My roommate and I want to get an apartment off campus next year and I wrote an argument for my parents to read about why they should let me do this. I'm actually going to post the entire letter on here.
Anyone who wants to read it, can.
Enjoy.
Dear parents,
As you both know, the next school year is closely approaching. This means that necessities have to be thought about. The most important component is the living aspect of it. Living in the high rise, I have realized that it is not for me. Sophomores can’t live in the high rises anyway, but this is beside the point. After doing some research, I have found that living off campus in an apartment is actually cheaper than living on campus in a suite or something. Now, I know that both of you are probably against this idea at first, but please let me try to persuade you.
Benefits of living off campus in an apartment:
^ A meal plan does not have to be bought
^ A parking permit does not have to bought
^ Year round living
^ cheaper (I’ll explain later on)
^ Higher quality of living
Not benefits of living in an off campus apartment
~ Monthly payments
As you can clearly see, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Now that I have explained the benefits and such, I will show you the math to back my argument up.
THE BASICS
- Suites cost about $2111- $2661 a semester
- If I lived in a suite, I’d be required to get a meal plan. (the cheapest costs $1415)
Here is the estimate cost of living on campus in a suite:
$2111 ($2661) (cost of suite living per semester, cost usually $2111-$2661)
x 2 (number of semesters)
$4222 ($5322) (for living on campus in a suite. Rough estimate without meal plan)
$1415 (meal plan)
x 2 (number of semesters)
$2830
$4222 ($5322)+$2830+$310(parking)= $7362- $8432 a year, roughly
And, yes there are on campus apartments, but they run about $2198- $2666 a semester. They also do not require a meal plan, but one is recommended. The absolute cheapest plan is $499 a semester.
$2198 ($2666)
X 2
$4396 ($5332)
$499
X 2
$998
$4396 ($5332)+$998+$310= $5704- $6640 a year
Off campus estimated costs
$409 (unfurnished)
X 12 (leases are 12 months)
$4098
$434 (furnished)
x 12
$ 5208
Ok, to compare...
Living on campus would cost about $5330 to $6630 (in a suite) or $5704- $6640 (in an on campus apartment) as opposed to $4098 to $5208 a year. AND, an apartment lease is for a FULL YEAR, NOT just for the two semesters.
I think that the math speaks for itself, but I’m guessing that you might not. So, I’ve compiled a FAQ section.
1. Kelly, this is a good idea and all, but isn’t $434 a bit much for a monthly payment?
At first glance, it does seem like a lot of money to be paying. But I have learned that the rent includes ALL the utilities, cable tv and high speed internet access. So, it really evens out. Think of it this way, rent in a normal apartment is probably around $200 or more PLUS electricity and water and other. It would be so much more if the utilities were not included. The off campus living apartments are really all inclusive.
2. That all may be true, but we didn’t have to pay for your housing this year because of financial aid. How will this be any cheaper?
Very good question. Well, to be honest, it can’t really compare to having the government paying for housing. That being said, financial aid covering all costs is not a guarantee. I received a rebate check of about $1600 dollars this year, and that money could be used to pay the rent for almost 4 months. Nothing is guaranteed, but I think that relying on the aid of the government is not the best option I have.
3. We are not made out of money, and you don’t even have a job. We aren’t going to pay for this by ourselves forever. What do you plan on doing about this?
Look, I know that I do not have a job or any income. I have really been trying to get a job wherever I can. I also don’t plan on being unemployed forever. When I get a job I will pay all the rent, I promise. You both know that I am a responsible person and repay all debts I have. I’m really trying my best to get another job.
4. We’ll think about it. Have you thought about where and who you want to live with?
Indeed I have thought of a place to live and with whom. The complex is called The Edge, and it’s right next to the school on the same side of the street. It’s definitely within walking distance. The apartment I want to live in has 4 private bedrooms and bathrooms. The bedrooms are nicely sized and they each have a walk in closet. The kitchen has a stove and all that good stuff. The apartment also comes with a washer and dryer standard. There is an application fee of $25, but they are waiving the security deposit. The guy giving us the tour also told us that they usually have specials and stuff for summer. As for roommates, Kara and I want to room with each other again. We would also want to move in during July or early August, in order to get all settled in and stuff, There is a service to find compatible roommates and stuff, so we wouldn’t have to find more people to live with us. If you want more information about the Edge, go to www.edgestudenthousing.com. I can show you what the people there gave us, because we went on a tour of the property. All in all, it’s a really homey place that I could see myself living in. I also think that it was a gated property. I can’t remember exactly if it is or not, but they do have security guards patrolling and stuff.
Love,
Kelly
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