Feel at Home

Review your community's rules before coming up with your design plans. Avoid nail holes by instead hanging decorations with inexpensive and damage-free adhesive products. For inspiration, visit our blog, we have tons of blog articles written about apartment décor! For the finishing touch of any room away from home, put up favorite photos of family and friends to brighten your mood. Discover more suggestions on the Apartment Living blog.

• While many schools have prepaid meal plans, many more everyday expenses can add up (think toilet paper & laundry soap). Jess-lets discuss the online mention the free online budgeting tool Mint.com can also be downloaded as an app for an iPhone or Android phone. Create an account, set budgets, and watch as the app keeps track of where your money is going. Don't forget to put away some money in a savings account any chance you get. Having money out of your more accessible chequing account may help you not spend it right away.

• Roommates don't have to be the enemy; they can become your friends or might already be your friends. It's important to have open communication about cleaning, paying rent and sharing central living spaces. Draft a set of house rules. Knowing up front what each of you expects will help establish your relationship. Keep your room and valuables locked for privacy. Set rules for visitors and study times. Lastly, set aside time to just enjoy being roommates – cooking dinner, watching a movie or playing games. See our blog for more tips on living with roommates.

Always be observant and aware of your surroundings. Don't walk alone at night, keep windows and doors locked, never open the door without checking the peephole first, lock your car always and never leave valuables inside, don't announce through social media that you will be away from home for an extended period, and don't brag online about that new iPad or flat screen TV. Most importantly, you should contact police and our office promptly to notify them of any suspicious activity. Our properties include our own security measures with monitored security cameras, on site staff and controlled access into our entry ways.

• Follow to your lease obligations. Reach out to your property manager when repairs are needed. Get to know and respect your neighbors. Entertain wisely and control the noise level for others in the community. Keep your apartment clean. But mostly importantly have fun! We want your experience to be a joyful one! If you have any concerns or comments, we are always happy to hear your ideas!

While a prospective landlord will ask you for personal and income information, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, or sexual orientation. If you feel you have been discriminated against contact your student legal services office.

• A lease is a binding contract that sometimes requires a co-signer or guarantor such as a parent or guardian. Know all the details, obligations, rules and regulations of your lease agreement before signing it. You can visit the student legal services office at your university for help understanding the lease and your rights and obligations, or review your provinces Residential tenancy Act.

• Hazelview Properties provides options and information about apartments near campus at universities and colleges across Canada. Just enter your Province, City and Campus Name in the search field on our main page.