An EKU Student's Guide to Off-Campus Housing in Richmond, KY

Starting college is a big deal, and if you're moving to Richmond for the first time, figuring out housing is probably one of the first things on your to-do list.

At Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, your first home-away-from-home is typically on-campus housing: the dorms and residence halls of EKU from Martin Hall suites to Grand Campus Apartments or more traditional halls like Sullivan, Keene, or Clay.

Whether this is your first time renting or your first time living in a college town, there's a lot to think about before you sign a lease. Here's what you need to know to make the best decision for your situation.

EKU Housing Requirements

As of this writing, EKU Housing has requirements one must meet before being able to live off-campus, though these may be subject to change. Always follow EKU Housing requirements before putting your admission status or scholarship funding at risk.

These include:

Start Looking Earlier Than You Think

If you're meeting requirements and planning on living off-campous for the fall semester, you want to start your apartment search in summer. Richmond's rental market moves fast, especially near EKU. By the time August rolls around, a lot of the best options are already gone. The earlier you start, the more you'll have to choose from, so don't wait until summer is over to start browsing.

Get Your Documentation Together

Before you start touring, it helps to have a few things ready to go. Most landlords will ask for proof of income, so having recent pay stubs on hand will help the process move much more quickly and efficiently. You'll also want a general idea of your credit score, since some landlords have minimum credit requirements. Having a clear picture of your monthly income will help you figure out what's actually within your budget before you fall in love with a place.

If you're not sure your income or credit history will meet the requirements on your own, it might be worth asking a parent or trusted adult to hunt with you and help you navigate the process.

Getting Familiar With Richmond

If you haven't spent much time in Richmond yet and have spent most of your time on-campus, here's a quick lay of the land: most of the city's apartments, shopping, and dining are located along the bypass, which makes it pretty easy to get around once you know the area. 

Before you commit to a location, it's worth taking some time to explore the different parts of town so you have a feel for what's close to campus, what's close to work, and what fits your day-to-day routine.

You can check out Diamond Apartments' available listings online to get a sense of where our properties are located and start picturing yourself in the area.

Questions to Ask at Your Showing

When you go to tour an apartment, come prepared with a few questions. A good showing is your best chance to learn things that won't show up in the listing. Some things worth asking:

• How do you handle emergency maintenance requests?
• Who manages the property day-to-day, and are they local?
• What's the surrounding neighborhood like?
• What are the lease terms, and is subletting allowed?
• Are there any utility costs included, or is everything separate?

At Diamond Apartments, management is local, which means you're not waiting on a corporate office when something comes up. Locally managed properties like ours mean we are invested in the community and respond with faster responses and a more personal experience.

On-Campus Housing vs. Off-Campus Apartments

EKU's on-campus student housing in Richmond, KY can be a convenient option, especially for your first 2 years, but it comes at a cost. Dorm and campus housing rates tend to be more so than a typical rental lease. You're also paying for access during the school year when you may want a more residential living experience.

If you have a scholarship that covers housing, on-campus might make sense for you. But if you're funding your own housing, off-campus apartments are often the more budget-friendly choice, especially when you factor in the ability to split rent and utilities with one or more roommates.

Ready to Take a Look at Apartments for Rent in Richmond, KY?

If you're starting your search for student housing in Richmond, KY, our team is here to help you get off on the right foot. We're a locally owned and operated property management team, and we love helping students find that special place to make their years at EKU the best possible.

Reach out today to get started or check out our apartment listings.