You're finally there. No more dorms. No more dining hall. You are all on your own. Can you handle it? I guess you're about to find out.
Prepare yourself. I am going to be completely honest, it is not the most relaxing use of time. Landlords aren't the easiest to get along with and finding a reasonable price can be difficult. It's OK though! You can easily get through it successfully, as many of your peers have before you.
When it comes to starting a new stage in your "adult life," there are a few considerations to have. As a starter, finding the right personalities and the number of roommates you want is a big first step. Make sure you have similar ideas on price, style, location, and overall living habits. For example, if you have a desire for a clean house... that is probably a good quality to mention when searching for a roommate (if you choose to have one).
Another important consideration is where the future house/apartment is location. If closer to campus or the main part of town, prices are generally slightly higher because of convenience. When you start looking at a budget, there are many parts that have an influence. Budgets are where things get complicated. Your dreams are probably a little bigger than your wallet and bank account.
When your bank account starts coming into play, it's important not to let your landlord take advantage of you and your group. Be strong. Be stern. Don't let your group be taken advantage of or not taken seriously because of your age. Especially females. You can hold strong and argue what you feel is right.
When looking for a house in college, it is important to find a place you are happy in and can be comfortable living in, since it will be your home for the next year (or more). However, keep in mind that it is a college home, so it will not be as nice as your set up, location, and conditions that you had when living with your family. Costs are tighter, and buying your own groceries and necessities are part of the picture now.
Keep in mind, that no matter how stressful the steps leading up and the process and time it takes, you will find a home and it will be OK. Food may not be as glorious and your room may not be the ideal size, but that makes your house after college that much more of an upgrade!
Stay strong. I believe in you. You can adult!
