new home
 

Ah yes,

The time has come for me to move out of that box they call a dorm room and venture into the world of apartments. I am a little scared because I've never had my own crib before. How do I search the internet for cheap eletric utilities and good phone companies?? I need all the advice I can get. Thanks in advance.

Some apartment searches that I have used on the internet have included:
http://www.springstreet.com http://www.apartments.com


You can enter a search through amenity see if they have paid utilities...but then you will probably have to call the apartment complex/leasing office to see what utilities are included and for those that are not included see how much they usually are...they can give you an estimation...Happy Apartment Hunting...girl I know what you are going through because i too am trying to move in December to Richmond (off campus)...

Also when you visit the apartments..check the water color and pressure...

Thanks Carebear

Thanks optimistic1 for the additional websites...I've been to rent.net before but the others I'm going to try as soon as possible.

Niceone,

Be prepared to have 2 months rent handy just in case you have to pay a security deposit. Make sure you ask lots of questions. E-mail me if you are not sure what to ask. Check to see if your apt. is near public transportation in case there is bad weather and you can't drive. Find a place near supermarkets. A place with utilities is ideal however if you have to pay them inquire how much per month on average the utilities are. As far as your phone company is concerned you will probably deal with the local company like Bell Atlantic or Bell South for example. Long distance is a toss up since there are so many companies that are available. I personally like Sprint. Good Luck and if you have questions, feel free to e-mail anytime.

Darling1,

I would truly appreciate it if you could clue me in as to what questions to ask. I really appreciate those extra tips you gave me as well.

I am currently doing the apartment search as well. I got a summer sublet with the promise of the lease being renewed in September, but for some reason, that promised fell through, and I am looking to move by August 31st. In addition to springstreet.com and apartments.com, there is also www.apartmentzone.com www.rent.net www.aptsforrent.com www.apartmentworld.com and many more apartment sites. Just type apartment search in a search engine, and these sites and more should come up. Many of these sites also have helpful articles and tools for you to use, such as a renter's checklist, 10 things to pack last, questions to ask the landlord before you move in, etc. I've found them all helpful. If you have anymore apartment questions, or need some encouragement, e-mail me at Optimistic1@collegeclub.com

Much Love,

Optimistic1
Chicago Sisterfriend