Choosing to leave home to study at a faraway college is a liberating but daunting challenge that many young adults bravely choose. You’ll find yourself lost in unfamiliar streets, deciphering puzzling routes during your commute, and most importantly, creating your new home away from home. Your new living space will be your refuge from all the inevitable craziness that college and independent life will bring, so choosing the best one should be your top priority.

That being said, here are 8 tips on how to choose your college dorm this coming school year:

1. Get into the specifics of the financials

Delve into the nitty-gritty of the technicalities. About the payment system, clarify the exact down payment, the security deposit, and the specific details about how and when it will be returned in the future. Confirm if there are any advance payments to be made, the monthly payment schedule, the utility bills, and all the miscellaneous fees that need to be settled. You don’t want to have to deal with unnecessary fees later.

If you’re talking to an agent under a binding contract, clarify some financial safety and security questions. In case of possible foul play between the agent and the contractors in the future, ask where you can go to seek help or file a complaint. The last thing you want is to end up in a financial conundrum, lose money, and be left in the dark.

2. Thoroughly check the dormitory facilities

For your first dorm visit, get your checklist and take note of these facilities:

• Check the fire exit if it’s safe and accessible for people.
• Inspect the door locks and cabinet locks to see if they’re in good condition.
• Check for signs of rainwater leakage, such as molds in the walls and the ceiling.
• Inspect the electric lines and thoroughly look for untapped wires.
• Inspect the sinks and bathroom to check the water supply.
• Pay attention to noises, and ask how to report noise disturbances in the future.
• Lastly, test the internet access to ensure it meets your needs.

3. Take note of the nearby shops and services

One important aspect of living independently is your accessibility to resources and necessities. During your dorm hunt, make sure to check for nearby shops and services. Look for laundry and ironing services, grocery shops and karinderyas, school supplies and printing shops, sari-sari stores, and cafes and learning spaces as emergency back-up spaces in case of power outages or other issues that might disrupt your routine.

4. Find a dorm that cares about YOU

During your dorm hunt, you’ll unfortunately encounter multiple businesses that will prioritize profit over your well-being. To help you test the waters, here are some key points to remember:

Ask the dormitory’s administration about the possible countermeasures if any issue arises between the tenant and the agent. Ensure that the administration has clear policies to secure your financial safety.

Clarify any possible penalties or repercussions of late payments. You don’t want a dormitory that will kick you out on a whim just because you were a few days late on rent!

Ask about the procedure if, say, a roommate with whom you share the payment suddenly leaves. Since this will leave you shouldering the financial burden, make sure the administration has measures to prevent this from happening.

5. Check reviews on the internet and social media

Most, if not all, dormitory businesses are one quick search away and contain some digital footprint. So, put on your detective glasses and make the most of the internet’s resources. Search the dormitory’s exact name on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, and Google Search for reviews, grievances, and insights from former tenants and consider them as references as you weigh your options.

6. Always be ready with a backup plan

The cruelest thing a college dormer could experience would be being unexpectedly kicked out – especially if you live far from home and have no backup place to go. You’d have to get ahead of the situation before it even happens. Search for affordable transients and motels nearby, ask friends in advance if they can host you for a good few weeks or a month, and always keep a good amount of cash.

7. Find the best roommates by being transparent

Whether you’re finding roommates online or within your social circles, it’s important to set your personal non-negotiables up front. Don’t be shy about discussing your personality, dislikes, and boundaries, so that you can connect with like-minded people who fit within your comfort zone. The best roommates are the ones who listen. Make sure you practice the same act by being open and understanding of their preferences too!

8. Listen to your heart

Sometimes, during a dorm visit, if something feels off — like the vibes aren’t right and the energy isn’t synced, trust your gut. Even if there are no material or rational reasons for your internal qualms at the moment, that feeling might be you subconsciously sensing multiple red flags.

Remember, home is where the heart is; so if you don’t feel comfortable, take that as your cue to leave and look for other options.

Got any more dorm tips? Tell us all about them in the comments!