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ST E P 2 Renting a Room
S T E P 2 R E N T I N G A R O O M
With towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and the gleaming red of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, living in the Bay Area is like a dream. Finding your dream place, however, can be tricky. What should you look out for, and how do you find the best deal? Read on to find out how to navigate your search for a home near the bay.
THE DO'S AND DONT'S
Do expect roommates. Because of high rental costs, living with roommates is like breathing air in San Francisco. It has to be done. So unless you are a millionaire, prepare to cohabitate and make some friends!
Do search broadly. Make sure to spread out and react to multiple listings instead of setting your sights on one website or a single advertisement. Perseverance and flexibility are key.
Do check out your neighborhood. The Bay Area might be known for its tech and innovation, but it also has some neighborhoods that are less safe. When in doubt, contact the Internships in the Valley team, and always check if pictures match on Google Maps!
Do try to find your housing on-site. You can sign up for an AirBnB or hostel room while looking at places in real life. This will diminish the chances of online scams, and being on the ground will help you keep up with the fast US housing market!
Do a Video Call! Before accepting any place in advance, make sure you schedule a video call with your roommates or landlord. Meeting the people you will be dealing with, even virtually, can help prevent uncomfortable situations and scams.
Don’t expect a cheap deal. As a student, finding the best and cheapest deals is what you do. Silicon Valley, however, is known for its expensive living costs, and rent is no exception. Expect monthly prices ranging from $800 to $1600 for a single room.
Don’t wire any money before your arrival! Like any big city, San Francisco and its surrounding areas are known for their housing scams. It is therefore of paramount importance to never wire money to your landlord before seeing the place with your own eyes. We therefore advise you to start looking for housing after you’ve arrived.
