn sprinklers, and parents like watching (and getting wet too!). Sit back, relax, and have a drink. This dog-days-of-summer tradition can be a stay-at-home must for any family on hot days. Summers in Reno are beautiful, sunny, and full of adventure. Taking kids can be a joy, when at the right spot, with a comfortable setting. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, plan ahead, and make memories. Enjoy the high desert with all of the fun for families that Reno and its surrounding region has to offer. -------------------------------- 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 Facebook ---------------------------------- Resources: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/summer-vacations/americas-best-lake-vacations 7/6/2020 In her own words One of our members from Costa Rica, published and article in StudyUSA of her experience living in the Reno International House. Her home with tight-knit friendships, accountability and support, has given her a full life of not only fun, but purpose and relationships, during her study at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno. Share your stories of how living in an international community home has impacted your life. You can read her story here: Full Article in StudyUSA
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What brought you to Reno? Tell us about the friends you've made here? What advice do you have for someone planning to live in the home?  During this unprecedented time of society being sheltered, social distancing, closed university campus, and many businesses closed, many people are wondering "What can I do around here?" This is especially true of students of the University of Nevada who don't have a car, and have chosen to stay in Reno during this time, including visiting scholars, international students, and others who can't get back to their hometown.
 You may have heard, all current students and faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno and TMCC can now ride the city bus (RTC Ride). How does it work?
 Student housing leases can be confusing. There are several hidden tactics you should be aware of. With the many new off-campus student housing apartments available around the University of Nevada, Reno, there are plenty of choices when it comes to location, and amenities.
 It seems like every side of the university campus has construction going on. What are all of those projects? Most of it is student housing. Just a brief look at most of the big ones
12/29/2019 What to do in Reno in the Winter Many people ask me, what is there to do in the winter in Reno? It is a season where there are less outdoor community events. Less people walking around. It seems like there is less to do for fun, right?
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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 2023
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