Ferris State Torch Housing Guide 2023

HOUSING GUIDE 2020 2023

Looking for Your First Apartment

If you’ve graduated from the dorms, it’s time to look for your first apartment.

Start looking as early as you can to get the best rent and amenities, and the best location. Keep reading for more tips on looking for your first college apartment.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?

The first step to finding an apartment is to figure out what you can afford. Plan to spend 30% to 40% of your budget on rent, then work backwards. You’ll need to figure in about 18% of your budget for utilities, 14% for food and up to 15% on transportation, depending on how far you live from campus. Entertainment and health care should account for 9% of your budget, and you should also plan to save for a rainy day. You’ll also need to put down the first and last month’s rent, most likely, as well as a security deposit, pet deposit and holding fees.

TOURING APARTMENTS

Visit at least three apartments, even if you like the first one you see. That unit may be rented to someone else or you may find that one didn’t

present as well on paper as it does in person. Make a checklist of what to look for, such as paid utility costs, pools, high-speed internet, natural lighting and more. Also consider how the complex is managed. Look for telltale signs of mismanagement, including burnt-out lights, peeling paint and absent security.

BE READY TO PAY

Once you’ve found a home, be ready to put down a deposit as soon as you can. First time renters may need to have a cosigner, so be prepared to have someone else with strong credit at the ready to help you out. And before you put down the deposit and sign the lease, make sure you read and understand it, including when the rent is due, the amount of the security deposit and how maintenance issues are handled. You may also need your Social Security card, bank statements, pay stubs and any rental information you may have. In competitive markets, you may even be asked for personal references.

Renter’s Insurance

Rental properties demand thorough inspections by law. These inspections mean the structure’s integrity is up to strict codes developed by lawmakers. Unfortunately, accidents happen. If you live in a building that is shared by multiple tenants, the risk of accidents occurring heightens. Keep your possessions safe in case of negligent neighbors or vandalism.

IMPORTANCE OF INSURANCE

A 2016 study performed by the Insurance Information Institute reports that only 41 percent of renters take advantage of renter’s insurance. This is quite shocking considering that the average premium for this type of insurance is only $188 a year in the United States. That is less than $16 a month.

Hazards such as fire or property theft are frightening risks that everyone lives with. Think of how much value your belongings hold. Hopefully you will never utilize your renter’s insurance, but in case of disaster, that $16 a month ensures that your possessions are protected.

DISASTER COVERAGE

While searching for renter’s

insurance, you will likely see an HO-4 policy.

This is the standard renter’s policy.

A few events it covers:

• fire and lightning;

• windstorm or hail;

• smoke damage;

• Theft;

• vandalism or malicious mischief

The standard policy can cover many more specific events. Your insurance agent can give you a specific rundown and offer information on each.

Two events that are not covered

in the standard policy include earthquake and flood. These policies can be purchased separately; your agent can assist you in acquiring these coverages.

TYPES OF COVERAGE

Usually, an insurance company will offer two choices for reimbursement of your belongings. We’ll use replacing a living room couch as an example of how these different reimbursements work.

Replacement cost: This policy covers the actual cost of your

belongings. If your couch is a total loss, your reimbursement will cover the cost of purchasing a similar couch.

Actual cash value: This covers your belongings at their value at the time of loss. So if your couch is two years old, you will receive reimbursement based on a twoyear depreciation.

Replacement cost insurance policies are usually more expensive but offer a greater payout when a claim is filed.

Pet-Friendly Renting

As much as you love your pets, landlords around the country may not be as crazy for them. Some think of pets as messy tenants who jeopardize the integrity of their investment. There are rental properties that allow pets but they may be harder to come by and may take a little extra time to land one.

PLANNING AHEAD

The Humane Society recommends allowing yourself at least six weeks to find a petfriendly apartment before your lease ends. This should be enough time to secure a new apartment that will accept your furry family members.

Talk to your pet’s vet to see about kennel costs and keep a fund aside to cover your pet’s room and board for a couple weeks in case you must leave a current apartment abruptly. It is also a good idea to ask other pet-loving family and friends if they can keep an eye on your pet during your search.

