Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revisionNext revisionBoth sides next revision | ||
housing [2019/05/06 17:51] – michaelmedford | housing [2019/09/06 22:26] – nchoksi | ||
---|---|---|---|
Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
Most people don't realize that you are competing to get the best apartments. Before you even look at an apartment, put together a tenant resume. This is a list of references, bank accounts, etc that show the landlord that you can afford the apartment and are a good risk. You can download a blank resume | Most people don't realize that you are competing to get the best apartments. Before you even look at an apartment, put together a tenant resume. This is a list of references, bank accounts, etc that show the landlord that you can afford the apartment and are a good risk. You can download a blank resume | ||
- | You will also want to run a credit report on yourself to see what landlords | + | You will also want to run a credit report on yourself. If you leave it for the landlord |
My strategy is, if you are remotely interested in an apartment, give the landlord your resume and credit report the first time you see the place. This is helpful in showing the landlord that you are organized. While the landlord checks your references, use that time to look at other apartments and decide whether you are still interested. When the landlord calls you to offer you the place, you can still say no. | My strategy is, if you are remotely interested in an apartment, give the landlord your resume and credit report the first time you see the place. This is helpful in showing the landlord that you are organized. While the landlord checks your references, use that time to look at other apartments and decide whether you are still interested. When the landlord calls you to offer you the place, you can still say no. | ||
Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
===Advanced Strategy=== | ===Advanced Strategy=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | CAUTION: This is about a decade out of date | ||
So I hesitate to bring this up... but the rent that an apartment is listed for is not set in stone. It is possible, but risky, to bargain with landlords. It's most effective when there aren't many prospective tenants for an apartment; i.e. there aren't many people looking for 5 bedroom houses in March. I once found myself in this situation looking at a 5 bedroom in the Berkeley Hills that was asking $5500. We submitted an application, | So I hesitate to bring this up... but the rent that an apartment is listed for is not set in stone. It is possible, but risky, to bargain with landlords. It's most effective when there aren't many prospective tenants for an apartment; i.e. there aren't many people looking for 5 bedroom houses in March. I once found myself in this situation looking at a 5 bedroom in the Berkeley Hills that was asking $5500. We submitted an application, | ||
Line 44: | Line 46: | ||
You should certainly talk to your mentor, other members of your incoming class, and other grad students if you have any questions. You might even be able to talk a current grad into checking a place out for you or letting you sleep on their couch while you visit. | You should certainly talk to your mentor, other members of your incoming class, and other grad students if you have any questions. You might even be able to talk a current grad into checking a place out for you or letting you sleep on their couch while you visit. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Typical rents paid by grad students in our department are in the range 1000-1500 dollars/ | ||
===Neighborhoods=== | ===Neighborhoods=== | ||
Line 49: | Line 53: | ||
Here follows an incomplete list of Berkeley neighborhoods and some highly subjective/ | Here follows an incomplete list of Berkeley neighborhoods and some highly subjective/ | ||
- | * North Berkeley - This is a nice place to live on the north side of campus. Close to Campbell and the rest of campus. Rents are very expensive. | + | * North Berkeley - This is a nice place to live on the north side of campus. Close to Campbell and the rest of campus. Rents are very expensive. Quieter, more residential. |
- | * Berkeley Hills - Residential area on the northside of campus. Rents are a tiny bit cheaper than North Berkeley, but walking home could be a workout... Weirdly, many car break-ins and thefts occur here. | + | * Berkeley Hills - Residential area on the northside of campus. Rents are a tiny bit cheaper than North Berkeley, but walking home could be a workout... Weirdly, many car break-ins and thefts occur here. |
- | * South Berkeley - Close to campus, so many students live here. Rents are reasonably cheap, but it can be noisy due to parties and the like. Safety can be an issue. Very cheap rooms in this area are probably in crappy boarding houses. | + | * South Berkeley - Close to campus, so many students live here (especially undergrads). Rents are reasonably cheap, but it can be noisy due to parties and the like. Safety can be an issue. Very cheap rooms in this area are probably in crappy boarding houses. |
* West Berkeley - Biking to campus works well from here, since it's a reasonably flat trip. Rents are relatively cheap. Between Milvia and Sacramento is a fine neighborhood, | * West Berkeley - Biking to campus works well from here, since it's a reasonably flat trip. Rents are relatively cheap. Between Milvia and Sacramento is a fine neighborhood, | ||
Line 63: | Line 67: | ||
===University Housing=== | ===University Housing=== | ||
- | There are two University houses for graduate students, [[http:// | + | There are two University houses for graduate students, [[http:// |