Apartment Referral Services -- Resources

Planning and Budgeting: How much can I afford?
Before you begin apartment hunting you need to determine the average rent for the apartment you want. For example, St. Louis' average prices are as follows:

1 Bedroom = $450-550
2 Bedrooms = $600-850
3 Bedrooms = $900-1500

You will need to estimate how much rent you can afford whether you are planning to live with a roommate or live on your own. Consider all sources of income, including job earnings, financial aid, and parental support. Almost all leases are for 12 months and require a security deposit equalling one month's rent. In additional, renters usually pay for utilities such as cable, gas, phone, and electricity. There may be an installation or set-up fee associated with these utilities. The local utility companies can supply an average cost for any address. Remember to include other expenses such as tuition, food, laundry, transporation, and personal items. ARS has a budge sheet that can help you plan for living off campus. The sheet is available as an Adobe Acrobat document (Page 1, Page 2) or as an HTML document.

Begin the Search
The best time to begin your apartment search is one month before you plan on moving. You can begin your search at home using our Web listings. We highly recommend you call ahead to set up appointments to view properties that interest you. Have a list of questions to ask the landlord about the apartment, the lease policies, and maintenance procedures. Also, bring a checkbook so you can place a deposit on the apartment you like. The search can take anywhere from a couple days to a week. Each viewing takes approximately 15-30 minutes, so give yourself adequate time to get to the next appointment. An all day search can be exhausting. St. Louis weather is very hot and humid in the summer, so wear comfortable clothing. Call Apartment Referral Service (ARS) prior to your visit for information regarding hotel accommodations, car rentals, public transportation, and restaurants.

Safety and Security
Personal safety is an important and vital concern when living in any urban area. The Washington University Police Department prints a booklet called "Safety and Security." To request a copy and learn of other services campus police offer call (314) 935-5555 or visit police.wustl.edu.

The ARS office provides crime statistics of the student living areas. Local authorities can also divulge statistical information.

Personal security starts with inspecting the apartment of interest. Visit the property during the day and night, and if possible investigate the neighborhood traffic from weekday to weekend. Check for door and window locks, and deadbolt locks on a solid entry door. Look for intercom or security phone entry systems. Are the buildings, parking lots, common areas, and hallways well lit? Is the landscaping well trimmed? Overgrown bushes and shrubs offer criminals a place to hide. Your apartment should have a working smoke detector. Upon request, ARS can send you a "Safety and Security" checklist to use when you view property.

Transportation: Getting around town
Most visitors to St. Louis prefer a car rental for adequate mobility during their apartment search. St. Louis International airport has car rental agencies located in the terminal. You must be a licensed driver and 25 years of age.

Washington University shuttle is a great and convenient way to get around locally and on campus. There are numerous shuttles that run day and night during the academic year and on a reduced summer schedule. You can get a schedule from the Transportation Office by calling (314) 935-4140 or visit transportation.wustl.edu.

Metro operates the MetroBus (city buses) and MetroLink (light rail system). Both transits can get you just about anywhere in St. Louis you need to go and our University shuttle accomodates many of the routes near campus. For a schedule of routes, stops, and prices, call (314) 231-2345 or visit www.metrostlouis.org.

Taxis can be a source of travel. ARS can supply you a list of companies and phone numbers upon request.

Setting Up Utilities
Connecting utilities is just a click away. The connection process is usually hassle free whether the service is with the electric, gas, telephone, cable and or the satellite company. There are customer service representatives eagerly waiting to assist. Don't forget to ask about budget billing!