At first glance, most listings blur together: "spacious," "updated kitchen," "natural light." But when you're a student, what actually matters isn’t the backsplash-it’s stuff like: are utilities included, does the heater actually work, and is there enough room to not go feral during finals?
Here’s how to read between the listing lines.
Don’t Be Distracted by Staging
Nice couches and rugs in the photos? That’s staging. None of it’s staying. Instead, look at:
The bones: wall condition, flooring, outlets
Natural light (check for windows in every room)
Bedroom size - can it fit a desk, bed, and dresser without stacking them?
Zoom in on photos. Look for weird stains, slanted floors, exposed pipes. Listings hide a lot in wide-angle shots.
Ask These Before You Tour
Save yourself time by asking in advance:
Are utilities included? If not, what’s the average monthly cost?
What’s the lease term? Can I sublet?
Is the unit shared or private?
What’s the security deposit and move-in fees?
Is there laundry? In-unit, on-site, or none?
If they dodge these, move on.
When You Tour, Look for Red Flags
Weird smells (especially moldy or overly scented)
Peeling paint, warped wood, or brown spots = water damage
No smoke detectors = violation
Creaky windows or doors that don’t lock properly = safety issue
Any signs of pests (droppings, traps, chewed stuff)
Check water pressure, flip light switches, test the AC/heat. You’re allowed to be that person.
Prioritize Functional Layout Over Aesthetic
You’re living here, not filming a TikTok. Ask:
Can you actually fit multiple people in the kitchen?
Is there enough shared space to exist in?
Where will you store cleaning stuff / winter coats / extra bedding?
Ask About Maintenance
Who do you call if something breaks?
Is it a landlord, property manager, or third party?
How fast is their response time (ask current tenants if possible)?
A slow landlord turns minor problems into huge ones.
Think About Your Mental Health
Stuff that seems small matters more when you live there:
No windows = no sunlight = winter depression
Thin walls = no sleep before 2am
Gross bathrooms = constant resentment
Your space will affect your energy, mood, and ability to focus. Choose accordingly.
Make Sure the Price Is Real
Some listings advertise a low number, but...
It’s per person in a shared room
Doesn’t include utilities
Requires a multi-month deposit or broker fee
Do the full math:
Rent + utilities + parking + laundry = actual monthly cost.
Bonus: Know How You’ll Pay for It All
Rent. Wifi. Electricity. Paper towels. It adds up fast. And if you’re splitting with roommates, things get messy fast.
Fizz gives you a smarter system:
Pay your share of bills on time
Build credit automatically
Avoid interest, late fees, or the dreaded groupchat Venmo argument
Find a place that works-and a system that helps it work better
Fizz helps you build credit and keep shared expenses under control so your student rental doesn’t become a financial mess.
