Are you a student or a parent of a student attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) and thinking about renting an apartment near campus? Moving into a new apartment is exciting, especially when you’re planning it right near campus life in Eau Claire! Many UWEC students start looking for apartments almost a year in advance—usually as early as the fall before the next June lease start date. But why such an early start? Here are five key reasons why and some considerations in deciding to rent early, or wait it out. Here are a few tips for planning ahead and finding the perfect place to live near UWEC!
1. High Demand for Apartments Near Campus
Eau Claire is home to thousands of students, and a significant number of them want to live close to campus. To live in the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire dorms students apply between October and November for housing in the following academic year. You must complete your application and pay a $75 housing deposit to secure a spot. In early spring, UWEC finalizes room assignments. If you’re planning to live on campus next academic year, it’s best to apply as early as possible in the fall for a better chance at securing your dorm (https://www.uwec.edu/offices-services/office-housing-and-residence-life/current-resident-housing-information/live-campus).
Since UWEC dorms fill up quickly, many students, especially those who have already completed their first year, are eager to move off-campus. As a result, apartment options close to campus tend to get rented out fast. This is why students typically begin searching for apartments in the fall before a June lease start date; they want to secure a place nearby before options run out. Searching early allows you to pick an apartment that meets your needs.
2. Finding the Perfect Roommates
Another big reason students look for apartments early is to give themselves enough time to find the right roommates. Roommates can make or break the college apartment experience. Living with a friend or someone who shares similar habits and study routines is often ideal, and securing a lease early gives you and your roommates peace of mind.
Choosing the right roommates means discussing budgets, cleanliness, schedules, and even things like sleep preferences. Starting this conversation in the fall allows students to finalize who they’ll live with and sign a lease as a team, making the whole process much smoother.
3. More Choices and Better Prices
When students start searching in the fall for the following June, they’ll likely find more options and potentially better rental rates. Waiting too long can mean that the best-priced apartments are already rented out. By starting early, students can pick from a variety of units, locations, and price points, helping them secure the best fit for their needs and budget.
Also, the nicer and better maintained apartments get rented sooner. Waiting might mean you get stuck with a dud.
You will find it more enjoyable to tour apartments during the pleasant autumn days than the frigid cold days of winter.
4. Flexibility to Compare and Tour Options
Touring multiple apartments allows students to find a space they’ll truly feel comfortable in for an entire school year. Starting early gives students plenty of time to compare properties, check out different layouts, and get a feel for various neighborhoods around Eau Claire. Some students might prefer a quieter area, while others want to be right in the middle of the action near Water Street or popular student areas close to campus.
Touring apartments during the fall also allows time to meet with landlords and discuss any questions, like lease terms, pet policies, and parking options. Many landlords appreciate early renters, making it easier to communicate any needs or preferences students might have.
5. Planning for Furniture, Supplies, and Move-In Prep
Once students have signed a lease, they can start planning for move-in day well in advance. Knowing where you’ll be living helps with budgeting for furniture, decor, and supplies. Whether students need a full set of bedroom furniture, basic kitchen supplies, or just a few pieces to make their new place feel like home, early planning gives them the time to find everything without the stress of a last-minute scramble.
Plus, summer break is a popular time for students to move into their new apartments. By having a lease in place by June, they can move in gradually or all at once before classes begin in the fall. It also means parents can help with the move without the time crunch of the academic calendar, making the transition easier for everyone.
How to Start the Search: Tips for UWEC Students and Families
If you’re considering an apartment near UWEC, here’s how to get started:
Check Out Popular Rental Websites: Many local apartments are listed websites that allow you to filter apartments by distance from campus, monthly rent, and number of bedrooms, which makes it easy to find options that fit your needs.
Tour Different Neighborhoods: Eau Claire has great neighborhoods for students, from bustling Water Street to quieter residential areas near campus. Taking a walk around these areas can help students get a feel for what’s nearby, such as coffee shops, grocery stores, and bus routes.
Contact Local Property Management Companies: Companies in Eau Claire often manage many of the apartments near campus and can help students find a place that meets their criteria. Many of these companies can even let you know when units become available and help arrange tours.
Ask Current Students for Recommendations: Many UWEC students have already been through the apartment hunt and know which buildings or landlords are reliable and accommodating. Asking friends or other students about their experiences can offer valuable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Understand Lease Terms and Fees: Make sure to review the lease terms carefully and clarify any fees, such as utilities, security deposits, and parking fees. Each apartment or management company may have different rules, so getting all this information upfront can prevent surprises down the line. If your plans change between lease signing and moving in, ask if you can find a substitute to take your place on the lease.
UWEC Dorms vs. Off-Campus Apartments
While UWEC has dorms for first-year students and some upperclassmen, they can fill up quickly, and dorm life isn’t for everyone. Living off-campus in an apartment provides more independence, a kitchen, and often quieter study spaces. While dorms are convenient for freshmen adjusting to college life, many sophomores and upperclassmen prefer the independence and flexibility of renting an apartment nearby.
Final Thoughts: Is Early Apartment Hunting Worth It?
For many UWEC students, starting the search for next year’s apartment in the fall is absolutely worth it. It provides the time to find the right roommates, compare rental prices, and secure a place that fits their lifestyle. Plus, it takes a lot of stress out of the process, knowing that move-in plans are already set.
Renting near campus also helps students enjoy the convenience of a quick commute, making it easy to participate in campus events, study groups, and extracurricular activities. So if you’re ready to dive into the world of off-campus living, fall is a great time to start looking. Happy apartment hunting!!
Disclaimer
Hey there! Thanks for reading our stuff. We want you to know a few important things:
We're General Property Management LLC, right here in good old Eau Claire, WI. You can make an appointment to visit us. Our office is located at 703 5th Avenue #1, Eau Claire, WI 54703 or send written correspondence to General Property Management, LLC, P.O. Box 283, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
If you need to reach us, our email is contact@ec4rent.com and our phone number is 715-832-1200.
We try our best to give you good information, but we're not lawyers. If you have a serious legal problem, it's best to talk to a real attorney.
If you spot any mistakes in what we've written, please let us know! We'd love to fix it or take it down if needed.
We always welcome your comments and thoughts. Your feedback helps us do better!
Remember, when we all do our little part, the world is a better place.
