Author My First Apartment

Anna R.

Anna R. is currently a research assistant in a biology lab in the Bay Area and is interested in pursuing a Ph.D in Genetics. When she’s not daydreaming about food and browsing recipes on Pinterest, she likes to spend her free time dancing, paddle boarding and swimming. She’s been through a number of different housing situations and is eager to share her experiences with other MFA readers!

Apartment Hunter’s Guide to San Francisco and the Bay Area

March 22, 2016 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

Many of you are probably hearing wonderful things about living in the Bay Area: the great weather, the amount of diversity, and, of course, the phenomenal job opportunities. It’s no surprise that some of you graduating students are looking to move to the Bay Area, but where do you start your apartment hunt? How do…

How to Be a Courteous Roommate While Moving Out

February 2, 2016 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

Housing situations where you get along well with your roommates are something to definitely treasure! You begin to form friendships or work on existing ones, and your apartment starts to suddenly feel more like a home. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t work out when you live with others, whether they’re your best friends or total strangers…

How to Have a Low-Key and Affordable New Year’s Eve at Your Apartment

December 27, 2015 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, where you can spend time away from work and more time with friends and family, or just relax on the couch watching TV and cuddling a seasonal popcorn tin. After White Elephant gift exchanges, holiday parties, and shopping for gifts, you may feel a tad low…

3 Signs It’s Time to Part Ways with Your Roommate(s)

December 17, 2015 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

So you moved into your new apartment months ago and were excited to get to know your fellow apartment mate and share the fun in decorating and spending quality time together. Unfortunately, your relationship with your roommate isn’t like it was before: your roommate’s cleaning habits, their ability to find and eat your leftovers, or…

6 Places to Shop for Holiday Home Decor on a Budget!

November 29, 2015 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

So the Holidays are around the corner and you want to partake in the festive spirit! However, between Black Friday shopping and finding gifts for friends and family (or yourself…I won’t judge!), you may be a little short on cash this month for holiday decorations. Luckily, there are plenty of places to find affordable Holiday…

How to Manage When Your Roommates’ Relationship Ends Mid-Lease.

November 8, 2015 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

Living with roommates can be a tricky situation. Things can get even trickier when you live with roommates who are dating, and, as if third wheeling 24/7 wasn’t enough to question your decision, they decide to end their relationship mid-lease. This happened to me two months after moving in, so for those in a similar…

The Owner Is Selling Our Apartment! How to Handle an Unexpected Move Like a Pro

October 14, 2015 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

It’s official!!! You signed the lease, moved in with all your belongings, and began the process of “Pinteresting” your sweet new abode. Months later, your stomach drops when you receive notice that the owner will be putting your home on the market, giving you 30 days to vacate. Yikes! Before you panic about apartment hunting on…