You’ve made it through the first year of college and all the troubles that come along with it: the exams, fitting in, struggling with professors, all of it. And if you aren’t living at home, you’ve most probably also struggled through hostel or PG life. Bad food, dirty rooms, annoying roommates and a whole lot of restrictions. For some of you, second and third year brings the prospect of something new and exciting: getting your own flat!
If you’ve been begging your parents to let you get a flat and after months of pleading, they’ve finally agreed, your troubles aren’t over just yet as finding a good place to stay can be a hard task. Here are some tips to make it a little easier for you:
- The Right Area
It can be hard to find a decent apartment when you’re on a budget and students often end up getting flats in crowded, dirty areas in a neighbourhood which is not very friendly. While you may think it is a good idea for the cheap price, it isn’t. The noise and crowd in such an area can get distracting for your studies and most probably, it will be lacking in a lot of facilities such as running water and electricity. Look for an apartment complex with decent amenities, a market nearby for all your daily essentials, and some level of security to make sure you don’t have to deal with unnecessary hassles.
- The Right Apartment
Found a 2 BHK for a cheap price? Great! But think about other aspects. It should have plenty of windows and a balcony for good air flow and sufficient natural lightning. Check all bathroom and kitchen taps to make sure they work. Check the locks on all doors. Find out what your neighbours are like. You do not want to be living next to 6 shady men or an old couple who hates loud music.
- The Right Flatmates
You might be a lone wolf otherwise, but when shifting to a new place away from home, it can be better to have at least one, or more, flatmates along with you. There are plenty of benefits you will derive from this. Having flatmates means you split the cost of everything from rent, water bill, electricity, wifi, maid, food and the rest, ultimately helping you cut down on a lot of expenses. They are also great to have around for cleaning the house or for some motivation when you’re down. But make sure you do not choose people at random because having the wrong people around can ruin the entire experience. These should be people who are essentially comfortable with and that are willing to adjust to your needs.
- The Right Skills
As much as you like to live in the moment and wing it, it might be a good idea to prep up a bit. Learn how to cook as this will be the most important skill that you need to have. It could be a few simple dishes but it is essential. You might not get a regular maid immediately so you should know how to clean the dishes, wash your clothes and use a broom and mop.
- The Right Survival Kit
No, we do not mean a knife and a sleeping bag. But if you don’t have a bag of essentials ready, the first few months can be a nightmare. Utensils, clothes, toiletries, cleaning materials, bed sheets, pillows, chargers, etc. are all things you should have in the very beginning. Also have a list of important contacts in the area and get local contacts such as the security guard, the nearby hospital, neighbours, etc. for times of trouble.
Put a bit of effort into making the shift from PG to flat correctly and it will be a smooth process. After all, once the shifting is done you have nothing else to look forward to but parties, freedom and a whole new experience!
