Moving On Up

This year I finally took the leap and moved off-campus. Freshman year I lived in the dorms, but for the past two years I lived in my sorority house. I have so many great memories from living there, but I wanted a change for my senior year. So, I gathered up a group a friends and we embarked on our house search. It was just like House Hunters. We toured houses, and then had three to choose between. I’m so glad I made the decision to live off-campus, but I’m also really glad I waited until my senior year.

My humble abode for the year.

One of the main reasons I wanted to live off-campus was so that I could choose who I would live with. I absolutely love my sorority sisters, but I also love my rowing teammates. By moving off-campus I was able to live with who I wanted, which happened to be 2 teammates, 2 friends from freshman year, and 1 girl who is a teammate and a sorority sister. Choosing who to live with can be really difficult, but it’s essential that you find a group that melds well. Just because someone is your best friend doesn't mean you would be great housemates. It’s okay to be honest with yourself about who you can and cannot live with since that house will last for an entire year.

When looking for a house, make sure to weigh all your options. First and foremost, consider whether it is better to live on-campus or off-campus. If you decide that off-campus is the best option for you, it’s time to figure out your budget. Most people account for rent and utilities, but don’t forget the other expenses. There’s no longer anyone to provide toilet paper or cleaning supplies. The little odds and ends expenses can really add up. The biggest shock to my wallet has been food. I didn't have a meal plan when I lived here over the summer and I was surprised by how much time and money to took to make three meals a day. When school started I decided to get a small meal plan so I could grab lunch on campus between classes and coffee whenever I wanted it. Some people are amazing cooks and bakers…me, not so much. If I had to rely on my own abilities, I would be eating a lot of bagels and taquitos.

Although living off-campus can be daunting, it can also be really fun. My housemate and I scoured garage sales all summer to collect décor for our nautical themed living room. It’s still a bit of a work in progress, but I love it so far. Not living on campus also means not having to follow strict campus rules. No more quiet hours for me!

Living off-campus can be a great experience in college. If you have any other tips, leave them in the comments!

How to Furnish and Decorate Your First Apartment on a Budget

If it is your first year living in an apartment then you are probably stressing out about how you are going to furnish and decorate your apartment with the small amount of money you made at your summer job. There is a way to completely furnish and decorate your apartment on a budget.

The first thing you need to do is set your budget. This varies per person based on whether you are renting a semi-furnished or non-furnished apartment.

After you set your budget compile a list of needs and a list of wants. Make sure you bring these lists with you when you begin shopping to keep yourself in check. Yes, the $25 dollar chevron jars are adorable, no, you do not need them!

Now it is time to head out shopping. The first things you should buy would be the bigger items. Couches, beds, desks, tables, and chairs will take the biggest chunks out of your budget.

Ikea is a great place to shop for the items you think you should buy new. You can get get couches and beds at Ikea for under $400

If you are okay with having a used couch in your apartment, check Craigslist, Goodwill or yard sales for items that have been gently used.

I found this piece of furniture sitting by the trash can at out local trash dump. It cost me nothing but a little work to wash it and paint it white. I added a seat to the top and now it is a unique storage ottoman. 

After you get the bigger purchases out of the way, I suggest returning to Goodwill or Salvation Army to browse the home sections for both useful and decorative items. It is not unlikely that you will find a table for under $5 that you can sand and paint to make it appear brand new. You can also pick up cheap appliances, (think blenders, waffle irons, etc), bake-ware, pots and pans, plates and bowls, and glasses for great prices.

Other needs such as cleaning supplies and bath towels can often be picked up in bulk from places like Costco or can be bought cheap from Walmart, Target, and dollar stores.

After you have bought all the items on your needs list, you can move on to your wants list. You probably have decorative items on this list.

First begin by picking your decorative theme and reminding yourself to stick to that theme. If it helps, create a Pinterest board dedicated to decorating your first apartment. You can often find cheap DIY ideas on Pinterest to make the place your own.

Thrift stores, Goodwill, and Salvation Army often have picture frames, vases, and knick-knacks that can bring your personality to your space. Often you can find vintage items that are really interesting and will surely be unique.

You can also scour yard sales to pick up wall art and more knick-knacks. Remember that a can of spray paint can go a long way with older items!

Once you have a good bit of decorative items, focus on the remaining items you want. Decide which of these you really want and purchase a few of them. If you are looking for wall quotes, Dollar Tree often has removable wall stickers. It is always nice to treat yourself to at least a few new items. Be sure to check out your local TJ Maxx and Ross home sections, as you can often find nice rugs or candles for next to nothing. If you shop end of season sales at Hobby Lobby or Jo Ann, you are very likely to pick up some cute items for mere dollars (think dish towels, jars, etc.).

Remember that while it is nice to treat yourself to a few nice, new items, it doesn't have to break the bank!

Good luck decorating your first apartment! If you have any other tips, feel free to leave them in the comments below!