storrsstudentliving

Living Off Campus Pros and Cons

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 20:41:45 GMT

Heading off to college can be a frightening experience in and of itself. However, choosing to live off campus can certainly add to the fear and challenge. There are a number of advantages to students living off campus, which can contribute to a positive, healthy experience. Here at Storrs Student Living we want to share with you some of the pros and cons that come with choosing to live off campus.

The Pros to Living Off Campus

Living on campus tends to afford students a full and safe experience of college living. On campus living means you don’t have to fret over how you are going to get to and from campus every day. On-campus living also puts resources and other students readily at your disposal. However, there are a number of different advantages to living off campus as well.

Lots more privacy and personal space – When living off campus, you have much more space to call your own and can easily enjoy more freedom, privacy and overall independence. For starters, you don’t have to sleep in such close quarters, nor do you have to share a bathroom with a multitude of other students. Additionally, living off campus provides you with the peace and quiet you want and need to give primary focus to your studies and homework.
Learning to be more independent – When you choose to live off campus rather than in a dorm, you are opening opportunities for you to learn about and experience many of life’s everyday responsibilities. When you rent an apartment off campus, you will quickly learn how to manage your new home, including timely payments of your rent, setting up your utilities and paying your own bills. You will also have the responsibility of buying your own food and groceries and any other products you need in the comfort of your own home. How exciting it is to learn to be more independent!
It’s your home all year round – We all know that colleges close down for holidays, breaks and for the summer, forcing all students to pack up their belongings and head back home. Living off campus means your home is yours all year round and you don’t have to worry or fuss with moving in and out semester after semester. There is something quite appealing about not having to pack up your belongings over and over again and move in and out of your home or your college dorm. Certainly, the effort can be tiresome and most assuredly adds to your college challenges every time you make a move.

The Cons of Living Off Campus

Though there are many pros to living off campus, here are a few disadvantages that you might want to consider before making that all important decision.

Increased costs- Obviously, when living off campus, you have a multitude of new costs that you are responsible for. From paying your rent and utilities to transportation fees and groceries, the additional costs can present a real hardship. It is important to determine what your cash flow is in comparison to your expenses and ensure that you are able to make ends meet.
Increased tasks and responsibilities - When living off campus, your tasks and responsibilities are more than what you would face in a dorm, and they can take up some of your extra time that would otherwise be dedicated to your studies. Keeping your apartment clean, paying your bills on time, cooking your own meals or handling repairs with the help of a flooring company in Brewster, NY can all take up a decent amount of time. These responsibilities, such as drain cleaning in Staten Island and mold removal in Carmel, NY , can become overwhelming to some students and interfere with other parts of their college experience and education.
Feeling detached and left out – When you live on campus, every day you are surrounded by other students, events of all sorts and a number of college activities that go on. Though you may choose to live off campus with one or two other students and will have some interaction, it is just not the same as being in the middle of all the college activity and a mass number of students. If you do find yourself feeling left out and detached from all the students and activities, make it a point to attend as many events as possible so as to minimize your feelings of detachment and isolation.
Transportation needs – Living off campus means you will need to find appropriate transportation to and from college. Students who have their own vehicles will ultimately incur additional costs for gasoline. Those students who do not have their own vehicles will have to rely on public transportation and will find themselves faced with additional transportation costs such as transfer fees.

Is Living Off Campus Right for You?

Deciding on whether or not off-campus living is for you will be dependent upon a number of factors. You must first decide on what type of a college experience you want to have. Do you want to be in the middle of all the excitement, hoopla and confusion which is present every day on campus, or do you like the idea of having your own space to concentrate on your studies and enjoy extra independence either by yourself or with friends?

The next factor is that of your own personality. First-year students who are typically outgoing and very interactive will tend to find the most comfort and rewards living on campus. Those freshmen who are quiet, subdued and tend to not be outwardly aggressive or vocal, usually give favor to having their own space so as to have control of their own time and activities. Further, your important decision making will depend upon how much new responsibility you want to assume and your capability of handling the new tasks and responsibilities as well.

Finally, you must take into consideration your finances and your ability to pay for your rent, utilities, groceries and other expenses. Many students have parents who choose to foot that tab, but those without parental contributions need to ensure that they are able to afford their off-campus living so as not to create more challenges and hardships for themselves during their college years.

Reach Out to Our Team

Here at Storrs Student Living, we are steadfast in our commitment to help students find the living arrangements that are best suited to their needs, wants and lifestyle. Our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insight on living options available. Reach out to one of our team for more information about Storrs Student Living and why off-campus living may or may not be the ideal choice for you.

