Seven Considerations To Make When Choosing Student Apartments

23 December 2023

The decision to pursue further education is a significant milestone for young adults, signaling a transition toward independence and self-exploration. Among the various accommodation options available, student apartments have gained popularity due to their appeal.

They share a mix of freedom, convenience, and community, enhancing the academic journey in diverse ways compared to traditional dorms or off-campus housing.

Benefits of Staying in a Student Apartment

As a student, you probably have two places to live — on-campus and off-campus. Now, most people tend to choose the first option due to the security it offers. However, if you ask me, I’d always choose the latter for five specific reasons.

Here’s what you need to know about them.

1: A Haven of Independence

Student apartments serve as sanctuaries of independence.

Unlike traditional dorms, these living spaces offer a heightened sense of autonomy, providing students with the freedom to curate their environment according to their preferences.

From choosing roommates to decorating the space, the core ability to personalize their living quarters fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Besides, it will also help you nurture essential life skills that transcend the academic sphere.

2: Communal Dynamics

Living in a student apartment is more than just securing a roof overhead; it’s about building a vibrant community. Most of these spaces often house a diverse mix of individuals, fostering an environment ripe for cultural exchange and forging lifelong friendships.

The shared experiences, collaborative study sessions, and impromptu gatherings create an enriching social tapestry that contributes significantly to a student’s holistic growth.

3: Enhanced Amenities and Facilities

Student apartments frequently come equipped with an array of amenities designed to cater to the modern student’s needs.

From well-appointed study lounges and fitness centers to recreational areas and communal kitchens, these facilities are tailored to support students —

Academically,
Physically, and
Socially

Such conveniences augment the overall living experience, promoting both productivity and relaxation within arm’s reach.

4: Proximity to Campus

Location plays a pivotal role in a student’s life, and student apartments often boast strategic proximity to campus grounds. The convenience of being just a stone’s throw away from lecture halls, libraries, and other academic facilities —

Not only save precious commuting time
But also fosters a stronger sense of connection to the university community.

5: Financial Prudence

While the prospect of independent living might seem financially daunting, student apartments often offer cost-effective solutions compared to other housing options.

Shared living arrangements and split rental expenses among roommates can also significantly alleviate the financial burden.

Moreover, some apartment complexes provide inclusive utilities or amenities, streamlining expenses and offering a more predictable budget for students.

How to Choose the Right Student Apartment?

Picking the right type of student accommodation as a new college student can greatly impact your university experience. Unlike standard rentals, student housing offers access to a lot of student-focused amenities, support systems, and opportunities to connect with peers.

Additionally, it tends to be a more budget-friendly choice. But, the question is — how do you choose the best option amongst everything that’s available out there? Let’s find out.

1. Location Matters

Location is paramount when selecting a student apartment. So, be sure to consider its proximity to your campus, amenities, and other essential facilities.

Living closer to campus can save time and money on commuting, allowing you to attend classes, access resources, and engage in campus activities more conveniently.

Additionally, a location with easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation can enhance your overall convenience and comfort.

2. Budget Wisely

Establish a realistic budget before apartment hunting. Consider not only the monthly rent but also additional expenses like utilities, internet, and groceries.

Ensure your budget allows for these costs while also leaving room for unexpected expenses. It’s advisable to prioritize affordability without compromising on safety and comfort.

3. Roommates and Space

Choosing the right roommates can significantly impact your living experience.

Discuss preferences, habits, and responsibilities beforehand to ensure compatibility. Additionally, consider the space offered by the apartment.

Ensure it provides enough room for privacy, studying, and relaxation.

4. Safety and Security

Prioritize safety and security when selecting a student apartment.

Look for various well-lit areas, and secure locks, and consider the neighborhood’s safety track record. Research the building’s security measures, like CCTV cameras, secure entrances, and emergency protocols, to ensure your peace of mind.

5. Amenities and Facilities

Evaluate the amenities and facilities offered by the apartment complex.

