Accomodation
Off Campus Living Guide
The purpose of this guide is to ensure commuter students have a successful off-campus experience while attending Regent-Ghana. Commuter students are defined as any students who do not reside on campus, regardless of age or enrollment status. All students of Regent-Ghana are commuter students because they live off-campus.
Current private homes and town homes are available in the Housing Guide located in the Provost’s Suite, 12 Japs House.
Step-By-Step Guide to Finding Off-Campus Housing
Step 1: Decide what you can afford to pay each month.
Complete a prospective monthly budget.
Sharing a house or apartment with a roommate is a great way to keep expenses down.
Step 3: Decide what type of housing you are looking for.
Do you want to live somewhere that has a lot of other students? you need a place that's furnished? How long do you want to be committed to a lease? How much space do you need? Do you want certain amenities, such as garage, exercise facilities, etc? The answers to all of these questions will help you determine if you would be more suited to renting an apartment or a home.
Step 4: Do some comparison research.
Once you've decided they type of property you are interested in, you can consult the right information source. For information specifically regarding apartment communities consult the Housing and Commuter Life Officer.
Step 5: Narrow your search, and begin visiting properties. Generate a list of your top 2-4 picks, and call them to schedule an appointment to visit the property. (Remember, many offices are closed or have limited hours on weekends.) If you are going to have a roommate, make sure they go along with you.
Once you're there, ask about flooding, incidences of crime, parking regulations, and the upkeep of the premises. Make sure to ask if there is a deposit, and if it's refundable or not. Examine the outside of the complex; is it in good repair? Ask if the terms of the lease are negotiable (3, 6, 9, or 12 months; sub-letting allowed?).
Understand the "rules" of the house/community regarding noise, visitors, smoking, parking, etc. Understand what repairs/damages you are responsible for and which are the responsibility of the manager/owner. If you're looking at apartments, make sure you ask to see the exact apartment you will be getting.
Based on the information you've gathered, and your overall impression of the places you've visited, you should now be able to select a property.
Step 6: Before you sign that lease...
Read those leases! Also, realize that you may need a co-signer/guarantor (such as a parent) in order to secure a lease. A lease is a legally binding agreement. Should you break your lease, you are still responsible for paying the rent even if you are no longer there. The property manager/owner is not able to make allowances for roommate conflicts - if a roommate leaves the person who signed the lease is responsible for the entire rent payment. It is your right to have the property manager/owner go over your lease with you. Ask them to do so.
Step 7: Your search is over, now what?
Time to get set-up in your new home! Get information on setting up your utilities, phone service, cable and how to make your new home as secure as possible.
Hostels: For further enquiries contact Housing Officer, hans.mends@regentghana.net