Dorm vs. Off-Campus Apartment: The Ultimate Student Guide

March 16, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Before each year of your college education starts, you’re faced with a choice that will completely shape your experience: Do you live in a dorm or rent an off-campus apartment? It’s a decision that millions of students nationwide make every year, yet it’s a question that usually results in intense consideration. Below, find the ultimate…

When Is Your Rent a Tax Write-Off?

March 6, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If there’s one thing that most people living in rental apartments can agree on, it’s that the monthly rent tends to feel like a hefty financial burden. Starting your lease at certain times of the year is one way to help lower your rent, but some renters can use their rent payments to save money…

Three Ways to Make Space for Your Roommates’ Privacy

February 28, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When you live with roommates, you have to put in a bit of work to maintain your privacy. In apartments with thin walls, shared bathrooms and other common spaces, and frequent guest visits, it can be challenging to carve out a sacred space where you can feel totally, blissfully alone. You can become so focused…

Four Ways to Introduce Yourself to New Neighbors

February 26, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Living alone in your own apartment is nice, but chances are that you’re never 100 percent alone. If you step out into the hallway, you might see your neighbors, and in many apartments, you’ll sometimes hear your neighbors moving around or listening to music in their apartments. It can feel slightly uncomfortable to know your…

Curtains, Blinds, or Shades: Which Is Right for You?

February 24, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When it comes to covering your windows, your options might seem limitless, if not confusing and a bit overwhelming. Why would you opt for blinds when curtains seem so much easier to install? Is it worthwhile to install shades if you’re worried that curtains will far too far below the window frame? Below, learn about…

Four Ways To Maintain Your Privacy With Roommates

February 10, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When you need to keep your rent low, living with roommates can be the way to go. As anyone who’s had roommates knows, the budget-friendliness of roommate arrangements doesn’t necessarily equate to a comfortable living situation – common spaces such as living rooms and kitchens can quickly become messier or dirtier than you’d like, you…

Space Heater Safety 101: Stay Warm While Staying Safe

January 30, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Using heat in your apartment during the winter might increase your utility bills, but it’s well worth spending that extra amount to stay comfortable in your apartment. But what if the heat is weak or just doesn’t work? When that’s the case, space heaters can provide powerful, localized heating, but they can be dangerous if…

Help! There’s a Mouse in My Apartment

January 28, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Picture this: You’re alone in your apartment, relaxing on your couch while watching TV. In the distance, you see something that makes you realize you’re not actually alone – a mouse sprints across your kitchen floor or countertops and disappears before you even realize what happened. Unfortunately, seeing a mouse in your apartment isn’t uncommon,…

Three Easy Workouts To Do in Your Apartment

January 23, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In the winter, it can be infinitely more difficult to find the willpower to leave your apartment. It’s cold outside and it gets darker earlier — in other words, the temptation to stay home and binge watch TV is strong! That’s certainly way more appealing than stepping outside for a run or a gym trip,…

Who’s Responsible for Shoveling and De-Icing: You or Your Landlord?

January 21, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Properly heating your apartment is just one part of staying comfortable and safe during the winter. It’s also important that all entryways into your apartment building and the sidewalk in front of it remain clear of snow and ice so that people don’t slip and injure themselves on your property. Depending on what your lease…