For college students planning to attend college this year and plan on living off-campus the Federal Student Aid office of the U.S. Department of Education put out some tips to help with those students looking to budget their money.

Here are some important points to keep in mind as you build your budget and identify what goes into your income and expenses.

        Overestimate your expenses. Underestimate your income.

Plan on spending more than you will expect to have less money coming in than you really do.  This is a simple trick akin to setting your watch ahead 5 minutes to give an extra cushion of time.  It may seem silly to play "pretend" but the results could be a surplus of income rather than running out of money.  Something many college students are familiar with.

    Your family might offer good advice.

Parents and spouses may be critical when it comes to your budget because they care about you and don't want to see you in a tight financial spot. Discussing how financial decisions will be made with others close to you and seeking a "second opinion" can help.

        Prepare for the unexpected.

Set aside an "emergency fund." Budgeting will help you cover unexpected expenses and plan for drastic changes that may occur.

The above is good advice for any students who are looking to stretch their 2019-2020 school living budget.

The following list is comprised of spots for those who are new to the Rochester, NY area and would like to see what the city has to offer.  A strict budget has been taken into consideration when compiling this list.

Mendon Ponds Park: trails and water fun! Nature lovers will want to check this out.

Festivals: Rochester, NY is known for festivals and the Park Ave Fest for college students is no exception.  The Lilac Festival is another one worth checking out.  There are many more and are announced regularly in local Rochester, NY news publications like the Democrat & Chronicle.

Rochester Art:  The Strong Museum, Rochester Museum & Science Center, and the Memorial Art Gallery are a few places to check out if you are a student who is an art lover.

Mount Hope Cemetery: The tour scene here is interesting.

Bike Ride/Walk Along the Canal: The canal that runs through the city serves as a great backdrop to a pleasant walk or bike ride.

Ice Skating at the Ritter Ice Arena at RIT: The spot to go if you enjoy ice skating.

Black Button Distillery: When adults sign-up to be in the know about their latest products, news and special events and they'll give you one FREE spirits tasting.

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion: Beautiful gardens. Very scenic.

The Little Theater: Art house films for only $6 for students, children, and seniors.

George Eastman House: the world's oldest museum dedicated to photography and one of the world's oldest film archives. A "must" for anyone visiting Rochester.

Susan B. Anthony House: A famous historical landmark.

Seneca Park Zoo: A fun zoo that has quite the collection of animal life.

Red Wings Baseball: Experience what viewing a minor league baseball game is like.

Although this guide applies to everyone, abroad students coming from countries outside the U.S. will probably find the information most useful.

⦁        A deposit will most likely be required for a student home in the U.S., usually of one month or six weeks’ rent, which is returned during the move out.  Of course,  the property must remain in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the lease in order to get the full deposit back.

⦁        Utilities (energy costs, internet, water, cable) will usually be extra cost so this must be factored in when budgeting.

⦁        Additional fees can exist. For example for the use of parking spaces, laundry facilities or concierge services, at some apartment blocks.

⦁        Deciding between furnished and unfurnished housing is imperative.  If a student is coming from outside the U.S. this will need to be arranged ahead of time.

⦁        Apartment blocks and university dorms sometimes supply access to facilities such as a pool or gym, which can save money for students who would otherwise pay extra for memberships.  Each school varies so it is important to look into this.

⦁        Lastly but certainly not least, check how safe the housing unit is by inspecting the neighborhood and all the security features (if there are any) such as door entry, security personnel or CCTV in communal areas.

Following these tips will ensure any abroad student will find their student housing experience in the U.S. fulfilling and enjoyable.

The above infograph comes from J Turner Research in cooperation from places4students.com.  Right off the bat it's easy to see what the number one in-demand request is:  A personal bathroom.

Rochester Smart Student Housing aims to please.  We will find you a place to call home away from home and help you have the greatest off-campus housing experience possible with every amenity desired.

Feel free to check out our student housing listings.  Also feel free to call with any questions you may have: 585-330-5256

The residents of South Hill, Ithaca are a strong testament to the double edge sword that is new student housing development in communities.   815 South Aurora Street has been approved as the location of new student housing development by the Ithaca Planning Board.  The meeting happened last week on September 24.

The decision was not passed without strong opposition however...

South Hill resident Roger recently spoke on the move:

“The difference here is that during inclement weather, there is a choice that is made to visit the garden.  On this site [815 S. Aurora St.], one must go into the fall zone because people live there and frequent the parking lot/fall zone on a daily basis - it is the only way out of these apartments buy vehicle or bicycle. One must walk through the fall zone to take out the garbage.”

Further opposition came from Michael Belmont, who is moving to Ithaca from Rochester::

“To be clear I respectfully encourage this board to deny this site plan as proposed.  The Visum project has been given special consideration and has been allowed to fly under the code’s radar on many occasions and has inspired changes in the code at times like a reduction in a cell tower fall zone.”

Emily Petrina, a member of the board, said she supports the building and feels that the nearby road, Route 96B, has grown into "a major thoroughfare in and out of the city of Ithaca."

All in all, student housing development in Ithaca warrants the growing demand students have for off-campus student housing.