Moving into your first apartment is a major milestone, especially for college students at Missouri Southern State University and nearby schools. Whether you’re considering off-campus housing or already settled at 17th Place or 20th Place, these apartment tips for college students will help you create a comfortable, productive, and inspiring living space.
At Bell Management, we pride ourselves on quality apartments with everything you need close to home. Your college days will include unforgettable experiences. Making those memories in the right environment can make all the difference as you look back years down the road.
Why Apartment Life Is the Smart Choice for College Students
Choosing to live off-campus comes with a host of benefits:
Independence: Manage your own schedule, meals, and routines.
Privacy: Enjoy your own space to relax, study, and recharge.
Maturity: Learn life skills and build responsibility in a supportive setting.
At 17th Place and 20th Place, you’ll find the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. These communities are designed for students, offering amenities that make daily life easier and more enjoyable.
Budgeting 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Bills, Rent, and Other Expenses
Off-campus life has plenty of benefits. But remember: with great perks comes great responsibility. A lot of that responsibility is financial. Most college students rent with peers to keep costs manageable.
Apartment Tips for College Students: Managing Your Money
Starting out on your own means learning how to keep expenses manageable. Here are some apartment tips for college students to consider.
Splitting Costs with Roommates
Set Clear Expectations: Talk openly about rent, utilities, and shared supplies.
Use Apps: Tools like Splitwise or Venmo make tracking and paying shared expenses simple.
Create a Roommate Agreement: Outline who pays for what and how to resolve conflicts. This may seem “extra,” but you’ll all be grateful for a written agreement in case of any future misunderstandings.
Tracking Monthly Expenses
Make a Budget: List all regular costs—rent, utilities, groceries, internet, and transportation to create an accurate apartment budget.
Monitor Spending: Use budgeting apps or a simple spreadsheet to avoid surprises.
Plan for Extras: Set aside a little each month for unexpected expenses.
Student Discounts and Affordable Living Hacks
Use Your Student ID: Many local businesses and online retailers offer discounts.
Buy in Bulk: Save on groceries and household items by shopping with roommates.
Furnish Smart: Check out thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or campus swap groups for deals.
Study Space Setup for a More Productive Environment
Apartment life can be fun, but it’s still important to hold yourself accountable and focus on schoolwork. A dedicated study area can boost focus and productivity. Here are some ways to create a study zone.
Choose a low-traffic area of the apartment to avoid distractions.
Communicate with roommates and agree on quiet hours during study times.
Use community areas like the business center at 17th Place or 20th Place Apartments for group projects or a change of scenery.
Furniture Ideas for Small Spaces
One of the best apartment tips for college students is to learn how to make the most of your living space. While Bell Management properties offer plenty of closet and storage space, it’s still less than you might be used to in a house.
When choosing a desk for your study area, think compact. Look for foldable or wall-mounted options to save space. Invest in an ergonomic chair to prevent back and neck pain. In the digital age, eye strain from looking at screens all day is also a top concern. Use desk lamps or natural light to reduce eye strain, and take frequent breaks.
Apartment Tips for College Students to Stay Organized
Balancing classes, work, sleep, and a social life is easier with a routine. Coordinate chores with roommates, and rotate responsibilities to keep things fair. A shared calendar app or a physical whiteboard can help everyone stay on track.
Sample Weekly Apartment Cleaning Checklist
Monday: Take out trash and recycling.
Tuesday: Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Thursday: Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors.
Sunday: Do laundry and reset your study space.
Meal Prep and Wellness Tips for Apartment Life
Staying active is easy at 17th Place and 20th Place Apartments. We offer amenities like on-site fitness centers, athletic courts, and plenty of outdoor space to catch some fresh air. Whether you’re in Joplin or Webb City, you can also explore local parks and hiking trails.
Meal prep is also important. Planning ahead can keep you from overspending on fast food (and enduring the consequences of too many late-night Taco Bell runs with friends).
Easy, Budget-Friendly Recipes
One-Pot Meals: Chili, pasta, and stir-fry are quick and affordable, especially if you have a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Batch Cooking: Prepare meals for the week to save time and money. To prevent waste, freeze individual portions and thaw as needed.
Healthy Snacks: It’s fine to treat yourself to junk food on occasion. But fruits, nuts, yogurts, and other healthy treats can keep your mind and body in top shape for study sessions and physical activity.
The Advantages of 17th Place and 20th Place Apartments for College Students
Living at 17th Place or 20th Place Apartments means you’re close to campus, public transit, and everything the area has to offer. You’ll enjoy modern amenities like high-speed internet, study-friendly spaces, and a welcoming community.
By following these apartment tips for college students, you can live your best life while achieving your academic goals. Our goal is to provide you with a safe, positive space to study, relax, and make memories with friends and roommates during your college years.
Ready to Upgrade Your College Living Experience?
Schedule a tour at 17th Place or 20th Place today and discover how the right apartment can inspire your best college years. For more information about availability, reach out to Bell Management.
