Securing your spot at a prestigious law school undoubtedly ranks as a milestone in any aspiring lawyer’s journey. The euphoria of acceptance letters and the excitement of school choices can be truly exhilarating. However, between the moment of that coveted acceptance and the whirlwind of orientation lies a labyrinth of decisions—both thrilling and daunting. Arguably, one of the most pressing concerns you might grapple with before setting foot in your first lecture is the quest for the perfect housing solution.
For those venturing to law schools away from the comforts of their hometown, the apartment hunt can feel particularly overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of securing housing as a law student, drawing from common challenges faced and personal experiences, to offer invaluable insights and tips to smoothen your transition.
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On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing for Law Students: What’s the Difference?
Yes, there are on-campus options even for graduate students at most universities. Although they are usually going to be different than your experience in undergrad. My experience in undergrad was that I shared an apartment my first year with three roommates. It didn’t feel cramped, but I definitely didn’t have much personal space. My last year in undergrad I shared my apartment with five roommates! That sucked, especially since they were all sophomores and they could be really loud.
That being said, most universities offer individual studio apartments to their graduate students. Not only that, usually the entire building of apartments will be solely grad students, so no worrying about having a couple of drunken twenty year olds as neighbors.
There are a few typical issues with on-campus graduate housing however. First off, spaces are limited and they are on a first come first serve basis. You usually have to sign up, and put your money down for a deposit early on in the summer. Second, the on-campus housing options I have seen for grad students are usually overpriced. You can usually get a significantly cheaper apartment off-campus if you’re willing to commute a little bit.
Advantages of On-Campus Living:
- Closer proximity to campus resources.
- Living among peers can foster camaraderie.
Drawbacks of On-Campus Living:
- Limited availability.
- Generally, a higher price point compared to off-campus options.
Urban Law School Locations: Navigating Housing in Major Cities
Okay, so if your attending a school in a big city with sky high rent rates like D.C, N.Y.C, San Francisco, etc., than its imperative that you do a decent amount of research before you apply for an apartment. Apartment rates vary so much depending on the location, in some areas it might make sense to pay for a single bedroom apartment for yourself, in others it would be insane to look at anything larger than a small studio.
Different housing markets also have varying levels of competition for apartments. In the D.C area one of the things that made it difficult for me to find my first apartment was that they would become available and then disappear within two – three days. It can be tough to do your due diligence in this kind of environment, especially if you don’t live in the area.
Understanding Campus Proximity and Rent Costs
When I decided to attend law school in D.C I had the same idea as pretty much everyone else. I wanted to live as close to the school as possible, so I would have a walking commute under ten minutes. Well guess what George Washington Law is located in Foggy Bottom which is an extremely expensive part of D.C with limited housing options. I could find an apartment close to G.W and pay upwards of $1,700 a month for a tiny studio or I could branch out to Arlington or another area and pay significantly less for a larger apartment.
Once I started researching outside of the university’s immediate area I noticed that apartments didn’t disappear as quickly and the prices were a couple hundred dollars less. Although the commute was certainly longer (15 – 25 minutes by metro), it was well worth the money I would be saving.
The Co-Signer Challenge for Law Student Apartments: Solutions and Tips
Another issue that I faced in my housing search was the “co-sign”. Any large landlord will require a certain income to rent ratio, I think the usual ratio is 3-1. That means that if the studio apartment you are interested in is $1,400, you have to show the landlord that you are earning at least $4,200 a month. Not to many law students I know are earning that kind of dough, so if you tell the landlord that you are a student they will inform you that they require a “co-signer”. A co-signer is someone who the landlord can charge the rent to if you run out of money.
Usually that co-signer will be the law students parents but I understand that in many cases for financial or personal reasons a law students parents can’t co-sign the lease. That was the situation I was in when I was searching for an apartment, and I ended up finding a condo owned by a very small landlord that rented to grad students all the time without requiring a co-signer! It’s likely that many of you will run into a similar situation, my best advice is to keep looking until you find a landlord that will accept you as a tenant without a co-signer.
The Roommate Debate for Law Students: Save Money or Go Solo?
Some law students choose to save even more money on housing by having roommates. After living with five roommates in undergrad I absolutely refused to do this again and I drew the line on how much money I wanted to save at roommates. For some people I’m sure it’s not a big deal, some might even prefer to have roommates.
In a big city you can definitely save a ton of money having roommates, just remember that the roommate you’ve got, you’re probably going to be stuck with for a year! If it’s not someone you already know, you should definitely meet them prior to signing a lease. Another tip for feeling out a potential roommate is to check out their social media accounts. A little stalkerish I guess, but it’s a really good way to get a clearer picture of the person your potentially living with for a year.
Ideal Move-In Timing: Early Summer vs. Just Before Orientation
It can be tough for many to decide when exactly they want to move into their apartment. Some grad students move early in the summer several months before orientation. The idea is to get accustomed with the area, and it allows a lot of time to get adjusted. However for those folks like me who are balling on a budget, re-locating a few months early isn’t in the cards.
Don’t worry about getting adjusted if you’re able to move only a few days before orientation. You will have plenty of time during the course of the semester to learn the area.
Benefits of Moving in Early Summer
- Familiarity with the Area: Moving in a few months prior gives you an opportunity to get to know your surroundings. You can scout out the nearest grocery stores, libraries, cafes, and other essential spots. This can make your transition smoother when the hustle and bustle of law school begin.