Trendy, Cool, and Affordable Ways to Decorate Your College Apartment

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:57:52 GMT

For college students who find themselves living away from home for the first time, the change may be challenging. Making your college apartment feel like home does not have to be one of the many challenges faced. Decorating your new college living space does not have to break the bank, nor does it have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips on how to decorate your college apartment to look and feel at home.

Decorative Details Are an Absolute Must Do

Adding decorative details of all types is a surefire way of making your new college apartment space genuinely feel like your very own. If you are like so many other students and are working on a budget, then buying extravagant accessories and decorative items is not the option for you. You can use several creative yet simple ideas to add style, charm, and personality to your college apartment.

Furniture That Has Multi-Purposes

One of the most popular multi-purpose pieces of furniture on the market today is that of the futon. A futon not only serves as a comfortable bed, but it can also serve as a couch providing the ideal spot during the day and night for sitting comfortably. In the evening hours, whether for yourself or for that college buddy who just can’t drive home tonight, a futon turns quickly into a very accommodating bed.

Another popular multi-purpose piece of furniture is the ever-popular ottoman. An ottoman allows you to rest your feet comfortably but can also serve as a seat in and of itself, and if it is designed with a hidden compartment can be the perfect place to store lots of fun items. Whether magazines, books, video games, or video system accessories, an ottoman with storage space is a much-needed piece of furniture for every college kid.

Throw Rugs Add a Whole Lot of Style and Personality

Throw rugs are ideal for adding your personality to your living space. They are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, shapes, and patterns, making it very easy to find something that showcases your taste and personality while matching your décor and color schemes. It is best to use smaller throw rugs for areas such as entranceways and in front of the bathroom sink, while more oversized rugs are best used underneath a coffee table or even alongside your bed. Overall, throw rugs are the perfect way to add comfort, color, style, and even life to your new college apartment.

A Multi-Shelved Bookshelf Says and Does a Whole Lot

Another simple but creative design idea is that of a multi-shelved bookshelf. In your college apartment, where space may be limited, a corner bookshelf may be the ideal solution for you. With a corner bookshelf, you can easily showcase all your books, magazines, CDs, and the likes. Though ideal for showcasing all your books and things, a bookshelf is also the perfect way to add stylish accessories to your décor. You can add some of your favorite framed family photos on a shelf with other small decorative items on the remaining shelves. Each adds a bit of your own personality to your apartment décor.

Wall Photos, Prints and Artwork Add Charm

Perhaps you have wall framed photos or your favorite vacation or even framed posters of your favorite musicians or sports figures. Whatever the case may be, adding these personal memories to your blank walls will undoubtedly make your living space feel a lot more like home. Maybe you have a favorite painting or a collage of all your favorite memories. If so, add them to your living room and bedroom walls. You may even want to hang a couple of inexpensive wall shelves so that you can display a variety of personal items, trinkets or other meaningful items. You can also change up the color of the walls yourself or hire house painters in Fairfield, CT or painting contractors in Glastonbury, CT .

The Vintage College Apartment

A vintage apartment is sure to have an elegant and even romantic look and tends to be overly comfy and cozy. Vintage typically presents furniture with cracks and chips, a comfortable but truly lived-in look, and an atmosphere that is every bit nostalgic as it is peaceful. If your college apartment has a vintage style and look, then lo and behold your options are many. Vintage is making a serious comeback these days and many people find great favor with the vintage décor. Vintage furniture has a look all its own and has a way of adding such character to any living space. If your apartment is vintage, then why not add to the look with vintage patterns and smaller pieces of vintage furniture such as black and white photos on the walls, flowers in older styled vases, antique clocks and mirrors, older styled lamps or even a wooden crate bedside table. The décor and design opportunities, when it comes to vintage, are vast.

Inspiring At Best

The decorating ideas we have shared here for your college apartment should inspire you to take whatever steps are necessary to make your new living space look and feel like living at home. Everybody enjoys living in a home that is a reflection of their very own style and personality. Moving and living away from home for the first time can be somewhat challenging for most college students. However, when you take the time and appropriate steps to decorate your new apartment with items that showcase your personal style, taste and personality, you are sure to end up with a look and feel that is comfortable and truly reminds you of home. More often than not, especially when budget is an issue, simplicity tends to have a more appealing look than an apartment that is overcrowded or cluttered with lots of unnecessary pieces and accessories. With that said, when decorating your new college apartment, it may serve you best to keep it simple and incorporate simplistic, but stylish items and designs that suit your personal needs. I think we can all agree that simple can be charming and stylish but be ever so inspiring at best!

