1. Ask friends in your school network

Reach out to friends in your Binghamton school network and ask anyone who loves where they live off-campus. If they’re seniors then they’ll be graduating next year and can pass you the house they’re currently living in - this way, you'll have an in and won't need to compete with other groups to get the house. These friends also know what living the house is like and how the landlord and property manager are which they can share with you.

2. Move quickly

Time is unfortunately not on your side in the case of finding a great student house. Once you find a house you and your friends are interested in, contact the landlord - call, text and leave a message if the landlord doesn't answer so he or she knows who to get back to. Landlords are typically very busy so you want to make it an easy as possible for them to get back to you. Once you connect, schedule a showing of the house as soon as possible. Ideally come to the showing with your entire group so you can make a unanimous decision on the spot. Students lose great houses all the time because they aren’t together at showings and can't make a decision quickly enough before another student group does.

3. Have paperwork and security deposit ready

Prior to the showing, ask for a copy of the lease agreement so you can review it with your group beforehand and come to the showing with any questions you have. Find out what the security deposit is and make sure you and your group have it available for the showing. Almost all landlords ask for a signed lease and security deposit before giving you a house. Having these two bases covered, you’ll be able to grab the house before another group does. It'll also show the landlord you're serious and in turn they'll take you more seriously.