The Benefits of Sharing a One-Bedroom Apartment: A Student's Guide to Affordable Housing

Posted by Crane Phillips on January 4th, 2025

Sharing a one-bedroom apartment near Iowa State University can be a game-changer for your finances and lifestyle. By splitting the rent, you greatly reduce your living costs, making it easier to manage your budget and allocate money to textbooks, living expenses, and unexpected tuition fees. University Village Apartments, for example, offer a half-rate option if you have a roommate, which can be particularly beneficial. Sharing utilities and maintenance expenses also leads to substantial savings. Plus, the proximity to campus saves you time and transportation costs, and access to included amenities lowers your overall living expenses. As you explore this option, you'll find even more ways to make your student life more affordable and convenient.

Importance of affordable housing near Iowa State University

When considering housing options near Iowa State University, the importance of affordable housing cannot be overstated. As a student, managing expenses is essential, and one-bedroom apartments near Iowa State University can be a significant financial burden if not shared. Sharing an apartment not only reduces the cost of rent but also splits the utilities, making student housing affordability more achievable. For instance, options like the University Village Apartments, where students pay half of the listed rate if they have a roommate, can be particularly appealing. BlockONE apartments, with their modern amenities and convenient location, also offer an attractive solution for affordable and comfortable living, allowing you to focus on your studies and campus life without the hefty financial strain.

Financial Benefits

When you share a one-bedroom apartment near Iowa State University, you can markedly reduce your living costs by splitting the rent and utilities with a roommate. This financial relief allows you to allocate more funds towards other essential college expenses, such as textbooks, tuition, and personal necessities. By sharing the financial burden, you can better manage your budget and make the most of your college experience.

Rent splitting and reduced living costs

Sharing a one-bedroom apartment near Iowa State University can considerably lower your living expenses. By splitting the rent with a roommate, you can halve the financial burden, making it more manageable within your college budget.

Here are some key benefits of rent splitting:

• Reduced Rent: Divide the monthly rent, making it more affordable and freeing up money for other necessities.
• Lower Utility Costs: Split the expenses for electricity, water, gas, and internet, which can add up to 0 to 0 per month.
• Shared Amenities: If your apartment includes amenities like a washer and dryer, or a fully equipped kitchen, you can enjoy these without bearing the full cost alone.
• Easier Budgeting: With a clear, reduced monthly expense, you can better manage your college budget and focus on other financial priorities.

This arrangement not only helps with financial stability but also enhances roommate dynamics, fostering a sense of cooperation and mutual support.

Savings for other college expenses

By splitting the costs of a one-bedroom apartment near Iowa State University, you can accumulate significant savings that can be allocated to other college expenses. This financial relief is vital, especially when considering the overall cost of attending college. For instance, the average annual room and board expense at Iowa State University is around ,088, but by sharing an apartment, you can reduce this burden substantially.

These savings can then be directed towards other essential expenses such as books and supplies, which average ,000 per year, or other living expenses that total ,430 annually. Additionally, having more financial flexibility allows you to manage tuition fees, transportation costs, and any unexpected expenses that may arise during your college years. This prudent use of your resources can make a significant difference in your overall college experience, helping you stay focused on your academic and personal goals.

Convenience and Proximity to Campus

Living in a one-bedroom apartment near Iowa State University, such as those offered by BlockOne, provides you with easy access to the ISU campus, making it simple to attend classes and participate in campus activities. This proximity reduces your transportation costs, as you won't need to worry about commuting or parking. Being just moments from campus also saves you time, allowing you to focus more on your studies and campus life.

Easy access to ISU campus

When considering a one-bedroom apartment near Iowa State University, one of the most significant advantages is the ease of access to the campus. Living close to ISU makes attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and engaging in campus life much more convenient.

Here are some key benefits of easy campus access:

• Short Commute: You can walk or bike to classes, saving time and money on transportation.
• Access to Facilities: You're just minutes away from state-of-the-art recreational facilities like State Gym and the Lied Recreation Athletic Center[1][4].
• Campus Events: You can easily attend lectures, concerts, and other events without worrying about long commutes.
• Study Groups and Meetings: Meeting up with classmates for study sessions or group projects is simplified when you live close to campus.

Reduced transportation costs

Sharing a one-bedroom apartment near Iowa State University can significantly reduce your transportation costs, making your college life more manageable and affordable. By living close to campus, you can often walk or bike to classes, eliminating the need for a car or frequent use of public transportation. This proximity not only saves you money on fuel, parking, and vehicle maintenance but also reduces the time spent commuting.

Additionally, many off-campus housing options, such as those in Campustown or North Ames, are within walking distance to the university, further minimizing your transportation expenses. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet, which may include internet services, can also be more efficiently managed when shared with a roommate, adding to the overall cost savings.

Maximizing Small Space Living

When sharing a one-bedroom apartment, you need to be mindful of effective space use and maintaining privacy. This involves cleverly organizing your furniture and personal items to create distinct areas for each roommate, ensuring everyone has their own space. Embracing minimalist living can also help, as it reduces clutter and makes the small space feel more comfortable and manageable.

Effective use of space and privacy

To maximize space and maintain privacy in a shared one-bedroom apartment, it's crucial to invest in multi-functional furniture and clever storage solutions. This approach helps in optimizing the limited space available and creates a more comfortable living environment.

Here are some key strategies to take into account:

• Use Vertical Space: Install floating shelves, bookshelves, or storage units that go up to the ceiling to maximize storage without occupying floor space.
• Create Zones: Define different areas for sleeping, studying, and relaxing using room dividers, curtains, or strategically placed rugs.
• Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture: Choose furniture like Murphy beds, fold-out desks, or storage ottomans that serve multiple purposes.
• Utilize Hidden Storage: Make use of under-bed storage, over-the-door organizers, and hidden compartments within furniture to keep clutter out of sight.

Benefits of minimalist living

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle in a shared one-bedroom apartment can greatly enhance your living experience. By adopting minimalism, you can create a more organized, clutter-free space that promotes mental clarity and reduces stress. This approach encourages you to focus on essential items, avoiding impulse purchases and unnecessary expenses. In a small apartment, minimalism helps maximize the use of space, making your home feel more spacious and comfortable.

Living minimally also fosters healthier financial habits, as you prioritize what is truly important and cut back on unnecessary spending. Additionally, it promotes a sense of community and shared responsibility with your roommate, as you both work together to maintain a clean and orderly living environment. This lifestyle not only saves you money but also cultivates a more mindful and sustainable way of living.

BlockONE is the best choice for apartments near Iowa State University

BlockONE stands out as the premier choice for apartments near Iowa State University, offering a blend of convenience, comfort, and modern amenities that cater specifically to the needs of ISU students. Located directly across from the ISU campus, BlockONE guarantees you are never far from your classes or campus activities.

Here are some key benefits of choosing BlockONE:

• Fully Furnished Units: Each apartment is fully furnished with private bathrooms and bedrooms, in-unit side-by-side washers/dryers, and a kitchen with granite counters and full appliances.
• Modern Amenities: Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, social lounges, multiple study rooms, computer lounges, and club rooms with HDTVs and game tables.
• Sustainable Living: The community is designed and constructed to LEED Silver Certification standards, guaranteeing an environmentally friendly living space.
• On-Site Amenities: Bike storage, on-site parking, and a lush courtyard with a fire pit and grill add to the comfort and convenience of living at BlockONE.