Navigating Housing at Stevens: A Guide

Navigating the world of housing can be both exciting and challenging, especially if it is your first time. This newsletter edition is designed to help you find a place to call home. We’ve got you covered with essential tips, resources, and advice to make your transition as smooth as possible. From understanding local rental markets to navigating cultural differences, use this as your go-to source for everything you need to know to settle in comfortably and make the most of your journey with us at Stevens.

Table Of Contents

1. Roommate Expectations
2. Working With a Broker or Agent
3. Fees and Expenses
4. Best Practices
5. Exploring Neighborhoods
6. Renter's Insurance
7. Credit and Housing Verification
8. Student Expert Guide

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Roommate Expectations – Living with Non-Family  

Moving to a new community for graduate school is a significant life change, and for many students, it includes the unique experience of living with roommates. Sharing your living space with non-family members can be both exciting and challenging, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s what you can expect and some tips to make the transition smoother and seamless

Setting Clear Expectations: One of the keys to harmonious cohabitation is setting clear expectations from the start. Discuss important aspects like cleanliness, noise levels, shared expenses, and guest policies. 

Communication is Key: Open and honest communication is essential when living with roommates. Regular check-ins can support a positive living atmosphere. Remember, your roommates are likely navigating similar challenges and can be great allies in your new journey. 

Adapting to Different Lifestyles: Your roommates might have different schedules, dietary habits, or social preferences. Being flexible and accommodating of these differences is important. For example, if a roommate has early classes or work commitments, try to keep noise levels down during their rest times. 

Managing Shared Responsibilities: Divide household chores fairly to ensure that everyone contributes to the upkeep of the living space. Create a chore schedule if necessary to keep things organized and fair.  

Embracing the Experience: Finally, embrace the experience with an open mind and a positive attitude. Living with roommates can be one of the most enriching aspects of your time, offering lessons in empathy, cooperation, and cultural competence. 

Working with a Broker or Agent

When working with a broker or agent to find housing for the first time, expect a guided and easy process. The broker will provide listings tailored to the student’s preferences, help with scheduling viewings, and help navigate local rental laws and requirements. Brokers often have access to a wide range of properties and can offer valuable advice on suitable neighborhoods, proximity to schools, and amenities. 

As with everything, there are pros and cons to consider. Pros can include access to a larger inventory of rentals, expert advice of the surrounding areas and housing trends, and a smoother process in handling paperwork and negotiations, especially when you are not physically in the area. Cons include the potential for high fees, which can be an added financial burden, and the possibility of being shown properties that may not perfectly match the student’s needs due to the broker’s commission-driven incentives. It’s crucial for students to weigh these factors and communicate their preferences clearly to get the most out of the experience. Start by asking the broker what their fee is so that you can budget and prepare for the expense or decide that the fee is one you cannot afford. If you are not happy with paying broker fees, you can always search for an apartment on your own. Ultimately, the decision is yours.  

Fees and Expenses

You must prepare the following fees and deposits when signing an apartment lease. These can include first and last month’s rent, a security deposit and a broker’s fee (if you used a realtor). Security deposits and broker’s fees typically amount to one month’s rent. When living off campus, you should also consider other living expenses, such as groceries, utilities, transportation. Some expenses may be a one-time cost such as buying furniture, and fees. 

Best Practices

Tip 1: Begin your apartment search as early as possible, ideally giving yourself at least a month to find the perfect place. Utilize various apps like Very Apt, Zillow, and Apartments.com, which allow you to filter listings according to your preferences and easily communicate with brokers. Registering for our Temporary Housing program is a great way to ease yourself into the housing search! 

Tip 2: Be cautious of the images and descriptions on apartment hunting websites, as they often feature photos of “similar units” that may differ significantly from the actual apartment.  

Tip 3: Schedule private showings for apartments you’re interested in. Contact the number listed to arrange an appointment time. Be sure to arrive on time for your appointment. It may be helpful to take a trusted friend or family member with you.  

Tip 4: Once you find an apartment that meets your needs, submit your application promptly. The quicker you apply, the sooner you can get a response. Remember, other students are also looking for housing, so act fast. 