How to Make Your Student Apartment Look and Feel Like Home

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:36:55 GMT

Students who rent when away at college, oftentimes miss the look and feel of home. Customizing your student apartment to feel a bit more like home is a surefire way of helping you feel more comfortable and adjust to your new life away from home. Granted, you can’t change the color of the walls, the flooring or the cabinets, but there are a number of ways you can still make your new living space feel a whole lot more like home.

Simple Ways to Make Your Student Apartment Feel More Like Home

Add some light - There is nothing that can be more uncomfortable, dreary and even unhealthy than a dark living space, whether because the lighting in your space is simply not enough or there is not enough of the natural sunlight shining in during the daylight hours. Making your student living space appear brighter will actually make it appear more spacious as well, much like all that space you had at home in your private bedroom. If the light fixtures in your apartment do not give off satisfactory light, investing in a couple of trendy fun lamps can make a difference. Adding light to your apartment will help you feel ‘more alive’ and adding lamps that reflect your own style, taste and personality will add not only a touch of pizazz to your surroundings but will add some of those comfy home feelings you are missing.

Bring some life to those blank, bare walls - If the walls in your new apartment are basic white or beige and there are a lot of empty walls, adding some of your favorite pictures and posters can certainly help. Whether pictures of favorite family memories or snapshots of your favorite sports figures, adding some spice to the walls with the help of painting contractors in West Hartford, CT and house painters in Brewster, NY can make a common living space feel very much like home. You can check if you could have some minor wall paint to be done by a professional house painter in CT or a painting company in Prospect, CT to add more texture to your plain walls.

Don’t forget the plants – If you have a little bit of a green thumb and like plants, sprinkle a few plants throughout your student apartment to add color, clean air and even life to your living space. There are lots and lots of plants that do not require much time and effort to take care of them. If you feel you haven’t the time to care for plants or you simply haven’t a green thumb, there are surely a whole lot of stylish, unique fake plants that will add style and charm to your new space and present with the look and feel of home.

Everybody loves throw rugs, blankets and pillows – Plain and basic tile, carpets or hardwood floors can be nothing short of boring and bland. With that said, laying down some stylish throw rugs where you have space will not only add décor, and color, but can easily add comfort and a touch of your own personality to your apartment unit. Further to throw rugs, you might want to add a little bit of pop to your space by adding some throw blankets and even some fun pillows to your couches and chairs.

Trust the Team here at Storrs Student Living

The team here at Storrs Student Living is committed to helping students find the perfect apartment that meets their individual needs. You do not have to let students living in college apartments keep you from feeling as if you are living right at home. The ideas we have shared above are not only creative, but are a surefire way of making that everyday college apartment truly feel like home. Living away from home can be very difficult for many college students and having to live in a space that is entirely foreign and contrary to the comforts of home can certainly add to that challenge. The team here at Storrs Student Living stands ready to help you find the perfect college apartment and is on hand to answer any questions you may have. We want students to feel comfortable and as much at home as possible in our apartments which is why we have shared these creative ideas on how to make your student apartment look and feel like home. For more information on Storrs student living, be sure to reach out to our dedicated team today!

The Many Benefits of Off Campus Housing

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:29:27 GMT

Whether you are heading out to college for your first year or are a returning college student, you will find yourself faced with one very important decision. Deciding whether to live on or off campus can be a somewhat challenging and even scary decision, but it is one that every college student must make. There are a number of benefits to living off campus regardless of whether you are a new student or a returning student. Here at Storrs Student Living, our team of dedicated specialists want to share some of the top reasons why you may want to live off campus rather than on.

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE LIVING OFF CAMPUS

There are definitely some upsides to living off campus and from our experiences here at Storrs Student Living here are some of the top benefits and advantages.

Freedom – When living off campus, you do not have to concern yourself about annoying and very invading RAs monitoring and watching your every move or having to accommodate or deal with the ups and downs of an on-campus roommate. What you do, say and experience in your own residence is nobody’s business but your own. Whether you want to hang out in your favorite sleepwear all day, hire a painting company in Carmel, NY , watch continuous television programs or eat at every hour of the day, you have all the freedom to do it. You don’t have to worry about your roommate’s habits, late night visitors, or constant complaining. Rather, you are free to do whatever you please and certainly free to be you. Living off campus can most assuredly be a liberating experience for even the youngest of students since you no longer have to be told what to do, how or when but rather just live your own life according to your own choices.

