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Apartments vs. houses
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Deciding whether to rent an apartment or a house is a choice many college students have to make. Some students enjoy the privacy of living in a single family home, while others value space or included utilities. Both houses and apartments offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Many Boise State students opt for apartment living. Apartments offer more privacy than a campus residence hall, but space is often an issue. Storage and closet space may be extremely limited. Noisy neighbors can cause problems for students wanting to study late into the night. On the upside, apartment communities sometimes offer free internet or cable, laundry facilities and recreational areas.
Almost all property managers cover basic utilities such as water, sewer and trash. Apartment complexes may also offer additional security, such as an intercom system or restricted access. Some students feel safer knowing that property managers and neighbors are close in case of emergencies. One major perk to apartment living is having maintenance staff available for around-the-house repairs.
For Boise State students, the biggest drawback to apartment life may be the lack of parking available at some complexes.
Houses can be a more expensive option, but usually offer more space and privacy than an apartment. Houses are most feasible when three or more students split rent and utilities. Utilities for a single-family home are not always paid by the owner. If property is attached to the house, the renters may be responsible for lawn care and basic property maintenance. Some homes may have car ports or garages attached, which is extremely convenient given the scarcity of street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding Boise State. Renters are typically not subject to as many rules and regulations as they would be if they resided in an apartment community. They also do not have to worry about neighbors above or below disturbing valuable study time. Many houses, however, do not have a washing machines or dryers and students may need to utilize an off-site laundry facility.
People looking to rent may want to organize their priorities, so they can find a home that best suits their own needs.
No matter what type of residence students decide to live in, they can rest assured that the Boise State community is a wonderful place to make a home.
MATT ALMEIDA AND CHARLOTTE TAYLOR
Arbiter Staff