- Establishing a Routine: It takes time to establish a routine in a new place. By moving in early, you get a head start in setting a daily rhythm that works for you, ensuring you’re well-prepared once classes kick off.
- Networking and Socializing: Arriving early might give you a chance to meet other early bird students. Building relationships before the semester starts can give you a sense of community and support.
- Potential for Job Opportunities: If you’re looking for part-time work or internships, coming in early could give you a competitive edge. Many local businesses start hiring before the semester begins.
Benefits of Moving in Just Before Orientation
- Budget-Friendly: For many students (like me), every month’s rent saved counts. Delaying your move can mean less money spent on housing and utility bills over the summer.
- Minimal Disruption: Moving closer to the orientation date means less time spent away from your current commitments, be it a summer job, family, or other engagements.
- Immediate Focus on Academics: With less time to relax and get complacent, you might find it easier to hit the ground running academically.
Considerations Regardless of Move-In Time
- Availability of Desired Housing: Whether you’re eyeing on-campus housing or a popular off-campus apartment, availability can be a crucial factor. Some places might get booked months in advance.
- Seasonal Factors: Consider the climate of your law school’s location. If you’re moving to a place with hot summers or a location known for its summer events or festivals, this might influence your decision.
- Mental and Emotional Preparation: Everyone needs a different amount of time to mentally and emotionally adjust to big changes. Reflect on what you personally need to feel ready and grounded for the start of the semester.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you decide to move in early summer or just days before orientation, the key is to ensure you’re making the best decision for your personal and academic success.Top of Form
Essential Checks for Law Students Before Renting an Apartment
There are a few things that you’re going to absolutely need to know about an apartment before taking the time to check it out or apply.
Does it have a kitchen area?
A studio isn’t going to have a full size kitchen but most of them do have an oven, cabinets and a microwave, basically a kitchen area. Remember though, not all studio apartments have these included, so you have to check to make sure you can cook meals at your apartment. It’ way too expensive to go out every day for food on a law student budget.
What is the distance to campus by walking/metro?
If you’re moving to a big city you already know that parking your car is never free and can be a couple hundred bucks a month. With that being said, most students are going to elect to leave their car back home. You don’t want a 45 minute metro ride every day, so check to see how far the apartment is from the law school by metro/walking. When I was searching for an apartment, I scratched off anything that was more than a 25 minute metro ride to campus.
Do they have a student exception to the rent – income ratio?
Most places in the area I was looking at required a rent – income ratio of approximately 3X. Great, well that would not be a big deal if I were an attorney, but I’m an entering 1L law student and technically don’t have any income. Well, after each leasing agent notified me of this, I would ask the leasing agent if the apartment complex accepted student loans as income. At this point the leasing agent would put me on hold for a couple of minutes so she could get the answer. Finally I would get my response that only loans designated for housing could be used as income and I would need a co-signer.
I thought this was the stupidest policy I had ever heard, since all of the funds outside of tuition were under my discretion, but whatever. This is simply an important question that you should know the answer to prior to visiting the apartment.
Social and Lifestyle Considerations for Law Students Seeking Housing
While finances, proximity, and housing amenities are crucial aspects of your housing decision, there are also lifestyle and social factors that can significantly impact your experience during your law school years. Here are some of those considerations:
- Study Environment: Law school requires intense concentration and hours of reading. Think about what kind of environment you thrive in. Do you need complete silence, or can you manage with a bit of background noise? Consider the noise levels of potential housing locations, proximity to busy streets, or whether the walls are thin.
- Networking and Social Opportunities: Being close to where other law students live can provide networking opportunities. Check to see if there are popular student housing areas or complexes where many of your peers might be staying.
- Work-Life Balance: Law school can be stressful, and having easy access to relaxation spots can be a bonus. Check for nearby parks, gyms, movie theaters, or other leisure venues.
- Safety: Especially if you’re going to be studying late at the library and coming home at odd hours, you’ll want to be in a safe area. Check out the crime statistics on the internet and talk to some current students about the area you are considering.
- Grocery and Essentials: While this might seem trivial, being close to a grocery store or a convenience store can make a world of difference when you’re pulling an all-nighter and need some last-minute snacks or essentials.
- Public Transport and Parking: If you’re considering not having a car, then easy access to public transport becomes critical. On the other hand, if you have a car, check what the parking situation is looking like.
- Potential for Downtime Activities: After hours of studying, you might want to stretch your legs, take a jog, or even visit a local café for a change of scenery. The ability to quickly step out and find recreational or downtime activities nearby can help reduce stress and provide a balanced lifestyle.
- Opportunities for Part-Time Jobs: If you’re considering part-time work, then living in an area with potential job opportunities can be beneficial. Areas close to business districts, malls, or cafes might offer jobs that can fit a student’s schedule.
Remember, Your Housing is More Than Just a Place to Sleep!
Your housing during law school is a crucial part of your student life. It’s the place where you’ll be studying, resting, and spending a significant portion of your time outside of the classroom. So, consider not just the cost and distance but also how the place fits into your overall student life and wellbeing. Finding the right balance can ensure a more enjoyable, productive, and stress-free law school experience.
Conclusion
Navigating the housing market, especially in unfamiliar territory, can be a challenge that tests even the most diligent law student. But remember, the effort you invest in thorough research can make all the difference in ensuring your new home complements your academic journey. A lease commitment is substantial, so it’s crucial to approach it with caution and due diligence. By blending informed choices with a touch of patience, you’re well on your way to discovering a residence that’s both comfortable and conducive to your studies.