Never try to “sneak” a pet into a place with a no-pet policy. Breaking this rule could lead to eviction.

communities list their pet policies their normal advertisements. You be notice some of these saying pets are welcome for an additional fee. It may be wise to not even waste time trying to convince a prospective landlord that states “no pets” in their ads. These are usually warranted by bad

society for a list of pet-friendly apartments around your area.

It can also help to bring a letter of recommendation from a former landlord statingyou are a responsible pet owner. You may be able to lower the additional fee or even take a little extra off the security deposit.

messy pet. Moving to a new home can be just as stressful on your pets as it can be on you. Introduce your pet to your new home one room at a time. The first room will be considered their “home base” so be sure it’s filled with items they are familiar with to enable a smooth transition.

Renter’s insurance should be just as big a priority as your health and vehicle insurance coverage. The structure you are renting is covered by your landlord’s insurance. However, if disaster does strike, responsibility for your belongings falls on you.

Sometimesduring life, you may be forced out of your current housing situation and tasked with the daunting process of finding a new home. This can be hard on any renter but becomes even more difficult for pet owners.

SET A TIME FRAME

The best time frame is dictated by the frequency of your income. If you have a job, this might be weekly or bi-weekly.

SET A TIME FRAME

Preparing a Budget

PPreparing a budget is an important step in being financially independent. Even if your parents are helping you through college, you will be on your own for the first time and likely have more freedoms than ever before.

specific to your situation and coordinating estimated amounts. This information is a great starting point for you to realize exactly how much money is coming in — and exactly how much is going out.

out, entertainment, clothes) and work up estimated amounts.

KNOW THE DETAILS

INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY

Most campus jobs pay once a month, or you could budget a semester at a time since your funds are more likely to be replenished by loans or your parents at the start of a new one.

The best time frame is dictated by the frequency of your income. If you have a job, this might be weekly or bi-weekly.

Most campus jobs pay once a month, or you could budget a semester at a time — since your funds are more likely to be replenished by loans or your parents at the start of a new one.

LIST

LIST YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES

This includes working out categories

LIST YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES

specific to your situation and coordinating estimated amounts. This information is a great starting point for you to realize exactly how much money is coming in — and exactly how much is going out.

LIST YOUR DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES

These are the things you don’t need but will want to purchase such as a midnight taco run or a Saturday double- feature with your best friends.

LIST YOUR DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES

Again, list your categories (eating

These are the things you don’t need but will want to purchase — such as a midnight taco run or a Saturday double-feature with your best friends.

entertainment, clothes) and work up estimated amounts.

KNOW THE DETAILS

Understand what your expenses cover. Tuition is a big expense, but it is an upfront cost at the beginning of each semester and doesn’t cover the cost of books and supplies.

Understand what your expenses cover. Tuition is a big expense, but it is an upfront cost at the beginning of each semester and doesn’t cover the cost of books and supplies.

Know the parameters of your meal plan. How many meals are covered, and is there a flex account attached to it for spending in the book store or student center? If so, this should also be a line in your “income”).

Know the parameters of your meal plan. How many meals are covered, and is there a flex account attached to it for spending in the book store or stu-

line in your “income”).

Have your parents look over your budget. Remember, they’ve been there before. You want to learn from their mistakes. Asking for their help shows maturity.

INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY

Have your parents look over your budget. Remember, they’ve been there before. You want to learn from their mistakes. Asking for their help shows maturity.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Don’t allow your parents to handle everything just because they can. It’s OK if they manage and oversee the big stuff, but you should stay informed.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Don’t allow your parents to handle everything just because they can. It’s OK if they manage and oversee the big

© FOTOLIA

Finding the Right Roommate

One of the best experiences in college is living with a roommate or two or three or 10.

Some college roommates end up lifelong friends, some end up as stories we tell again and again. Here are some tips for finding the perfect college roommate.

MAKE A PLAN

Start out your roommate search by making a plan. Think about the people you hang out with and enjoy the most. Watch how those people live their lives and consider carefully what you like about them. Think about your priorities in a living environment and compare how those people tick those boxes. Do you prefer cleanliness? Are you messy? What are your sleep habits? Look at every facet of your life and write down the characteristics that are important to you.

