Going off to college and having the need to rent an apartment proves to be financially challenging. Especially when you are a full-time student and your parents do not have enough money to cover the rent for you. Fortunately, you have several options as students when it comes to renting out an apartment. Such options are student loans, bed-spacing or co-renting and securing discounts. Starting this process a few months earlier before moving in will help you get the right apartment.

Here are several things you can do to secure yourself a great and budget-friendly apartment:

1. Consult with the school’s financial aid department. Most of the schools today are partnering with apartment complex and even have their own dorm for their students. The best time to inquire about it is three to four months before school starts. Dormitories always provides discounts to students if not they are very affordable.

2. Think about having a roommate. Your friend or colleague for high school will be a great roommate. Though you do not have total privacy but it will surely cut the cost of the apartment rent. But if you really want your privacy, then renting a studio-type apartment is more affordable as compared to a standard one-bedroom apartment.

3. If you plan on getting a student loan then you must first take into account  all the expenses in one semester. This will include your rent and other additional funds you need. Once you have calculated all the expenses then you can now apply for the loan and rent an apartment.

4. Before you sign the lease in the apartment you are going to rent be sure to check all the space and the document. Make sure that there are no or minimal damages. Review the contract with the landlord to make sure that both of you have a clear understanding. Surveying the place and reporting any damages to the landlord will save you from having to spend for the repairs which should not be.

Having to rent an apartment near the school will save you from having to ride a bus to school or spend money on gas. Just have things planned before moving in this way you will not have to worry about it when the school starts.