When looking for a new apartment near FSU the last thing you want to think about is the price tag – especially when you're an already financially strapped student with a full course load! Before you break open your piggy bank or begin frantically looking for pennies in between the couch cushions, create a budget detailing your monthly income and expenses. Thanks to Tallahassee's heavy student population, there are a wide-variety of wallet-friendly apartments under $600 per month with luxury amenities, spacious floor plans and easy access to campus. Here are a few tips on how you can get the best bang for your buck.
5 Budgeting Tips for FSU Apartments Under $600
Save More, Split the Rent
Share your space with a few roommates to cut down on costs, split chores and meet new people. Many Tallahassee apartments near FSU offer roommate matching services that connect individuals with similar interests and living preferences. Keep in mind that when living with roommates an individual lease is often the best choice. With this type of lease each resident is only responsible for their share of the apartment – meaning that if a roommate can't finish the semester or pay their portion of the rent you won't be held liable.
Wallet-friendly Amenities That'll Stretch Your Budget
When looking for apartments near FSU under $600, it's important to look at more than just the price of rent. With the right amenities your savings will skyrocket, adding to the overall value of your apartment. Your days of dragging dirty laundry and rolls of quarters to the laundromat can be a thing of the past with an in-unit washer and dryer – saving you both time and money. With an on-site fitness center you can ditch your monthly gym membership and treat yourself to that new workout outfit you've had your eyes on.
Look for Energy Efficient Appliances
After rent the next biggest expenditure is utilities. To cut down on costs and stay closer to that $600 apartment price point, look for a 'green' apartment with energy efficient appliances and air conditioning. This is an easy way to save dollars without sacrificing quality – as energy efficient and non-energy efficient appliances both get the job done, just at a different cost.
Combine Utilities and Rent
Staying with the topic of utilities, a utilities-included or all-inclusive apartment can be beneficial for both your wallet and your to-do list. Your utilities and rent will be combined into one convenient monthly bill, eliminating the stress of separate payment due dates and fluctuating charges. With an all-inclusive apartment specifically, you can look forward to one consistent monthly bill for apartments under $600/month no matter how many loads of laundry you washed or TV you binged that month. With a utilities-included apartment you may have an allotted utility cap with a certain amount of utility usage per month, in which any overages would be charged in addition to your monthly rent.
Cut Back, Stay In
One of the biggest perks of apartment living is the resort-style amenities, including sparkling swimming pools, private patios/balconies, game rooms, dog parks, walking trails, sports courts, tanning beds, and more. Spare your wallet the expense of going out, invite a few friends over and take advantage of all the fun right in your own backyard. In addition, many apartments near Florida State University put together an exciting social calendar for their residents to enjoy – free of charge! Use these activities as an opportunity to relax, unwind and meet a few of your neighbors – you'll even be able to snag some free food or giveaways.