15 Dec TRU Apartment Hunting Tips from McGill Ridge Apartments
If you’re a student, hunting for TRU apartment rentals may not be at the top of your “Things I Love to Do” list. With that in mind, the following tips should help your apartment search go smoothly.
Consider Apartment Mates
If you live alone, you have privacy and don’t need to consider others’ needs, but you have to shoulder all of the expenses. If you choose to share an apartment, costs are split between housemates, which dramatically reduces your monthly living expenses.
If you choose to live alone, you can economize by renting a studio apartment. If you choose to live with a housemate (or housemates), you’ll probably search for a 1 bedroom + study, or a 2 bedroom apartment.
Create a Budget
Add your total monthly income from all sources and subtract total monthly expenses.
Typical expenses:
- Apartment lease (rent)
- Utilities: cable and Internet, cell phone, streaming services
- Tuition, books
- Travel expenses (i.e. bus; car insurance, gas and car maintenance)
- Food and restaurant expenses
- Entertainment
For more information on creating a budget, we recommend reading the RateHub article “How to Set a Student Budget” and downloading the RateHub Student Budget worksheet. These provide some helpful information.
Once you have a budget, you’ll know the price range you can afford.
Create a Must-Have & Nice-to-Have List
When you’re looking for an apartment near the Kamloops TRU neighbourhood, you may need to make a few compromises – often to satisfy budgetary constraints. Create a list of must-have and nice-to-have requirements. It’s the “nice-to-have” items that give you room for compromise. You may have to compromise on apartment size, number of bedrooms, building age, amenities, or the proximity of the apartment to TRU.
Be the Early-Bird
Months before you need an apartment, start looking, if only to get a sense of what’s available. If you wait until the term is near, you’ll be competing with many students also looking for an apartment near TRU. Tour a few neighbourhoods and make notes about what you like or dislike.
Get the Word Out
Send an email or Facebook message to family members, friends and colleagues and let them know you are looking for an apartment close to TRU. You may get a referral.
Search Listings & Book Viewings
Search Kamloops apartment listings and start calling to book viewings. The following are a few local resources for your search:
Bring Your Checklist When to Viewings
Bring your must-have, nice-to-have list with you when viewing and check-off whether the apartment being viewed meets your criteria.
Read the Lease & Ask Questions
Always read the lease. It’s important to understand the contractual obligations and terms. If you don’t understand any part of the lease, ask the apartment rentals manager for clarity.
Consider Apartment Rental Insurance
The apartment building you rent has insurance, but that won’t insure your personal belongings. Ask the apartment rental manager if they can make a recommendation. Some apartments have relationships with local insurance brokerages.
Rent at McGill Ridge – TRU Apartment Rentals that are Truly Near TRU!
McGill Ridge TRU apartment community is comprised of four buildings located a 5-minute walk from TRU, with each offering a range of suites from studio apartments to 2 bedrooms. View floor plans and pricing and complete our Request Apartment Availability form. A representative will contact you in two business days with next steps.