While aspects of living on-campus for all four years of college are appealing to some students, most undergraduates at the University of Rhode Island tend to move off for a number of reasons for their junior or senior year.
Being that Rhode Island is the “Ocean State,†prospects for living off-campus include being closer to the beach, gaining a sense of independency from university housing and the freedom of living with a few close friends for the remainder of the year.
As December draws near, students looking to take this big step are encouraged to start looking for houses and begin the rigorous application process. Finding a suitable home for your group of friends next year may seem like an easy enough task, but the actual decision takes weeks to secure based on touring schedules, prior applicants and even group size.
Heather McCarthy, a real estate agent at Durkin Cottage Realty in Narragansett, suggested that some of the best homes are already taken at this point. “While there is a lot of inventory, people will start looking in October and the bigger houses will usually go first,†McCarthy said. “Smaller groups have a bit more flexibility, but most of the nicer houses go before Thanksgiving break.â€
While houses are available all throughout Rhode Island, the most popular areas include Eastward Look and Point Judith, McCarthy said.  “All houses are posted at [Durkin Realty] and on the web page,†she said. “Once you find the house, contact us, set-up a tour, and begin the application process.â€
These steps to apply for off-campus housing could be viewed as “Narragansett Hunger Games†for students looking for the biggest, nicest and modestly priced houses. The process is competitive, and the questions directed at students on the application include, prior housing references, current GPA at any Rhode Island university, and final approval from the owner,†McCarthy said.
Students who are worried about housing prices can expect to pay an average of $$500-$550 a month in rent. Nicholas Pezzillo, a senior living off-campus this year in Narragansett, feels the move was definitely necessary, but has its drawbacks.
“I never took into account the extra costs that come along with living in your own home,†Pezzillo said. “I forgot about gas, electric, heat, and cable. While the cost is much cheaper than living at URI, I now have to remember to pay my rent and bills on time to avoid a late fee.â€
When reflecting on the process, Pezzillo explained that  the whole touring part took a lot of time, which isn’t even including the hours online contacting owners or real estate agencies.
“We found a great house about 20 minutes away from campus that is right on the beach, so I really can’t complain,†Pezzillo said.
Most real estate agencies such as Durkin Realty or Lila Delman, another popular realtor in Narragansett, operate on a “first come, first serve†basis when renting to students. While this move takes time, students aspiring to open their bedroom curtains and admire the beautiful Rhode Island coast are encouraged to apply soon. Finding off-campus rentals can be just as stressful as applying for a job. Find a good group of friends, go on tours, call realtors, but remember for living off, being the slowest will not win you a spot in this race.