Which Amenities are Worth the Money?

When you are looking for an off-campus apartment, it’s easy to be lulled into dreamland by fancy common spaces and amenities.

The newer the apartment complex, the nicer the amenities and units, and the higher the price tag. As a student, it’s important to be realistic about what you want and what you really need.

Fancy clubhouses with common space and a big screen TV serve as enticements that often make an apartment complex feel more like a resort. These common spaces often include an exercise room, locker room, and access to the pool. Some offer concierge services from on-site staff, like movie rental, dry cleaning drop offs, or copy machines and a business center.

As a student, you should evaluate how realistic it is that you will actually use these spaces or the extra services that are offered there.

A swimming pool, for example, will look refreshingly fun in the summer, but if it’s closed from Labor Day until school’s out, you’re not going to get much use of it throughout the year.

Exercise facilities in the clubhouse may look convenient, but if your campus has a rec center, you’re probably already paying for membership as part of your campus fees, and your on-site facility is bound to pale by comparison.

Additionally, most clubhouses have restrictions as to the use of the facility, as well as open hours that may not fit your school and work schedule.

Before you pay hundreds of dollars more each year for amenities you may not use, be sure to evaluate all your leasing options. Your bank account may thank you later.