Cuisine – When living on campus, students are slaves to the college kitchen and food items. Often times there are long lines to get something to eat or to grab your favorite snack which can not only take up valuable time but weigh heavy on your patience. When living off campus, you are in control of what you eat, how often you eat it and at what time of day you eat it as well. You do not have to deal with the dining hall, the long lines or the tasteless menus. Rather, you can pick up or have delivered your favorite food or even take time out to be creative in the kitchen yourself.

New Life Experiences – No matter whether you are a first year or fourth year student, living off campus affords you many opportunities to become and grow as an adult. Living off campus means more responsibilities and even more challenges than those students living on campus. In addition to your typical every day school work, off campus students are now responsible for their own cooking, cleaning, and financial issues including, paying their rent and other monthly bills. This is a surefire way of getting acquainted with the outside real world and is sure to help students recognize the importance of being independent, self sufficient and not relying upon other individuals to get them through daily life tasks and challenges.

Quality Alone Time and Space – When you have a place to call your own, it allows you to experience and enjoy the alone time, seclusion and space you may very well need. Alone time may benefit your studies and your college work a great deal and can also benefit your mindset and your very presence. College life can be somewhat of a burden and filled with all sorts of stressful situations, but when you have your own space, it is much easier to deal with the many challenges and stresses. Often times a roommate can attempt to offer advice, ‘solve’ problems and have all the answers. For most individuals, including college students, this is not always the best solution or approach. Living off campus gives you plenty of alone time and space to handle college tasks, dedicate quality time to activities, or simply provide an escape where you can simply get lost in your own thoughts, feelings and dreams. Living off campus can be peaceful, rewarding and a life changing experience for sure.

Friendship Bonds and Relationships – When you choose to live off campus you can enjoy quality alone time with friends that you perhaps would not have been able to enjoy were you living on campus. Many colleges separate students by way of residence halls minimizing your chances for building relationships outside of your specific hall. Living on your own allows you to stay up as long as you want with friends and provides you with an opportunity to experience one on one relationships and conversations with individuals or new friends. With these experiences, long lasting and strong relationships and bonds are developed. Off campus also allows you to meet other students or community individuals who can share unique conversations or activities with you and allows you to network with a variety of people as well. When you are able to meet other students and individuals and are able to learn about the location you are living in you will have happy experiences that you may otherwise never have experienced at all. Living off campus allows you to mingle and be active in the community as well.

Trust Our Team of Specialists

Here at Storrs Student Living, our team of dedicated specialists is committed to helping students find the ideal living arrangements that suit their individual needs. We understand full well how challenging it can be to set out to live on your own. However, as we have explained here, living off campus has a number of healthy benefits. For more information about on-campus and off-campus living, be sure to reach out to one of our staff today. We look forward to helping you find the most healthy, happy and accommodating living arrangements that are suited to your personal lifestyle, taste and needs!

Decorating Your College Apartment

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 14:42:20 GMT

One of the best ways to make your new apartment feel like home is to decorate your space exactly how you want it! This is your chance to be creative and bring comfort to your space while being surrounded by decor that feels right to you. Whether you think so or not - you have a style. Now, it's time to create the vision that captures you !

Priorities

The first thing you will want to think about when designing your space are determining priorities. Is an office space for a desk and bookshelf a requirement? Do you need a space to workout at home? Are you a movie lover who needs room for an at-home projector? Or maybe you’re an entertainer in need of a table fit to host dinner parties! Understanding your typical activities and tailoring your space to your hobbies is a necessity for both functionality and happiness. Regardless of the size of your space, there are many creative ways to decorate your apartment to make daily activities easier and more enjoyable.

Color

Incorporating different colors into your space is important to create the feel of home. Bringing light into your apartment with the right colors can change the entire feel of a room. If you're someone who enjoys vibrant hues, then pick a few complimentary colors to spice things up. Or if you enjoy more earth tones, then pair some calming colors together. Although painting isn’t something typically done with renting, you can bring these colors to life with furniture, wall decor, accent pillows and throws. Lamps and soft lighting can also add a warm glow to your space for when the “overhead” light feels a bit too much.

Shape

Apartments tend to feel boxy, so it's always a good idea to add some different shapes. Tables, mirrors, picture frames, and rugs are just a few easy ways to incorporate some fun shapes into your space and give it more dimension. Be creative- you don't have to stick to one shape.

