You’ve jumped through countless hoops to get where you are—a budget-minded student focused on earning a degree that will open doors to a satisfying career. Or perhaps you’ve already crossed that threshold and, as a professional, know that controlling housing costs as you contemplate your next career move is the smart thing to do. Either way, you’ve decided that to make affordable housing a reality in a tight Atlanta market, student housing or finding a roommate may be a practical solution.
Before proceeding, though, ask yourself if you’ve looked at your housing needs from all angles. To decide wisely, use the same systematic approach you’ve employed as you plotted your path toward independence. There are ways to ensure that you realize your goal of finding the best housing to suit your unique circumstances.
First, Do a Little Homework
- Join social media groups like Atlanta House Search to connect with like-minded members seeking roommates or student housing inside the I-285 perimeter.
- Tap into school resources. Most colleges and universities help students find housing—on and off campus—through resident-life departments or private message boards.
- Employ word-of-mouth. Ask your friends and colleagues if they know of available housing. You may luck out and find something not yet uploaded to traditional—and crowded—listing sites.
- Post your needs and preferences on social media. Ask your people to connect you with prospects.
- Focus on established, reputable online sources. Roommates.com or Roomster can take a lot of the work out of finding a roommate. Craigslist is another popular app. When using social media, be mindful of security.
- Learn all you can about signing a lease, staying safe, dealing with roommates, and budgeting for shared living.
Does Student Housing or a Roommate Fit Your Lifestyle?
Once you’ve identified potential roommates, ensure they’re a good fit. Exercise caution as you meet candidates and iron out details. Remember, they’re sizing you up as well, so present yourself in the best possible light as you get down to discussing the brass tacks of co-living. Honesty is always the best policy to avoid lifestyle conflict. Be frank about what works for you, and don’t hesitate to ask the right questions to reveal roommate candidates’ exact needs.
Stay vigilant against unsuitable roommates or shady activity. To protect yourself, meet prospects in a public place or via video call. Watch for red flags, even if friends or colleagues suggested the prospect.
Observe basic legalities. Roommates, however well-vetted, may come up against unexpected hardships that put their share of rent and utility payments at risk. A signed lease can help pave the way to recourse if either party falls behind on their share. Additionally, have your roommate sign an agreement stating that, if they move out mid-lease, they will pay the remaining rent and utilities for the entire term of the lease.
Most housing comes with a lot of hidden costs and schedule-straining details. Know up front who is responsible for making utility deposits, arranging services, and meeting service people needing access to your home. Cleaning is also a big consideration for roomies. Make sure your home stays neat and hygienic by agreeing ahead of time who will be responsible for which chores.
Decided Against Student Housing or Roommates?
If you’ve crunched the numbers and determined that living alone is cost-prohibitive, but, at the same time, have decided that student housing or a roommate aren’t for you there’s another solution: PadSplit.
PadSplit enables you to tailor your own unique housing preferences as it eliminates the drawbacks of student housing or roommates. It puts you in control. After an initial rent payment, you’ll become a PadSplit member and realize that a tastefully furnished room, plenty of storage space, and a clean, attractive common area with trustworthy housemates solve your affordable housing needs.
Other facilities require at least a one-year stay commitment with a security deposit and the first month’s rent paid in advance. PadSplit eliminates those hidden fees for its members. Plus, unlike traditional rentals, utility costs are included in the price you’ll pay PadSplit. While most housing arrangements demand a specified lease commitment and apply steep penalties when broken, PadSplit provides flexibility by offering a 30-day minimum commitment and then weekly stay options. Payments can be made weekly or bi-weekly. Your PadSplit host assumes responsibility for all the details and ensures that your home is move-in ready: Members can expect necessary utilities, including Wi-Fi, to be up and running from the start.
PadSplit understands Atlanta’s extensive growth. That’s why its attractive furnished rooms are close to major thoroughfares and public transportation, allowing you to easily get to work, school, or play. Some PadSplit residences even have dedicated space for vehicle parking, but if you want to avoid the hassles of a vehicle, Atlanta offers many public transportation alternatives, including rideshare and MARTA transit rail system lines.
PadSplit residences come furnished to feel like home. Bringing your own linen, artwork, and minimal kitchen supplies ensures additional comfort and further establishes a welcome touch of the familiar.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to emphasize sanitation and hygiene. While members are responsible for keeping their own space a clean and safe environment, many PadSplit locations also have laundry facilities and a once-monthly cleaning service targeting collective, shared areas.
You’ll also receive free access to Teladoc, a virtual health care company that allows you to talk to a doctor, therapist, or medical expert anywhere by phone or video. Once your free account is set up, there’s always an expert available to help. Check out the Member Perks page to explore Teladoc and other free and discounted benefits.
At PadSplit, member welfare is a top priority. Access to our sites is strictly controlled and closely monitored. You’ll appreciate that, for security purposes and to keep access limited and privacy ensured, the addresses and lock codes for PadSplit homes are not disclosed until a member’s move-in day. On that day, you’ll receive a welcome email from PadSplit. This email includes your address, newly created front door code, and information about your private room door lock.
For everyone’s safety, you and your neighbors are subject to background screenings where available and employment verification, helping ease members’ minds about just who their housemates are. Straightforward membership rules remind PadSplit guests that their comfort depends on following the high standards set by PadSplit’s governing body: Covering everything from guest policy to vehicle parking, clearly stated guidelines leave no room for ambiguity, ensuring members enjoy a well-regulated community from day one.
What PadSplit Can Do for You
Becoming a PadSplit member is easy! Once approved, you can search for rental rooms, secure your booking, and move in—often within 48 hours. Not surprisingly, demand is high for PadSplit facilities, but they’re continually scouting new and convenient housing to build, renovate, or design. Take a peek at what’s available and planned in the Atlanta area, and use the drop-downs to find the living arrangement right for you.
If you’ve exhausted traditional methods and still can’t find affordable housing or a suitable roommate in the Atlanta area, it’s good to know you still have another option. It’s time to consider PadSplit.