Look for features that align with your needs and preferences, such as laundry facilities, gym access, study rooms, and communal spaces. These can enhance your living experience and provide opportunities for socializing and relaxation.

6. Lease Terms and Flexibility

Review the lease terms thoroughly before signing any agreements.

Understand the duration of the lease, policies on subletting, maintenance responsibilities, and any additional fees. Ensure the lease terms are flexible enough to accommodate any changes in your academic or personal circumstances.

7. Visit and Inspect

Schedule visits to potential apartments before making a decision. Inspect the condition of the apartment, checking for any damages or maintenance issues.

Also, do pay attention to details like water pressure, heating, and cooling systems, as these can significantly impact your comfort.

8. Research the Landlord or Management Company

Gather information about the landlord or management company managing the property.

Read reviews and seek opinions from current or previous tenants to understand their reputation regarding responsiveness to maintenance requests, fairness in dealing with tenants, and overall professionalism.

9. Transportation and Parking

If you own a vehicle or rely on transportation, consider parking availability and transportation options near the apartment. Evaluate parking fees, accessibility to public transportation, and bicycle storage if relevant to your needs.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a student apartment. If something doesn’t feel right or if you have lingering doubts, explore other options. Your living space should feel comfortable, safe, and conducive to your academic success and well-being.

Final Thoughts

The allure of student apartment living lies not just in the physical space but in the myriad of experiences and opportunities it affords.

Beyond mere accommodation, these spaces serve as incubators for personal growth, fostering independence, community, and responsibility.

By offering a mix of convenience, affordability, and flexibility, student apartments seamlessly complement the academic journey Embracing this specific lifestyle choice can prove to be a transformative and rewarding chapter in a student’s educational odyssey.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden

Over the years, the perception of gardening has changed from the traditional method of tilling a patch in the backyard for fruits and vegetables to more sophisticated types of gardening. Front yard gardening is steadily taking root in the suburbs as homeowners strive to decorate their front yards with more than hydrangeas in the flower bed. Needless to say, front yard gardening adds aesthetic value to the property and not just for you but your neighbors as well. In open-plan neighborhoods, exposed front yards call for constant admiration or scrutiny from neighbors who may get upset if they do not approve of what is in your yard. If you are confused about which plants will be able to uplift the aesthetics of the garden you can always count on experts in the industry. Home and property owners can get a mix of plants selected by Tree Service Roseville that are not only pleasant to look at, but also require low maintenance. This will help you keep your garden in top shape and be appreciated by everyone that visits the same. 5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden An unsightly front yard is likely to hurt your neighbor's property as well. For instance, if he is trying to sell his home, open house visits with potential buyers will not go well if there are overgrown bushes right next door. Some neighborhood associations go as far as stipulating guidelines on what is allowed in the front yard. If you are contemplating starting a garden in your front yard, read on for useful tips. 1. Determine Size of the Garden How much land you allocate for your front garden is dependent on the size of your front yard; you cannot extend your garden to the neighbor's property. Consider other activities that go on your front yard, for instance, parking vehicles, a playpen for young children, and so on. Read also: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design Planting beds can be horizontal, along with the width of the house, or vertical from the house to the sidewalk to the fence. Leave enough space for a walkway so that people can access the home with ease without the risk of stepping on plants or getting their shoes muddy from dirt. 2. Select Mix of Plants Once you know how much land is available, identify a plant. Since front yard gardens are meant to enhance the look of your home, avoid monotony in one crop. Try a mix of different plants that will look great when they grow and plants that do not compete for nutrients. You also need suitable methods of nourishing your plants to give them the best chance of survival. Applying fertilizer and compost will greatly boost the nutrient content of the soil. Whatever plants you settle for, they should not block the view of the street-facing windows as this will block natural sunlight from gracing your living room or kitchen. Bushy plants with overgrown foliage look unsightly and are likely to mar the look of your front yard. Drop by your local garden store and find the best pole saw for trimming excess foliage to maintain the desired look and avoid harboring pests. 3. Establish Order While growing a variety of plants in your front yard is encouraged, do not get carried away. Planting too many species affects the appearance of the landscape making looks like different patches of land with no cohesion. This type of mess is best moved to the backyard away from the prying eye of onlookers. Read also: How to make a perfect summer retreat from your backyard Gardening experts recommend five to ten species of perennials, three to five shrubs and if you like, add two varieties of trees. Before making a decision, investigate what types of plants thrive in the climatic conditions of your area. 4. Regular Maintenance Having a front yard garden demands your full attention. You cannot afford to ignore drooping leaves, weak stems, or an insect infestation. Establish a maintenance routine that works well with your other responsibilities such as work or taking care of the family. Regardless of your schedule, there are important activities that must be done on a regular basis and sometimes daily. For instance, watering, trimming bushes, weeding, etc. You can choose to do this in the evening after work or if you are too busy, enlist the services of a gardener during the day. 5. Year-Round Gardening When starting a front garden, you want your plants to grow throughout as opposed to only a few months of the year. While not all plants can do well in the dead of winter or the sweltering heat of summer, you can count on evergreen trees and shrubs. Planting trees in your garden provide a natural fence around your property and trees provide natural shade for smaller plants. A reasonable amount of shade helps to control evaporation in the hotter months of the year A front yard garden may be the solution you have been looking for since you purchased your home. Gardening is an ideal alternative to mowing the lawn and running sprinklers all day. You do not have to do it all by yourself; involve the rest of the family for some added fun.

Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!

Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs you can grow in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, from salads and soups to pizzas and pastas. Basil is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like cilantro. It can benefit your health and well-being. But how do you harvest basil properly so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves? If these are some of the things you want to know, I have you covered! In this article, I will answer all these questions and more and give you everything you need to know about harvesting basil! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more… How to Harvest Basil Leaves? The first thing you need to know about harvesting basil is when to do it. The best time to harvest basil leaves is in the morning when the plant is still fresh and moist. Avoid harvesting basil in the afternoon or evening when the plant is dry and wilted. Also, avoid harvesting basil when it is raining or wet, as this can cause the leaves to rot or mold. Steps to Harvest Basil Leaves To harvest basil leaves, you will need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and a basket or a bowl to collect the leaves. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, but be careful not to damage the stem or the plant. Here are the steps to follow: Start from the top of the plant, and look for the stems with leaf clusters. These are called the terminal buds, and they are where the basil flowers will grow. You want to remove these buds, as they will make the plant stop producing new leaves and focus on flowering and seeding. This will reduce the flavor and quality of the basil leaves. Cut or pinch off the stem just below the terminal bud, leaving about a quarter of an inch of stem above the next pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow two new stems from the leaf nodes and produce more leaves. You can also cut or pinch off any other stems that are too long or leggy and leave about four to six pairs of leaves on each stem. Repeat this process for all the stems that have terminal buds, and collect the leaves in your basket or bowl. You can also harvest some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. You should not harvest more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth and health. After harvesting, rinse the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can use them fresh or store them for later use. How to Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing One of the benefits of harvesting basil is that it stimulates the plant to grow more leaves and branches and prevents it from flowering and seeding. However, you need to harvest basil regularly and correctly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves. Here are some tips to follow. For instance, you must harvest basil: At least once every two weeks, or more often if you see the terminal buds forming. This will keep the plant bushy and compact and prevent it from becoming woody and bitter. From different parts of the plant, and not always from the same spot. This will ensure that the plant grows evenly and does not become lopsided or uneven. Before it flowers. This is because the flowers will reduce the flavor and quality of the leaves. If you see any flowers forming, remove them as soon as possible. You can also pinch off the flowers and use them as edible garnishes or decorations, as they have a mild and sweet flavor. Before the frost, as the cold weather will kill the plant. You can either harvest the whole plant and store it for later use, or bring it indoors and keep it in a sunny and warm spot. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil and grow new plants for the next season. How to Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant? Harvesting basil is different from harvesting lettuce or other plants. The process is good for the plant and you, as you can enjoy the fresh and aromatic leaves in your dishes. However, you need to be careful not to harvest too much or too often, as this can harm and kill the plant. Here are some dos and don'ts of harvesting basil without killing it: Do harvest basil from the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure. Don't harvest basil from the main stem or cut it too close to the ground. This will damage the plant and prevent it from growing new stems and leaves. Leave at least four to six pairs of leaves on each stem and about an inch of stem above the ground. Do harvest basil gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and make clean and smooth cuts. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves but be gentle and precise. Don't harvest basil when it is stressed or unhealthy, such as when it is wilting, yellowing, or diseased. This will weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to further damage. Wait until the plant recovers and looks healthy and green before harvesting. You can also water and fertilize the plant to help it grow and thrive. Do harvest basil when it is young and tender, not old and tough. This will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Harvest basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown. How to Pick Basil Leaves? Picking basil leaves is another way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can pick basil leaves with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to pick basil leaves. For instance, you can pick it: From the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure. From the stems that have terminal buds, not from those that have none. This will prevent the plant from flowering and seeding and producing more leaves. You can also pick some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. Gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use your