College can be a stressful time, with students sometimes having little choice but to leave the relative comfort of their homes and live on their own. Renting an apartment is one option that is available, and one that may be practical if the school lacks any dormitories near its premises. However, there are some things that need to be considered, since the decision of where one will be staying for four years – potentially more – is not something to be taken lightly. Apartment buildings are fairly common, and a student who isn’t pressed for time can afford to look around a bit before making a final decision.
Location concerns
It is always prudent to check what Philippine real estate has to offer in terms of affordable living space within a reasonable distance of the university itself. In the event that the school does not have dormitories and there are none nearby, renting an apartment in the general area is the best option. Living in one that is too far from the school defeats the purpose of looking for a closer location in the first place. The apartment must also be within a short distance from basic amenities like laundry services and public transportation.
Costs and cost-cutting
In all likelihood, the Makati apartment that a student wants to move into will be expensive, though he will not be the one shouldering the entirety of it. For the most part, parents still field a significant amount of the rental fees, if not all of it. However, it is usually ideal to cut the cost on the rent whenever possible, and most students must make ends meet with whatever allowance is given them. Renting an apartment with other students can often help in making the payments smaller to whoever is shouldering them, and provides the student with an easy avenue for social interaction.
Independence and growth
The college years, just like the high school years, are supposed to be a crucial time in developing the personality and growth of a person. Renting an apartment, even if the payments are made by one’s parents, can go a long way towards that. The student still has to learn to do their own laundry, work within a limited budget, and get along with his neighbors and possible roommates. This also puts them in a position to meet and interact with people they may otherwise not have met.
Renting an apartment is a good way to house a college student that lives far from the school, and it also gives him the opportunity to become more independent and interact with others. There may be some issues concerning who pays for most or all of the rent, but this arrangement is a private one. So long as the apartment is safe and located in a reasonable area, then there should be few problems apart from an adjustment period.
