To rent or not to rent?
- posted: 23 Oct. 2007
- scrolllifestyle@byui.edu
As more and more BYU-Idaho students get married, their list of worries increases. Married students have financial matters that single students do not have to worry about.
One of these new worries is often married student housing, where average monthly rent is $550. Single students have a set rent for the semester and are provided with furnishings in their apartments, whereas married students generally need to furnish their own.
The decision of where to live can be an especially difficult one considering these limitations. Specific attention should also be given to other housing factors, like maintenance issues.
“When we first lived together, we lived in University Courtyard, where there were literally problems all of the time. You have to find what’s best for you,” said Brittany Drennan Boyce, a junior studying public relations.
This decision of where to live may make or break students financially. Many choose to rent apartments rather than buy townhouses so they can benefit both financially and in other ways.
“If you rent, you can just leave when you’re done here. It goes back to the owner, and you don’t have to worry about selling it or renting to somebody else. Also, when renting, the repairs and maintenance are handled by the owner or manager,” said Dan Shaw, a senior studying computer information technology.
Some students recommend investing early in housing to prevent having to pay increased rent later on.
“Rent goes up all of the time, and before long, that two-bedroom you could have had is nearly twice the price,” Boyce said.
Those who are getting married soon may want to find housing quickly, as they have limited BYU-I approved housing options. Not doing so can make securing top housing preferences more challenging.
Shaw agrees that signing up early for housing is crucial to getting the desired spot a couple wants.
“Plan ahead and have backups in case your first choice doesn't work out,” Shaw said.
For a listing of married housing options complete with prices and amenities, visit www.byui.edu/housing/community. 