Greenery

Plants are always a nice touch to every room and even have benefits for your health and well-being. A small palm tree in the common area can really bring a room together. For your bedroom, adding some succulent plants can be calming and are low-maintenance. Most succulents do not require a lot of light which is especially convenient if you prefer to keep your bedroom dark. A few herb plants in the kitchen can even be helpful for cooking and bring in wonderful aromas or consider a small garden on the front yard. If you are going to incorporate any greenery into your space, always be mindful if you have pets and be sure to do some research to ensure the plant is safe for your animals to be around. If you aren’t interested in the upkeep of house plants, you can also substitute for artificial plants to achieve the same look.

Types of Interior Design

There are so many different types of design that you could bring to your space. Below is a list of design types that will help you discover what style feels right for you. So go explore with these keywords and start making a list of things you’ll want to incorporate into your home!

Transitional
Traditional
Modern
Eclectic
Contemporary
Minimalist
Mid-century Modern
Bohemian
Modern Farmhouse
Shabby Chic
Coastal
Hollywood Glam
Southwestern
Rustic
Industrial
French Country
Scandinavian
Mediterranean
Art Deco
Asian Zen

Tips for Choosing the Right Roommates?

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:27:09 GMT

Having to move into a new space can seem overwhelming. For many students it will be their first time living on their own. On top of the new location and adjusting to a new school, you will also have to learn to live with a roommate. This can be quite the adjustment, that is why we have typed up a list of tips to take into account when picking out and living with a roommate.

Their school schedule vs their roomates' school schedule

Something most students overlook when choosing a roommate, is that roommate’s schedule. If your roommate has many morning classes, they will most likely go to bed early and may prefer to have you do the same. If you like to stay up late this may conflict with your preference. The last thing you are going to want to do is interfere with your roommate’s sleep schedule or their ability to function properly in class, and the same thing goes for you. By comparing schedules and sleep preference early you can avoid any interference.

Cleanliness habits and preferences

Some individuals feel more comfortable around clutter, while others can’t find peace unless everything is properly organized and neat. When it comes to cleaning, some people prefer to get their cleaning done in one day, while others prefer to tidy up a little bit each day. You can also divide chores by preference, have one roommate vacuum while the other mops. Adversely you can alternate chores and have one roommate responsible for certain tasks and then have the other individual perform those tasks the following week.

Set boundaries about having people over or other people staying over

Individuals may not approve of having people over when they are not home, and some may not want company over even when they are there. Some people are in relationships and may want to have their significant other stay over. Sometimes a roommate will invite their friends over to spend the night. If you are uncomfortable, or plan on having company over it is important that you discuss this with someone you plan on rooming with prior to living together. Establishing and agreeing on boundaries early is key.

What belongings can be shared between everyone and if not, designate areas for personal belongings

People may or may not be comfortable letting their roommates use their belongings. If one roommate brings a printer, can the other make use of it? If you’d prefer not to share, be sure to have certain private areas set aside for each roommate to store their personal belongings. Asking these questions early can help you prevent any confusion later on.

Clearly assign who is bringing what on move-in day (furniture, small appliances, toiletries, etc)

Something people forget to do is coordinate who is bringing what. It can be frustrating to move large objects, such as a sofa for example, just to find out your roommate already brought one. Plus this will also help prevent you and your roommate from forgetting anything you may need. Coordination can help either one of you from over spending, there’s no need for one of you to buy a microwave if either one of you has a spare. You can also avoid having to go out shopping for any missed items on your first day of living together when you determine what to bring and who is bringing what.

Your Trusted UConn Apartment Supplier

By determining the type of living condition you would be most comfortable with and bringing them up with any potential roommates, you can make finding the right roommate an easier process. It will help prevent any future misunderstandings or arguments. If you are interested in any other things to consider when finding a roommate, or have any questions about our affordable and high quality off campus student living accommodations, feel free to give one of our team members a call today at 203-941-6005.

Finding the Safest Neighborhoods to Live Near UConn

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 18:30:35 GMT

Many kids, much like their very own parents, look forward to their college years so they can go out into the world, live someplace different, meet lots of new and exciting friends and have the opportunity to experience a variety of new things. For many college-bound children the thought of immersing themselves into a different and more exciting environment is a very important component of their college lives.

Children Can Branch Out and Expand Their Horizons

When your child decides they would rather go away to college and live in their own rental apartment or house, there are a number of challenges that come into play. One of the first and most important tasks at hand is finding a location near to college that is not only practical and close but safe and protected as well.