Tip 5: Many buildings in Hoboken and Jersey City are older, pre-war constructions that may not be updated. Keep this in mind as you search and be prepared for some buildings that might lack modern amenities. 

Exploring Neighborhoods

Looking for housing in Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken or Union City? These vibrant areas offer a mix of cultural attractions, dining options, and of course, convenient access to New York City. Start by exploring the neighborhoods to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Take a walk or bike ride through each area to get a feel for the atmosphere. Consider your daily commute when selecting a neighborhood. Jersey City Heights is 2.7 miles, from Hoboken. Weehawken is 1.7 miles, and Union City is 3.3 miles away from Stevens’ campus. All locations have excellent public transportation options, including PATH trains, light rail and buses. Research the proximity of these transit hubs to potential housing options. Safety and amenities are also crucial factors in your decision. Visit local parks, grocery stores, and other amenities to ensure they meet your needs. Talk to current students and peers to get insider information on the best spots and any potential concerns. By thoroughly exploring these neighborhoods, you can find a location that not only fits your budget but also enhances your student experience. 

Renter’s Insurance

Renters insurance safeguards your belongings from damage (e.g., fire, water, vandalism) or loss (e.g., theft). It is important to note that if you rent an apartment, house, or condo, your landlord’s insurance won't protect your personal property from incidents like fire or theft. This is why renters’ insurance is crucial. Students living in off-campus housing are prime candidates for renters' insurance as this would safeguard your valuable items such as electronics, computers, clothing, jewelry, and important documents for school. As a student renter, it's your responsibility to ensure these items are covered. If you're living off-campus with roommates, you may be able to jointly purchase a renters insurance policy. Some policies extend coverage to any resident who qualifies as a “domestic partner,” but if not, each tenant should consider having their own coverage. Typically, renters’ insurance premiums range from $5 to $20 per month, varying based on the rental location, unit size, and the value of the insured items.

Credit and Housing Verification  

Once you have found an apartment that you like and that makes sense for you, the landlord needs to check who you are, your ability to pay the rent, and how reliable they are about paying bills on time. Iinternational students may need to provide landlords with various documents to prove that you can and will pay for your space. The main documents you will need are: 

     • Passport/photo ID. 

     • Bank statements from the last two months to prove you can afford the accommodation. 

     • Any documents that show you are receiving financial support, such as a  scholarship or family           gift.  

     • An I-20 visa proves that you can live anywhere in the United States. 

     • An offer letter sent to you by your school.  

Landlords may also ask for letters of recommendation from employers, friends or former roommates who have lived with you in the past. This is because landlords want to know that their property will be well looked after a while you live in it. 

Student Expert Guide: Safe Off-Campus Housing Tips for New Arrivals 

Here are some friendly tips based on real-life student experiences to help you find off-campus housing safely: 

Use Trusted Platforms: Look for housing on verified WhatsApp groups, university-related groups, and reputable housing websites. These platforms are more likely to have genuine listings.  

Avoid Unverified Listings: Be cautious with listings on Facebook Marketplace, groups, pages, and Telegram channels, even if they have university names. These listings might look tempting, offering luxurious places at very affordable prices, but they are often not legitimate. While not all are fake, most can be. Verification is crucial. 

Watch Out for Fake Brokers: Be careful of people posing as student housing or real estate brokers who ask you to fill out applications and pay fees just for a tour. Genuine brokers typically don’t charge for showing a property.  

Verify Listings: Don’t rely solely on pictures or videos. Always verify the property through a video call or by asking a friend or family member nearby to check it out in person. Know Who You're Dealing With: Make sure you get all the necessary details about the person you’re interacting with, whether they are a broker, an existing student, or a new friend.  

Don’t Pay Cash: Never pay cash for your deposit or rent, as it's untraceable and often non-refundable. Instead, use electronic payment platforms, but ensure you select the "business" option rather than the "friends and family" option. This provides an added layer of protection, including the possibility of a refund if something goes wrong. Always verify the legitimacy of the rental listing and the landlord before making any payments. Doing so will help protect your finances and ensure a smooth start to your academic journey. 

By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to find a safe and comfortable place to live! If you'd like more guidance, email us at graduatelife@stevens.edu. Happy searching and good luck!