[feonateresa]

It is soon time (if you haven't started already) to start looking for off-campus housing for next year. This can be a scary and daunting task if you are not sure how to start or where to go. It can also be a bit nerve-wracking if you've never lived with people before. Luckily, MacInsiders has your back and we've outlined a few tips, tricks of the trade and resources that you can use to make this process much easier.

The very first initial step would be to find housemates who you're potentially living with for the next few years, check out this article for more advice: Who To Live With?. Don't be holding pseudo-professional interviews for your next housemate or anything, but make sure to keep good judgment in mind.


When starting out and actually looking for a house, there are all sorts of things you have to keep in mind: Where to Live, What to Look for When Looking for Places.

Here are some resources you can use in order to find houses in the area:

• The MacInsiders Off-Campus Housing Facebook Group
• The Off-Campus Resource Center lists houses/apartments by different zones (Zone 1 is closest to McMaster) -- the OCRC also has an office in the basement of the Student Centre (MUSC) building on campus where you can have your lease checked and approved
• Craigslist and Kijiji
• Padmapper

This article also provides great tips on what to look for and other important things to consider: Guide to Successfully Find Off-Campus Housing.

If you're still looking for places in the summer, just walking around the neighbourhood and looking for For Rent signs might be a good way to do it as well.

Bring all your housemates along with you, which means scheduling a good time for everyone including the landlord ... and make sure you raise your concerns and agree on everything. If your one of your parents can make it as well, and you're not embarrassed about it, they can provide another mature voice when making sure a house is good for you. When signing a lease, make sure you know what's included so that there aren't any surprises come September and you can't back out of it.

Also, read our 12 important tips before signing a lease!

So you've found your home and everything seems to be dandy, but make sure of a few things first. What should you bring, who should bring it, how will you divide everything? Have no fear of this, these sorts of things will sort of come naturally to you, but I wouldn't send you off without any tips first:

• The Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry Room
• Bedroom
• Common Room
• Front Closet

It's not just your house you should have concerns about, but the other people that live with you. This can be the most challenging part, but don't start ripping your hair out yet: Surviving Your Roomates, The Problem with Chores. Although, people might not be the only thing you have to deal with. A lot of these houses are old, and what do old houses come with? Bugs. Creepy Crawlies. Whatever you want to call them: Yeah, they freak me out too.

If you've got any tips or life stories of living off-campus, be sure to share them here in the MacInsiders Forums! Don't have an account? Sign up free here.

[Ashlie]

Don't forget to check the MacInsiders marketplace for sublets and houses too!

The offcampus website run through the University charges landlords and students to post their ads, so sometimes you're missing the housing market that is looking for free advertising

[lmasud]

i have a house in sight already, and was wondering what kind of properties are on display at the off campus housing fair (this thursday)