fingers to pinch off the leaves or a pair of tweezers to pluck them off. Be gentle and precise, and do not pull or tug on the leaves or the stems. When they are young and tender and not when they are old and tough, this will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Pick basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown. How to Store Basil Leaves? Storing basil leaves is a great way to preserve and enjoy them for later use. You can store basil leaves in different ways, depending on how long you want to keep them and how you want to use them. Here are some of the best ways to store basil leaves: Refrigerate Them You can refrigerate basil leaves for up to a week, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them moist and fresh, and prevent them from wilting or drying out. However, you should not wash them. Freeze Them You can freeze basil leaves for up to six months, by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, and then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their color and flavor, and prevent them from browning or oxidizing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can also chop them and mix them with some olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. This will make it easier to use them in soups, sauces, or dressings. Dry Them You can dry basil leaves for up to a year, by hanging them upside down in a warm and dry place, such as a closet or a pantry. This will dehydrate them and concentrate their flavor, and make them last longer. However, you should avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can bleach them and reduce their quality. You can also dry them in an oven or a microwave, but be careful not to burn them or overcook them. Once they are dry, you can store them in a glass jar or a spice container, and crush them or grind them before using them. Make Pesto You can make pesto with basil leaves, by blending them with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will create a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or dips. You can store pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also customize pesto by adding other herbs, nuts, cheeses, or spices, according to your taste and preference. How to Cut Basil? Cutting basil is a simple and easy way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can cut basil with scissors, a knife, or your fingers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to cut basil: Wash and dry the basil leaves before cutting them to remove any dirt or insects. You can rinse them under running water or soak them in a water bowl with a few drops of vinegar. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner. Cut the basil leaves just before using them, to preserve their flavor and aroma. If you cut them too early, they will lose their freshness and wilt. You can also bruise or damage the leaves if you cut them too roughly or with a dull tool. Cut the basil leaves according to the size and shape that you need for your recipe. You can either leave them whole or chop them finely or coarsely. You can also cut them into ribbons or strips, by stacking several leaves together, rolling them up, and slicing them thinly. This is called the chiffonade technique, and it creates a beautiful and elegant garnish. Cut the basil leaves with a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and not with a blender or a food processor. This will avoid bruising or crushing the leaves and releasing their oils and juices. You can also use your fingers to tear or pinch off the leaves but be gentle and careful. How to Use Basil Leaves? Using basil leaves is a fun and easy way to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use basil leaves in different ways, depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some of the best ways to use basil leaves: Fresh You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance your dishes, such as salads, soups, pizzas, and pastas. Also you can use fresh basil leaves to make salads, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, or Greek salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, and basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves to make drinks, such as lemonade, tea, or cocktails, with basil, lemon, sugar, and water. Cooked You can use cooked basil leaves to flavor and season your dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles. Also you can use cooked basil leaves to make dishes, such as tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and onion, or chicken with basil, cream, and mushrooms. You can also use cooked basil leaves to make breads, such as focaccia with basil, olive oil, and salt, or muffins with basil, cheese, and eggs. Preserved You can use preserved basil leaves to store and enjoy them for later use, such as freezing, drying, or making pesto. Also you can use preserved basil leaves to make dishes, such as pesto pasta with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, or roasted vegetables with basil, olive oil, and salt. You can also use preserved basil leaves to make snacks, such as crackers with basil, cheese, and honey, or popcorn with basil, butter, and salt. Wrapping It Up! Basil is a wonderful herb that you can grow and harvest in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, and a rich and nutritious profile that can benefit your health and well-being. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to harvest basil properly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves, how to cut basil, pick basil leaves, and store them for later use, and how to use basil leaves in different and delicious ways. Read Also: Some Facts You Need to Know About Rainwater Harvesting Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest? Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design

