新視野大學英語視聽說教程第一冊 Unit 8 Task 3: Off-campus Apartments

　　In many colleges and universities, the rapid increase in the number of resident students has made on-campus dormitories increasingly crowded. Thus even some of the least attractive off-campus apartments now seem to be in great demand. As a result, real estate owners tend to purchase as many properties as they can near college campus for the sole purpose of renting them out yo students. “College towns” have sprung up across the country where there are large numbers of houses filled with students tenants. To find an apartment that’s “right” for you, first determine exactly how much you can spend. Don’t waste your valuable time seeing apartments you can’t afford. Use newspaper classified ads, apartment guides and the Internet, to make a list of “candidates” in your price range and needs. First consider how much travel time you can afford each day. The next question: will you have a roommate to share the costs? Will you be able to afford the apartment if your partner moves out? Furthermore, be sure to consider the potential costs of utilities carefully. Sometimes utility costs are included in the rent. This arrangement often gives a clearer picture of monthly costs.

　　resident dormitories apartments demand properties rent right spend afford roommate moves costs