The decision to live in your first apartment at UW Seattle is exciting, but it is only natural to feel a little anxiety. After all, you will be responsible for everything when you move into University of Washington housing: signing contracts, cleaning, cooking, paying the rent, getting along with your crazy neighbors – all of it. The responsibilities that come with living in your UW apartment may be new, but with the right planning, you can easily adjust and enjoy being independent. Let’s talk about what you can expect as an apartment dweller, whether you live in UW off campus housing, UW graduate housing, or University of Washington summer housing.
First, before you bring in any boxes, do a very thorough examination of your new UW off campus housing. Your landlord should provide a form that allows you to write down any damage you see in each room. If they don’t, ask for one or bring your own. It is easily found online. A lot of people skip filling this form out because it seems tedious and they are in a hurry, but consider this: you can be liable for any damage to the apartment that was not listed on the move-in form even if you didn’t cause it. So, with this in mind, please take the time to go room by room, door by door, window by window and look closely at everything in your University of Washington housing. Note any scratches, dings, holes, and other issues as well as their locations. Some people even take photos or videos; if you do, be sure to save them so that you can refer to them easily if need be.
Next, do yourself a favor and sort through everything as you unpack it. Ask yourself this question: when was the last time I used this or wore it? If you haven’t worn that t-shirt in the last year, then consider donating it to a thrift store. Remember: the more you accumulate, the more boxes you will have to pack and carry to your next apartment. Also, your UW off campus housing may look roomy, but as you unpack, it will get smaller and smaller, so downsizing what you own can make your apartment more pleasant to live in.
If you have siblings, then you already know how easy it is to unintentionally step into someone else’s space. The same will be true with your roommate at your UW off campus housing. Take some time to sit down with them and talk about what you expect from each other. Who is responsible for grocery shopping? Is it okay to share each other’s food? How and when should cleaning be handled? Is one of you a night owl, or do you like to get up early to work out? Is it okay to go into each other’s room? While it can seem a little awkward to discuss these questions, doing so at the beginning can help you to avoid conflicts and develop a better relationship.
Don’t forget to set up your utilities for your University of Washington housing. Ask your landlord what will be part of the monthly fee, which often includes water and gas. Electricity and the Internet are normally separate, and the landlord should be able to recommend a few providers and give you their phone numbers. Be sure to give them your move-in date so that when you arrive, you can flip on the lights and put your groceries into a cold refrigerator.
Once you have moved into your UW off campus housing, take some time to introduce yourself to your neighbors. In terms of personalities, they will likely run the gamut. Some may be chatty while others may be reclusive. Even if you are a bit reserved, getting to know people in the apartments around you has its advantages. First, it’s nice to create that sense of community, especially if you are a long way from home. Second, you may need to knock on their door for help at some point. Last, if they have a noisy dog or their music is too loud, having a good relationship with them will make it easier to avoid conflicts.
Living in your University of Washington graduate housing will give you wonderful memories. So, enjoy your first apartment and make each day count because before you know it, it will be time to move out of a home that has been full of laughs and fun.
Tripalink creates co-living communities and student housing opportunities across the United States. We simplify the apartment search to reduce the cost of living, create beautiful homes, and help both students and young professionals find a community in their city. For more information about Tripalink and co-living, please see www.tripalink.com.