No Beauty Without Colors: 7 Ways to Add Color to Your Outdoor Spaces

How’s your outdoor space coming along? Outdoor spaces such as our patios are our sanctuary to relax and unwind after a long day from work. It is also a place where we spend quality time with our family and where we have chit-chats about how our day went. We can't afford, for sure, to see the place we called sanctuary as lifeless and dull. Therefore, adding some refreshing colors to enliven it is necessary for us to have the best family bonding and a place to relax. The good thing is, giving some life to your outdoor spaces doesn’t have to be laborious and expensive. The colors may come from your furniture, tiles, plants, pots, and outdoor rugs. Here are some ways to consider if you want to add up some color and life to your outdoor spaces. Colorful Plantscaping Bringing some ambiance of nature into your outdoor spaces cannot be understated, and plant-scaping is necessary to put in that ambiance. When choosing for plants, it’s alright to be simple and to go with a greeny landscape. But it’s much better if we add up an array of colorful flowers. To be more colorful, you can opt for a collection of Mandevilla, gardenia, plumbago, and sunflower. But there are many other colorful plants out there in your nearest garden shop that will surely suit your taste. Pot Art Do your flower pots look dull? Perhaps, it’s time to do them some paint job. Not only your plants and flowers can spice up your garden, but also your flower pots. You can do some fun art on them with a color scheme that can add an artistic beauty to your landscape. In this way, your garden will not anymore look dull. Put Colorful Outdoor Furniture on Display Chairs, tables, and shades are center attractions in our patios. You can turn them into a more attention-grabbing status if you show them off in bright colors. For sure, it can add a more refreshing ambiance while you’re having your afternoon coffee. Roll Out The Outdoor Rug If you want to add some interesting detail to your outdoor dining or seating areas, you can place an outdoor rug under it. Rugs with beautiful designs are essential in order not to give your outdoor spaces a basic look. Blend In Decorative Tiles There are a lot of decorative tiles to choose from in the market today. Decorative tiles are a good way to go if you want to start styling up your outdoor structures such as your fountains, stairs, and kitchen countertops. Paint Up Your Bare Walls With Murals A mural is the best way to brighten up your dull wall. Not only that this will not consume up a lot of space, but a wall with a mural can also bring us peace of mind every time we look at it. Outdoor Decors You can enliven your patio or garden with outdoor decorations. For example, you can put bright-colored hanging baskets on display in your garden. Mosaic art, colorful stepping stones, and tabletop lanterns are also things that will give charm to your outdoor spaces. Takeaway We must not settle for the simple and basic when it comes to designing our outdoor spaces. There are a lot of ways to put some life to it such as adding up some colors. It also does not have to be challenging and expensive as some ideas mentioned above are do-it-yourself tips. What we only need is a little budget and our creativity. Read More : Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?

Seven Considerations To Make When Choosing Student Apartments