So You're Moving Off Campus

Looking for housing can be an overwhelming task. The number one rule? Don't rush into it! Everyone seems to be running around once January hits, trying to find a place. But don't worry, London has a high percent of housing availability. Think of it this way: you're going to be living there for at least 8 months (moving is a pain, I suggest you think long term when looking for a place), you -and your parents for that matter- wouldn't want to live in a run down place that has cracks in the ceiling, would you?

So thanks to Krystle, here's a run-down of all the things you'll need to consider....

When looking for housing, there are two options and many places to look for listings.
1. Off Campus Housing :

• UWO Off Campus Housing site:
  
• Gazette, Kijiji,
  
• Private Property Sites (Exclusive Rentals/London Property Corp)

2. On Campus Apartments:

• UWO owns a bunch of properties close to campus that are available for upper-year students. You will need to go through with an application process though http://www.has.uwo.ca/housing/glenmore/index.htm

Set Priorities:

• Distance to campus
• Price
• Quality/size of house

Consider the Buses (aka: How Lazy Are You?) • For popular routes (2 Dundas, 6 Richmond/13 Wellington), the buses fill up pretty fast in the morning. Fast in the sense that once it reaches a certain stop and fills up, it will most likely drive by many stops up ahead. (example: 2 Dundas tends to fill up between the stops at Oxford, Saunby or Essex; the 6/13 fills up before Huron Street)

Next steps:

• Make a list of houses you like to keep track (hint: Google street view is your friend. You can get a general feel of the area and whether or not the place looks well-kept)
  
• Call to ask about specifics and set up an appointment.
• Patience and determination!

Ask Questions! When you’re looking at places, ask lots of questions! Here are a couple to get you started

• Whose responsibility is it for snow removal/lawn care?
• Is this unit share/connected to another one? If so, are there separate entrances?
• When are the last renovations that you did? (this will let you get an idea of how much the landlord cares about his/her property)
• Don't be afraid of asking the current tenants questions. After all, they're the ones who know the place well. (side story: recently, my landlord was showing my place and the people who came to see it literally spent less than 2 minutes in the house and had no questions. I ask you, how can you get a sense of a place that fast??)
  

House Inspection

• Look at the size (smallest bedroom?)
• Look for mold, disrepair, etc.
• How new are the appliances?
• Who shovels the driveway/cuts the grass?
• Is parking available?
• Who pays for utilities (hint: it's easiest if it's included in your rent)
  
• Is there laundry on-site? Coin operated?
• Dishwasher?
• Is the landlord a creep?
• Do they live in London? Part of a rental agency or independent?

So you really, really, really like it. What next?
Lease. The standard lease is typically 12 months.

• This is not a software license: read it.
• Might want your parents to sign it.
• The Tenant Act protects you in most cases.

Old North (aka: Student Ghetto)
• Pro: walk to campus, student neighbours
• Con: higher rent, houses are often run down and overcrowded, it’s loud during homecoming/St. Patrick’s

Downtown
• Pro: walk to the bar, lots of apartments, lots of restaurants/shops nearby
• Con: Usually have to take bus, higher rent, less nice looking areas

Near West/Near South:
• Pro: can usually walk to campus, cheaper, nicer suburban houses
• Con: further from downtown, retired/family neighbours

Masonville:
• Pro: near the mall, near Loblaws
• Con: likely have to bus, might get retired/family neighbours

Any Further Out
• Pro: Can find nicer houses for less money.
• Con: Be ready leave early for class on the bus every morning, or get a car.

Well folks, that's it. If this blog post gets any longer it will need to be put in a book.
Good luck!
I'll be expecting a housewarming party invite in the mail come September.