If you’re currently a Georgia Tech student living in Atlanta, it’s likely that you’ll have to decide during your fall semester where to live for the next school year.
With new student housing options emerging every year, it’s important to consider whether you want to renew your lease at your current apartment or move to a new development. At Whistler, our leasing team has helped hundreds of students sign leases. We have gotten many questions about moving to a new property vs. renewing.
Read Next: 15 Questions to Ask When Touring a Student Apartment in Midtown
In this article, we will discuss the advantages of renewing your lease versus exploring other options to help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences for the upcoming school year.
Moving to a New Student Apartment in Midtown Atlanta
Pro: Newer Amenities
In the fitness center is Whistler’s yoga studio that offers ample natural light for group classes or individual use.
Midtown is full of student apartment options with new locations opening up every year. Each new property opens bigger and better amenities to outweigh the competition, making your options more luxurious by the year.
These new amenities go past the traditional gym and pool deck. Think trendy new amenities like saunas, golf-simulators, yoga studios, spas and spin cycle studios. Every new location is sure to have a unique amenity to differentiate itself, so be sure to evaluate which amenities each property offers.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Signing an Individual Lease as a Student in Midtown
Pro: New Roommates and Community
Representative unit interior featuring Whistler’s standard furniture and finishes.
Another benefit is the sense of community you will develop with your fellow neighbors.
While there is some sense of community amongst neighbors in most student apartments, being the first group to live in a building will make your bond even stronger. You can shape the vibe of the apartment’s community and take pride in the new location together.
Also, if you and your current roommate(s) want to keep living together you can always do so in a new apartment. Or, if you want to shake things up, moving to a new apartment is always a great way to make that happen.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Living in New Student Housing Development
Con: Moving Fees and Expenses
One of the most dreaded parts of a new apartment is the moving process.
A few locations may offer moving services to incentivize you to make the move, but most do not. Regardless, it’s important to consider the money you may have to spend on storage spaces or moving vehicles while you are in between apartments, as well as all the first-time fees associated with moving into a new apartment complex. These financial burdens can add up and impact your budget.
Con: Disruption and Stress
Moving requires packing, organizing and unpacking items, which can be time-consuming and stressful. This process often involves logistical challenges and disruptions to your daily routine, including finding new service providers and updating your address.
Also, it’s hard to accurately assess all aspects of an apartment, so there may be hidden issues that arise, such as noise problems, maintenance delays, or structural issues.
Con: Potential Inconveniences
Moving comes along with the risk of unforeseen obstacles arising. For example, depending on the location of your new apartment, you may experience longer commutes due to increased traffic.
It’s important to consider the convenience and accessibility of the new location in relation to your lifestyle and daily patterns.
Renewing Your Current Lease near Georgia Tech
Pro: Comfort
Renewing your lease at an existing apartment allows you to stay in an apartment you know you are comfortable with.
Choosing to renew your lease allows you to stay in an environment you know is comfortable. Having lived there for a year or more already, you will be accustomed to the property’s amenities, community, staff and policies. You’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect for the coming year when you sign your lease.
Pro: No Moving Fees
One of the biggest rewards of renewing your lease is getting to leave all of your things in your apartment. Staying in the same location and skipping the move will save you both time and money.
Read Next: Student Housing vs. Traditional Apartments near Georgia Tech: Which Type of Housing is Right for Me?
Pro: Keep the Same Roommates
Having good roommates can have a huge impact on your overall living experience at a property.
If your friend group lived well together during your first lease, it’s a good idea to consider renewing your lease. You will all live in the same location with the same people, so you will know exactly what to expect.
Con: Same Environment
In the same way that living in the same space and knowing exactly what to expect can be comforting, it can also be a con depending on how your living experience was. If you were not a fan of leasing policies, staff, or certain aspects of the building, you should definitely look into moving to a new location.
Con: Potential Rent Increase
To keep up with increasing market pieces, apartments will raise rent. This means living in the same apartment may cost you more than it did the previous year. Be sure to ask if there are any price increases before renewing your lease.
Moving vs. Renewing: Things to Consider
In the end, the biggest questions to ask yourself are:
- Do I like my property’s management? Are they responsive and trustworthy?
- Does my property feel safe?
- Do I need (or no longer need) access to parking?
- Does the rental rate work for my budget?
- Can I afford something better?
- Is leaving worth the hassle of moving?
- Does this apartment still fit my needs?
If you value comfort and your current apartment still meets your needs, renewing your lease could be a good option for you. On the other hand, if you value new amenities and the novelty of a space, you should consider moving to a new student housing property.
If you are a current resident at Whistler and are hoping to renew your lease, reach out to our leasing team to lock in your apartment for the next school year.
If you are interested in living in Whistler, join the waitlist to be the first to know when Whistler begins the leasing process for the 2024-2025 school year.
We hope this article has helped you understand the costs and benefits of renewing your lease vs. moving to a new student apartment. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Whistler, please contact our leasing staff. We are more than happy to help!