GO ON A ROOMIE DATE

Don’t be afraid to talk to potential roommates. Ask tough questions and remember they are just as nervous as you are about the whole thing. Don’t rely on a parent, older sibling or your RA to help you with this, though, the final decisions are (as they should be) up to you. You can ask for advice, but remember this is your life and your roommate. You’re the one that will have to live with them.

POTENTIAL QUESTIONS FOR A ROOMMATE

Here are some questions you might ask someone you’re considering for a roommate, courtesy of Dickinson College.

• Discuss your sleeping habits.

• Talk about what temperature you like in your room.

• Discuss your sense of humor.

• Discuss your schedules and what time you typically come home.

• Talk about how to handle latenight situations.

• Discuss noise level in your space.

• Talk about preferences for TV, movies and music.

• Bring up any pet peeves you might have.

• Talk about whether you’re messy or clean.

• Work out where and how you’d like to study.

• Discuss what belongings you

are willing to share and under what circumstances.

• Do you smoke? What about alcohol and drugs?

• Talk about your religious and spiritual values and how they impact how you live.

• Discuss any habits you might have (3 a.m. yoga) that your roommate may need to know about.

• Set ground rules for visitors, especially overnight guests.

Resolving Roomie Troubles

Roommates are great in that they cut down on your out-of pocket costs, especially if you’re renting an apartment, but they take some getting used to. Here are some tips for living your best life with a roommate.

SETTING BOUNDARIES

You can head off all sorts of roommate troubles by setting clear boundaries in common trouble spots. Take, for instance, cleaning your abode. You and your roommate probably have different ideas of clean, so it’s important to get that out there before it becomes a problem. Divvy up responsibilities and set a clear schedule of who is responsible for what when.

Another potential pothole is having company. Establish rules about having friends over, especially significant others. Some questions to ask include the following:

• What is the time limit for guests?

• Can significant others spend the night?

• How can you tell the other person that you would appreciate some privacy?

• Should you set a lights-out time?

Once you’ve hashed out some

No matter how careful you are, college is a stressful time and there’s bound to be conflicts. Working through them builds valuable life skills and can strengthen friendships, if you do it the right way. If you have a

of how to solve the problem. Talk about the behavior, not the person.

Instead of: “It’s rude of you to use all of the hot water in the morning in your three-hour shower,” try “I don’t have any hot water for

to annoy you with cold showers. They may have reasons for their behavior that you haven’t considered. Try to remember how you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed.

Your first time away from home may mean the first time you have to deal with living with someone who’s not a family member.

Sororities and Fraternities

Many college students choose to live the “Greek life” during their educational pursuits. But is it right for you?

While you’re deciding, you should try to put aside the stereotypes –hazing and parties, most notably –often portrayed in the movies and media. Like any other big decision during your college career, an impartial outlook and some personal research can go a long way in your choice.

PROS: COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT

From housing to solid leadership opportunities, fraternities and sororities can offer all kids of benefits to their student members. But it is the social advantage that convinces many students to join. These organizations often stand on brotherhood and sisterhood as their founding principles, giving members a strong support group throughout their commitment. Public service and a dedication to the community are a couple of cornerstones of “Greek life.” Sororities and fraternities often make major impacts on their campus and in surrounding areas through fundraisers, volunteering and event planning.

Putting their faces into the public spotlight is also a great way of spreading the word about their organizational values and goals. Many members can also benefit from scholarship opportunities,

not to mention the network of alumni ready to offer a helping hand. These connections can serve as invaluable ways to land employment after college, as well as lifelong mentor-student relationships.

CONS: TIME COMMITMENT AND COST

Aside from the sometimes negative stigma attached to members of fraternities and sororities, there are other cons to consider for any student looking

to join.

Many organizations can be huge time commitments, making it difficult to fully focus on studies, work or other activities. Find out before joining exactly how much time can be expected of you, both during the week and at special events over the weekends.

Membership dues are also something to take into consideration. Many fraternities and sororities require regular monthly payments to keep up with facilities and programming

improvements.

Make sure you can cover these extra costs before you commit to take the pledge.

