Attention Graduating Seniors!

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and seniors are making tough decisions about their plans for the next four years. Some students are going far away from home, but other students aren’t ready to leave just yet. For those students, University of Delaware offers the Associate in Arts Program. This program allows students to attend Delaware Tech for two years, before attending the University of Delaware’s main campus for the final two years. Any student with an average GPA of 2.5 is eligible to be a part of this program. For the students who do decide to complete this program, they have another tough decision to make: whether to live with their parents for a while, or to move into their own place after graduation. Deciding to move out could be a tough choice that would bring a lot of other decisions with it. Here are a few steps that a prospective student could take in helping them decide.
Deciding – Some students might not be ready to move out and to be independent from their families and homes. Staying at home wouldn’t be a bad option, because you would be saving even more money. But if you decide that you are ready and want to move out then you have to make a few other decisions that would help you get the best place for your money.
Roommate – Having a friend that is also participating in the Associate in Arts Program could be a big help for the fact that you might be able to have a roommate. If they are willing, this could double your budget and you wouldn’t have to be completely independent from the start. If you don’t have a friend you could always post advertisements on places like Craigslist. If your not able to find a person, you can always look for an apartment that is pet-friendly, so you could have company.
Budget – Budget is what can make or break you. Without some sort of financial standing, you’re not going to be able to get very far. Most students enlist the help of their parents, which can help get you on your feet. With your budget you have to decide how big of an apartment you can afford, you have to factor in utilities and you still have to have money left over for yourself. If you think that you can afford all these things, or at least your parents can help you, then finding your own place could be a good option.
Location – Location plays an important role in deciding what place is right for you. You have to consider the area you want to move too, it has to be safe enough. Also it should be close enough to everything that you need to reach, such as school, work, and your parent’s house.
Finding a nice enough place might be hard, so you shouldn’t save it for the last minute. Give yourself enough time to go apartment shopping, discuss your options with your parents and give yourself enough leeway to not stress out. Moving out is a big step, that involves a lot of decision-making, so taking your time is necessary. When you are apartment shopping don’t limit yourself, scope out all the options and decide from there.

Written and compiled by Kelsea Hertzler and Ericka Pyle