Most of us agree that leaving the ‘nest’ and heading out to live on your own is a part of healthy development for our children. Doing so gives college students an opportunity to experience an entirely different type of life while finding out what it is they actually want to do with their lives as well as figuring out who they really are.

Getting Started

When you begin your quest to find the ideal rental apartment or home, your first and most foremost focus should be on the ‘where’ and not the ‘which one’ or the ‘what’. With that said, finding a safe and protected town or city to live in is critical to your new life and is something that every parent needs to give attention to.

Storrs, which is home to Connecticut’s beloved Huskies, has been recognized as one of the safest places in all of the country to live. It is located 50 miles from the ocean and has no nearby rivers that can cause flooding and has never fallen prey to a natural disaster. For college bound students headed to UConn, living in Storrs is indeed a safe choice as are the neighboring towns of Mansfield, Ashford and Willington. Manchester, which is nearly a 30-minute drive to the UConn Storrs campus and is more city like living rather than the rural living in those towns mentioned above, has also been billed as a safe location to live.

UConn Offers Off-Campus Housing Services to Students

Students who have elected and been accepted at UConn of Storrs and need to locate a safe off campus rental apartment or house can take advantage of UConn’s off-campus housing services. There are a number of very safe and highly visible locations nearby to the campus where students can take up residence without safety or other concerns. You may want to perform your due diligence on crime ratings in any of the locations you are interested in. You can check out the overall safety of specific towns nearby the UConn Storrs Campus by visiting Connecticut Crime Statistics .

Always Safety First

As parents, we are all concerned about the safety and well-being of our children and that includes our young adult sons and daughters who are now college bound and setting out to learn about life’s adventures on their own. For those students who choose not to live on campus, where Mom and Dad are sure to feel a whole lot more secure, but rather want to experience living in their own apartment or rental house, a safe and well protected location should be everyone’s number one priority.

We take pride in the safety, happiness and well-being of all our valued students at all times. We offer off campus living services that aid students and their parents in finding the ideal location and town to live in as well as the ideal apartment or rental home that satisfies the individual needs of students.

If you have any questions or concerns, or are in need of assistance in finding off-campus living arrangements, please reach contact us .

Understanding Renter’s Insurance for Students

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 19:31:30 GMT

A milestone in and of itself, college presents with a number of struggles and everyday challenges for our college-bound children, which is why we, as parents, want to do whatever is possible to minimize the complex tasks our young adult children are faced with.

When our kids head off to college, they take with them their favorite furnishings, every piece of electronics they own and, of course, their every article of clothing. They venture over to the nearest department store with Mom and Dad to purchase all those apartment necessities and then some. Though furnishing their dorm, new college apartment or new rental home is critical to their next four years and attributes to their comfort and safety, insuring all those old and new belongings is an even more critical task to undertake. That’s where every Mom and Dad comes in.

Renter’s Insurance for Your College Young Adult

Whether your child is renting a home with a group of college buddies, or renting an apartment on their own, it is critical that your child’s possessions are insured to safeguard them should there be a fire, theft, water loss or the likes. If your child is living in a dorm here at UConn, more thank likely your own homeowner’s policy can and will cover their belongings and possessions, but is dependent upon the type of policy you have and the insurance company that actually wrote the policy. Many homeowner policies will cover life in the dorm, but they vary desperately as to what coverage they will actually provide for students who are now living on their own away from home.

But for the college bound student who elects to rent a home or apartment, it is a very good idea to purchase a separate policy from your typical homeowner’s policy. You should invest in a Renters policy and be sure the Renters policy of choice provides the adequate coverage you want and need for your college bound student.

Coverage You Want to Include in Your Separate Renters Policy

The three basic protection you want for your student child include:

Coverage for Personal Possessions – If your child’s belongings or prize possessions are damaged in any way, lost, fall prey to vandalism or fire/water damage, you want to be sure they are fully covered so your child does not suffer a dramatic loss.

Liability Coverage – Should an individual slip and fall and ultimately suffer an injury, perhaps while visiting your student child or even attending a party at their humble abode, you want to ensure that you have appropriate coverage to cover any type of losses. Liability coverage will not only help to cover all types of medical expenses that may be incurred as a result of a slip and fall or any other harm suffered, but should you find yourself faced with a lawsuit as a result of an injury, then liability coverage will also pay for legal fees you may incur to defend your child in a legal action.