So while you’re considering pros and cons, remember that research is key. Don’t be afraid to seek information on all campus houses you are eligible to join. Set up interviews and ask your adviser for recommendations. The more questions you ask, the better the chance that you will find the fit that is right for you.

Advantages of Renting

The truth is, more Americans than ever before are opting for the flexibility of renting as the best option for themselves and their families.

While there may be a few downsides to renting, there are also some huge advantages. Renting allows flexibility. You are free to leave your location without the worry of trying to sell a home and relocate at the same time. You simply finish your lease and you are free to seek out your next exciting adventure.

NO REPAIR COSTS

Perhaps the biggest advantage of renting is not having any financial responsibility of costly home repairs. Broken appliances or leaking roofs sometimes carry a huge repair bill. It is up to your landlord to fulfill the agreement in the lease to make these repairs quickly.

You can have peace of mind if the furnace goes out in the middle of winter that it will be fixed without having to dip into your savings account.

It is also up to your landlord to take care of regular maintenance of your property.

That includes lawn care and the cleaning of snowy parking lots or

Rent is typically much more inexpensive than a mortgage.

Not only will you save on your initial rent payment, you may be able to find a landlord that covers utilities. You will still be paying for electricity and water but it will be

fluctuating costs to cover, especially during a winter that requires constant heating.

SET RATES

Rent rates are guaranteed to remain the same amount during

insurance premiums can always change without notice. Enjoy the set rate that your landlord guarantees for the period of the lease and never worry about any extra fees sneaking up on you.

You have probably heard people say that renting is like throwing money away. Many homeowners consider a mortgage as an investment toward their future whereas renting is like paying for someone else’s mortgage.

Responsible Freedom

Especially if you are away from home for the first time, this freedom can be both exciting and overwhelming. They key to balancing fun and responsibilities is realizing that college is like a job. You are held responsible for your actions, and mistakes come with consequences.

Surround yourself with the right people and use common sense when making daily decisions. Remember that a lot of people are counting on you to complete your degree in a timely fashion.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Freedom means students get to make their own rules and are in complete control of their lives. That is a good thing if the student makes wise choices, but the nightly news tells us the stories of excesses in every level of living in colleges and university. A lot of these behaviors are dangerous and unhealthy.

From dangerous drinking- anddriving accidents to sexual misconduct, there are many issues that have no place on a college campus. Some behind-the-scenes decisions that can have negative implications on a student’s life can include skipping

years to correct. This underscores the importance of following commonsense principles when it comes to making decisions, and leaning on a strong support network of family and friends to keep you on the right track.

good self-care, making good grades and healthy social participation.

In a recent survey of more than 600 college students conducted by Student Health 101, 94 percent of students said they had to learn to take

and almost expected from college students.

The key is not participating in activities that can have long-term impacts that leave you regretful for years to come.

For many students, college represents complete freedom for the first time, yet they also must learn maturity and responsibility. Toeing the line between these goals takes sensible decision-making and planning.

Beat College Stress

Staying up late to finish a big chemistry project? Working two jobs to cover

very real thing. And if you’re feeling a bit burned out, you’re not alone. College students fall within the category of Americans feeling the most stressed with their lives, according to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association. Though stress can sometimes be a collection of normal feelings associated with upcoming deadlines and important presentations, it can also lead to serious emotional or physical issues. You can take simple steps now to avoid becoming stressed out or diagnosed with issues such as depression or anxiety disorders later.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Your body’s overall health is crucial in your ability to fight off stress. Here’s how you can keep it running strong:

• Eat healthy meals.

• Exercise on a regular basis.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Give yourself a mental

TALK ABOUT IT

Share your problems and feelings with a parent, friend or counselor. Let them know what you’re struggling with and how you’re trying to cope with these challenges. This is an effective way of dealing with stress; more than half of the Harris survey participants reported learning on their friends and families to help keep them levelheaded.

LISTEN TO MUSIC

The Harris survey also discovered that about 60 percent of those feeling stressed listened to music to calm down. Many combined music with working out, going on walks or surfing the Internet to find their inner peace. Whatever works for you, it is important to have a healthy, repeatable coping mechanism that helps alleviate stress. Doing so will keep you laser-focused on your studies and motivated to complete your degree.