Don't Be Homeless!

Laura Brosious
Gamma Chi

Hopefully by now most of you have figured out where you are living for the summer or next fall. But if you are like me and my roommates, you are waiting until the very last minute hoping something great will pop up for rent. 

Whether you sign a lease right after Christmas break or a week before your move-in date, the process is still the same.

Step 1: Decide if you want to live in an apartment or a house. Most houses in Fayetteville (and some apartments) come unfurnished, so keep that in mind.

Step 2: If you and your roommates haven't picked an apartment, definitely give Lindsey Management or Pierce Properties a call. Lindsey Management leases The Links apartments. The cool thing about these is that they are on a golf course – fratty huh? Pierce Properties leases the apartments closest to campus. How cool would it be to still be able to not have to search for a parking spot every day?

Step 3: If you choose to look for a house, start by driving around Fayetteville. The best place to go is the Wilson Park area or over by Dickson Street and write down the phone numbers on the "For Rent" signs.

Step 4: Usually looking into a house is more difficult and the process is longer. If you don't have any luck driving around, Google "houses for rent in Fayetteville, Arkansas." This gives you endless options of real estate websites that are frequently updated with houses for lease.

Step 5: Coming to a decision with your roommates can be frustrating. Everyone is different and everyone has different things they like and dislike about each property. The important thing is to be mature about the situation and sometimes that means you can't be as picky as you usually are. If you act immature and throw a fit over one of your options, chances are your roommates will abandon you and you will end up living alone. Save yourself the trouble and compromise.

Step 6: When you do finally come to an agreement, sign the lease and pay the deposit ASAP! I'm not kidding about this one. Coming from personal experience, just agreeing on something and putting it in writing are two completely different things. If you don't sign your lease in a timely manner, another group of roommates could swoop in and take the place away from you... and that's no fun.

Step 7: If you end up living in a place that is unfurnished, divide up the furniture. You all agreed to get an unfurnished place, which means you all agree to furnish it. Divide up who brings couches, televisions, tables and chairs between all of you. This way, you are less likely to trash or ruin anything in your house.

Step 8: Lastly, pay your rent on time! You don't want to be that roommate that racks up the late fees every month.

If you are still looking for a place to live, hopefully these are helpful. Remember that patience is key, and don't freak out just because all your friends have already signed leases. 

Trust your gut if you feel like you are in a sketchy living situation and don't be afraid to wait around for something better!

Laura is a sophomore studying journalism, advertising and public relations. You may contact her at laurab@odyssey-south.com.