Coverage for Additional Living Expenses – If your college bound student becomes displaced because of a fire, water damage, storm damage, roof repairs or the likes, additional living expense coverage comes into play to cover the cost of other living arrangements such as a motel or hotel. It can even provide coverage if your child elects to find himself or herself another apartment or rental home to serve as a temporary living space rental until such time their apartment or rental home is returned to its pre-damaged state and is suitable for your child to move back home to.

Why Renters Insurance is so Important for Your College Bound Child

Whether your child is heading off to live in a college campus dorm, or is rending a house or a small off-campus cozy apartment, it is critical that you protect all your child’s possessions. Many students have a variety of personal items they bring along with them, from a wide range of different electronics and sports equipment to furniture and clothes, all of which have a value of thousands of dollars.

In addition, as we noted above college parties and gatherings are one of the most common scenarios that can ultimately result in trouble, including property damage and even personal injuries. With that said, it is an absolute must do to invest in a separate Renters Policy for your college bound child to not only protect their possessions and belongings, but to protect their safety and your pocketbook from potential lawsuits that, as we all know, can become quite costly.

It's Better to Be Safe Than Sorry

The overall cost of a Renters Policy is remarkably inexpensive and with that fact in mind, the team here at UConn wants to help parents and college students alike to understand the significant role effective and affordable Renters insurance can and will play in your child’s life. Investing in affordable Renter’s insurance for your college student is a surefire way of being safe rather than sorry. A Renters Policy can prove to be much less costly than having to replace all your child’s belongings as the result of a fire, storm or theft or having to cover the costs incurred with an unfortunate liability lawsuit.

Making Your Transition Easy

vbui@axelagroup.com (Vicky Bui) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:57:33 GMT

Renting your first apartment is a big and exciting step. More than just being in a college dorm, or campus housing, renting an apartment is a place that you can truly make feel like you! Our variety of communities provide you with an array of living options to choose from, so be sure to click on our communities page and check them out!

Exploring is one of the best things to do when transitioning into your new place, but you’ll want to consider a few other factors before you decide on your perfect move!

Must-Haves

Deciding what you want is easily one of the most important things to consider. Is the laundry in your apartment a necessity or are you fine going to a laundromat? Can you handle washing dishes often or do you need a dishwasher? Will you need to park on the street or is there off street parking for your apartment? If there is off street parking available, is there a cost tied to it or is it free? Also, how many spaces are you given for your apartment? These are all important questions to think about when deciding what’s important to you and ultimately what would make you the most comfortable in your new home.

Budget

Creating a budget that is flexible allows you to have a plan in place for how much you can expect to pay and when. Rent is generally due on the first of the month and you’ll want to know if this includes utilities or if that is a separate charge. Be cautious of this important detail because some monthly rent costs may seem enticing, but if they do not include utilities, then it can typically be just as much as other housing options. Electricity, gas/heat, cable/internet, and trash are all typical utilities that need to be discussed before moving into your apartment. A Harvard study showed that 1 in 4 people are paying more than 50% of their income on utilities and rent . Needless to say that budgeting is a necessity for prepping your move! In terms of rent, you should expect to pay roughly the first and last month’s rent upfront as a security deposit.

Sticking to a budget can be a difficult task- especially if you're not used to moving around. The next thing to consider is the moving costs. Will you need movers or will you do it yourself? Do you think you'll be bringing only smaller items or do you have furniture that requires renting a moving truck? If you are moving locally, typically expenses will be lower whereas moving cross-country tends to be more expensive. This can be a detail sometimes forgotten.

Touring

Seeing places in person is one of the best ways to get a feel for what's right for you! Put your creative cap on and picture the space for more than just the empty rooms that you currently see. What will your new home look like? How will it be decorated? Touring different places gives you a chance to see and feel the space as well as the option to ask the landlord some questions. Make sure you tour more than just the inside; get a look outside the apartment. Taking a drive around the area can be very beneficial as well, giving you the opportunity to see what your new town or city will be like. Find that local coffee shop that everyone loves or even a fun store to go into. Be a local while you're touring because you may be one soon!

What’s Next?

