Reloca-Phobia: A 6-Step Cure-All Guide for Finding Your New Neighborhood

Still frozen in panic after finding the “we will not house you” clause in your official graduate school acceptance package? Thaw out a little, Get Grad Schooled has your back. Here is a list of 6 things to look for in a new neighborhood.    




1. Safety. Graduate courses usually commence during late afternoons and early evenings. With run times averaging around 3 to 4 hours, there is a good chance you will be heading home after 10 pm; this is if you decide not to head to the library for a late night cram session. Therefore, it is important to make sure your potential neighborhood is relatively safe, especially if you are moving to a metropolitan area and are on foot. Your school will have provided you with information on surrounding areas where other students live, but to get the uncensored version, check out Facebook or your school’s Web site for student information pages. Don’t be afraid to send a message to the established users on those sites with questions. You never know, you could end up with a roommate, which means no awkward housing activities for you. Score. 

2. Transportation. If you were forced to leave your vintage 71’ Ford Pinto, Lucille, behind on your graduate school travels, see if your new neighborhood is accessible by public transportation. The “search nearby” function on Google Maps will allow you to quickly locate area bus and subway stops. If you do decide to drag Lucille along with you, you can familiarize yourself with your neighborhood’s parking statutes by checking your new city’s Web site and keeping an eye out for suspicious parking signs.

3. Grocery Stores. Everyone has to eat. Some would prefer not having to take three buses and a train to do so. For those on foot, take a spin through the neighborhood via Google Maps. Test the distance by walking to the nearest store from your potential home. Keep in mind that all the groceries you buy will have to be lugged, by you, back to your place. Do you really want to drag 10 bags of food with you onto the bus?

4. Banks. You bank with someone nobody has ever heard of, and now you’re at a loss as to where to put your money. (NOTE: under the mattress is never acceptable) Visit your area bank and open up a checking account. This will save you expensive withdrawal fees and provide you with an emergency source of cash should you need it. Go with a larger chain bank, as they generally have branches and ATMs everywhere. They also offer special student checking and savings accounts that won’t tie your money up for 20 years should you shortly choose to return to Small Banks R’ Us. Having a bank close by is also great for procuring the countless quarters you’ll throw away in the neighborhood Laundromat. Which brings us to,

5. Laundromat. You have to have clean clothes. We don’t even want to consider the alternative. And finally,

6. Shopping/Town Centers. Shopping and town centers are great because they usually have the knick-knack stores you need, e.g., convenience stores, specialty grocery stores, electronic shacks. They may also house delicious restaurants and take-outs for when finals hit and you just can’t bring yourself to cook a decent meal.

Before you hand over first and last to your greedy realtor, do a quick tour of your potential neighborhood and check for the items in this list. You’ll be glad you did. Happy hunting!