Tips for Renting a Room Off-Campus

Tips for Renting out an Available Room:

1. View the room and see if it is furnished. You may have to buy new furniture from somewhere like IKEA.

2. Ask questions about compatibility (see questions below) to your potential roommate.

3. When paying rent find out how they accept payments.  They cannot require you to pay cash. If you chose to pay in cash then request a receipt.

4. It is common to pay a deposit that is equal to one month’s rent.  You will receive this when you move out.

5. Ask about who the owner is? Would you be paying rent directly to this person.

6. You need to give 30 days’ notice when you decide to move out. If you are asked to leave they also need to give your 30 days’ notice.

7. You may be required to sign a rental agreement. This is for your own benefit, but read the agreement carefully. It is always best to get everything in writing, especially in regards to money.

8. Inspect the apartment carefully before you move in and take any photos of how the place looks. Email these photos to yourself, so they will have an email time stamp on them. 

9. For more information, please check Ithaca College’s off-campus housing section. 

Originally posted by places4students

 Questions to Make Sure You Ask When Looking for a Roommate

Here are some important details you will want to pay attention to:

 1. Sleeping habits: early risers or night owl? Light sleeper or deep sleeper?

2. Typical work or school schedule? (Will it conflict with yours?)

3. How does this person describe their cleaning habits and expectations and does it match yours?

4. Any allergies? Examples: peanuts, perfume, milk, flowers, mold, smoke).

5. Lifestyle habits: Do they smoke, drink, listen to loud music, stay out late? Are you ok with that?

6. How would the candidate describe their decorating style (if they have one)? Does it match yours?

7. Social habits? Will there be friends over often? If so, will you get along with these friends? Is there a boyfriend or girlfriend in the picture?

8. How will you combine your belongings? Who will provide the living room furniture, pots, dishes, electronics, etc? Can you share these items?

9. Does the potential roommate have a job? What is their basic financial situation? Nobody wants to be stuck with unpaid utility bills or rent!

10. Can you rely on this person to be honest and be courteous to you and other potential roommates?

11. What are their rules for overnight guests?

Why Study in Long Beach, CA?

Long Beach - Photo Courtesy of Long Beach CVB

Long Beach may be most famous for landing in the lyrics of 90s hip-hop songs, but many people do not realize that it is the 7th largest city in California with a population of nearly half a million. It is also the second most diverse city in the United States after its neighbor Los Angeles. People who live in Long Beach have a sense of pride and rarely want to ever leave Long Beach even to visit its more famous neighbors in Orange County and Los Angeles. It is also a surprisingly walkable city with accessible public transportation. So here are some reasons to consider studying in Long Beach, especially if you are looking at the Golden State of California.

Colleges and Universities
Long Beach City College

Long Beach City College

Also known as “LBCC” or “City College,” is a public two-year community college. For those unfamiliar with the community college system in the U.S. these are schools that offer two year degrees for transfer and for technical skills such as culinary and automotive programs. They are significantly cheaper than most other types of colleges and a great way to start out your studies in the United States. They are growing in popularity with international students who like the flexibility of a community college and how it often provides an easier and less complicated admission pathway into prestigious four-year institutions. LBCC has a good history with transferring students to such schools as UCLA and CSULB and often hosts admissions personnel from these schools on its campus.  

California State University, Long Beach

CSULB is a public four-year institution that is part of the California State University System. CSULB offers Bachelors, Masters degrees and even some Doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines. It has a student population of nearly 40,000 students making it one of the largest schools in the United States. Their most famous alumnus is probably Steven Spielberg. CSULB is rated highly by U.S News & World Report. The school has a very diverse community of both international and domestic students.

Outdoors

Naples Canals - Photos Courtesy of Long Beach CVB

Yes, the beach in Long Beach is really long, about 3.1 miles. However, if surfing is your desire you may have to travel to nearby Huntington Beach because the breakwall and port prevent any waves. But rest assure there are plenty of outdoor recreational activities in this city. The most popular is biking along the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath. No bike, no problem! You can rent bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals. If biking is not your thing then how about kayaking or standup paddleboarding around the beautiful Naples Canals. Love yoga and nature? Check out the free Yoga on the Bluff where you can do yoga in front of a beautiful ocean view. Lastly, if you feel that you need a break from the hustle and bustle of this beach city you can escape to nature by visiting El Dorado Park.

Eats

We don’t even know where to begin with this one and a full disclaimer that this is by no means a complete list. In Downtown Long Beach Beachwood BBQ is a favorite with locals and visitors alike to try a fusion of American comfort food and if you are old enough to drink we recommend trying one of their craft beers. Don’t miss their “Happy Hour” specials. George’s Greek Cafe is another local favorite, so much so that there are locations at the CSULB campus and Long Beach Airport. If you are looking to check out the East Village Art’s District Berlin Bistro has an array of fresh and healthy California favorites that will satisfy both vegetarians and carnivores. They also have some of the best coffee. Continue heading east to the Belmont Shore district and you will find Michael’s Pizzeria, which was once voted by Zagat as having the best pizza in the United States.This list could easily go on and I recommend going on Yelp to find more amazing and delicious places.

Shopping

Photo Courtesy of Long Beach CVB

Long Beach does not have a traditional shopping mall. But have no fear there are plenty of those malls throughout Southern California and there is still plentiful of shopping to be done in Long Beach. The newest shopping area is The Pike Outlets where you can shop at such popular stables as H&M and Forever 21.Want to shop for more original items? then head to Long Beach’s “Retro Row” area where you can find vintage clothes, furniture, records and other unique items. Head further east to 2nd St. in Belmont Shores where you can find boutique and mainstream shops.

Things to See and Do

Queen Mary - Photo Courtesy of Long Beach CVB

The two most famous attractions in Long Beach are the Queen Mary, a historic ship and hotel that is said to be “haunted,” and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Both are very close to each other and it is possible to see them both in a day. They often host special events, check their websites for more information. If you love music, Fingerprints Records often hosts free concerts and events. If you are more into seeing a movie, the historic Art Theatre is one of the few historic cinemas left in the United States. CSULB’s Carpenter Center also hosts a variety of events and performances. If you can’t make it to Venice, Italy or Las Vegas, you can try a relaxing gondola ride in Long Beach’s own Naples Canals. In addition, Long Beach has plentiful “street fairs” and other special events that there is never a shortage of things to do. It is a wonderful place to study and live that rest assured you will never be bored.

Outdoor Event in Downtown Long Beach - Photo Courtesy of Long Beach CVB

Long Beach may not be as famous as its Los Angeles or Orange County neighbor, but given how much there is to do here it should not be overlooked as a city to study or visit, especially if you desire to study in California.

Katherine Murrin is the American Language and Culture Institute Coordinator at Long Beach City College. She specializes in social media, marketing, writing about language and culture, international education, and traveling the world. She also really loves Long Beach. She can be reached at kmurrin@lbcc.edu.