Once you have considered these three key factors, it's time to get packing! Perhaps one of the best things you can do before this is to downsize. Typically when we are living in a space for any period of time, we tend to acquire belongings that may not be that important to us anymore. If this sounds true for you, then chances are you would benefit from getting rid of some things. Selling, donating, or even discarding these items not only makes moving a lighter task; it also gives you more room to play within your new space! Being organized with your belongings that are going to your new home is the next step. Be sure to label all boxes so that you can easily find the things you need right away like cleaning supplies, bedding, and even a plate and cup or two for when you're ready for a bite to eat! Don’t forget to pack a few outfits like you would if you were going on a trip, because you don’t want to be rummaging through your clothes to put together an outfit. Reading through these tips has hopefully helped you synthesize where to start in order to make the transition into your new apartment a seamless experience. The last tip is to have fun. It can seem overwhelming at times but finding a new home can be a really wonderful experience as well.

Find The Right Student Housing Today

With a number of different floor plans and living options, Storrs Student Living is sure to have the right off campus living choice for you. Separate your living and learning environments and find your next home away from home today. Contact us today at 203-941-6005 for more information on our rental properties.

Choosing between On Campus and Off Campus Housing at UCONN

vbui@axelagroup.com (Vicky Bui) — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 17:04:51 GMT

After completing the required on-campus residency at UCONN, it’s time to make a decision: should you live on or off campus for the remainder of your college career? There are a number of factors that should be considered when making this decision, and your answers can determine the right living accommodations for you. For many, there are a number of benefits that off campus living holds over on campus living. Here are three factors that may impact your living decision:

1. Roommates

Oftentimes, students are given little to no choice of who they’ll be living with when living on campus. With nearly 20,000 undergraduate students, on campus living provides no certainty that you will be living with peers of your interest. When living off campus, you can choose who to live with so that your experience can be as enjoyable as possible. For those who prefer living alone, off campus living also offers one bedroom arrangements!

2. Privacy

After fulfilling the required on campus residency at UConn, many students become tired of the lack of privacy that dorm living provides. With numerous floormates, RA’s and a general sense of crowdedness, the on campus living experience can become claustrophobic. If you’d prefer a sense of privacy in your living arrangement, off campus living may be the choice for you.

3. Space

Simply put, dorms are small. These small spaces can be tedious, and not conducive to a good learning environment. Not to mention, these spaces only get smaller when shared with roommates. Having a limited amount of space to double as a living room, bedroom, and study room isn’t healthy for the development of young minds. With more space comes more freedom, flexibility, and happiness.

Find The Right Student Housing Today

What To Look For Before Renting Off-Campus Student Housing

vbui@axelagroup.com (Vicky Bui) — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:07:06 GMT

When looking at off campus housing, it is important to find the right living situation for you. Gathering your needs and considering all available options is the first step to determining where you’ll call home during the next academic year. Here are a few things you should consider before making your decision.

Transportation

Depending on what transportation you have access to and what type of transportation you prefer, different properties will suit your needs better than others. We offer properties that range from a block from campus, to a few minute car ride, to directly on a campus shuttle or bus route to campus. We encourage you to explore our properties depending on how far you’d like to commute, and whether you prefer public or private transportation.

Living Arrangements

Knowing how many bedrooms as well as your preferred overall property size is key to finding a property that fits your liking. We offer apartments and townhomes ranging from studios, to single bedroom, to two bedroom properties. Once you have determined your desired size, it becomes much easier to narrow down which properties work best for you.

Amenities

To really feel at home in your off campus property, it is important to have the right amenities and options to fit your lifestyle. We have a variety of properties including pet friendly apartments, updated kitchens, and more. Be sure to figure out what amenities are most important to you.

Utilities

When you’re looking to rent off-campus student housing, it’s important to focus on the cost of your utilities. Sometimes it can be difficult to estimate the monthly cost of your utilities because they fluctuate depending on usage. This can be a huge benefit for you as you’ll only have one monthly bill, and you’ll pay the same amount in rent each month to your landlord.

Storrs Student Living has a convenient Utility Management System (UMS) for our student housing. Our tenants no longer need to have their electrical service in their name or remember to pay it on the utility website or stop service upon moving out. Our UMS team will post the bill to our tenants accounts using our online portal. This is an amazing one-stop shop for our tenants! UMS also audits each bill to make sure the provider is billing accurately. When it comes to our UMS system, our SVP business Development, Vicky King likes to describe it as, “Keep it Simple, but Significant.”

Ask About Our Off-Campus Housing Options

Once you've considered all of these aspects of off-campus housing, you’re in good shape to begin searching for the right property for you! At Storrs Student Living, we have a variety of living situations to choose from that range in size, location, and style. To learn more about our affordable and high quality off campus student living accommodations at UConn, contact us today at 203-941-6005 for more information!