INDEPENDENT HOUSING GUIDE
Dream Center Education Holdings ("DCEH")/ The Art Institute is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any Web site linked to this guide. The links are provided for your information and convenience only. DCEH/ The Art Institute does not endorse, support or sponsor the content of any linked Web sites. If you access or use any third party Web sites linked to DCEH/ The Art Institutes's Web site, you do so at your own risk. DCEH/ The Art Institutes makes no representation or warranty that any other Web site is free from viruses,worms or other software that may have a destructive nature. DCEH/ The Art Institute is not liable for and makes no representations regarding suitability or compatibility of roommates. Table of Contents A Quick Guide to finding Independent Housing 1-3 Apartment Listings* - The Colonnade 4-5 - The Broadstone Colonnade 6-7 - Hill Country Place 8-9 - The Luxx Apartments 10-11 - The Edge Studio Apartments 12-13 - Limestone Oaks 14-15 - The Pointe at Ramsgate Apartments 16-17 - The Park at Colonnade 18-19 Apartment Leasing Guide 20-22
Finding the Right Roommate 23
How & When to Set-up Utilities 24-25
Culture in San Antonio 26-27
*The Art Institute of San Antonio, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston, neither inspects nor endorses any unit or home, landlord, or property locations contained in this guide. All listed rental rates and transit prices are subject to change. If you have further questions or need additional assistance, please contact the Student Housing office. A Step-By-Step Guide To Finding Independent Student Housing
Step 1: Decide what you can afford to pay each month.
Complete a prospective monthly budget.
Step 2: Decide how far from school you would like to live.
Calculate commuting time as well as distance from the school.
Step 3: Decide if you want to live alone or with roommates. Sharing a house or apartment with a roommate is a great way to keep expenses down. Find a roommate you will be compatible with!
Decide what type of housing you are looking for. Step 4: Do you want to live somewhere that has a lot of students? Do you need a place that’s furnished? Are you going to have pets? How long do you want to be committed to a lease? How much space do you need? Do you want certain amenities such as a pool, garage, or exercise facility? The answers to all these questions will help you determine if you would be more suited to renting an apartment, a condominium, a townhouse, or a home.
Do some comparison research. Step 5: Once you’ve decided the type of property you are interested in, you can consult the right information sources such as apartment guides or websites, such as https://www.apartments.com/. Also, call the local police precinct for crime statistics of specific areas.
Narrow your search and begin visiting properties.
Step 6: Generate a list of your top 5-10 picks and call to schedule an appointment to visit the property. (Remember, many offices are closed or have limited hours on weekends.) If you are going to have a roommate, make sure that person goes with you.
Once you’re there, ask about incidences of crime, parking regulations, and the upkeep of the premises. Make sure to ask if there is a deposit required, and if it is refundable.
Page 1 Examine the outside of the complex: is it in good repair?
Ask if the terms of the lease are negotiable (3, 6, 9, or 12 months)? Is sub-letting allowed? Understand the “rules” of the house/ community regarding noise, visitors, smoking, parking, pets, etc. Understand what repairs/damages you are responsible for and which are the responsibility of the manager/owner. If you are looking at apartments, make sure you ask to see the exact apartment you will be getting, and not just the model.
Based on the information you’ve gathered, and your overall impression of the places you’ve visited, you should now be able to select a property.
Before you sign that lease…
Step 7: Read those leases! Also, realize that you may need a co-signer/ guarantor (such as a parent) in order to secure a lease. A lease is a legally binding agreement. Should you break your lease, you may still be responsible for paying the rent, even if you are no longer there. The property manager/ owner typically is not able to make allowances for roommate conflicts. If a roommate leaves, the person who signed the lease is responsible for the entire rent payment. It is your right to have the property manager/ owner go over your lease with you. Ask them to do so.
Your search is over, now what? Step 8: Time to get set-up in your new home! See to setting up your utilities, Wifi, and cable, as well as renter’s insurance. Be sure to make your new home as secure as possible.
Page 2 Mock Independent Housing Budget
(per person/ per month)
• Rent: $500 - $800
• Electric: $50 -150
• Wifi: $50-100
• Cable: $50-100
• Groceries: $100-300
• Gas: $100-300
*** This all depends on if you will be living alone, with roommates, the cost of rent, etc. ***
Make sure you are able to cover all of your basic costs and needs EACH month.
Page 3 The Colonnade Apartments
Phone: 210-694-9898 Address: 9898 Colonnade Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78230
Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED
As of June 2018: waived application fee, with 1/2 off security deposit and administrative fee at move-in for current Ai students (w/ proof of current Ai student status)
** 1 bedroom units starting at $842 ($100 deposit) & 2 bedroom units starting at $1,016 ($200 deposit) *** Apartment Ammenities • 2" Wood-Style Blinds • Air Conditioning & Ceiling Fans • Dishwasher, Ice Maker, & Garbage Disposal • Fully upgraded units • Large Closets • New! "Forever" Silver & Black Whirlpool Appliances • Private Patio/Balcony • Updated hardware throughout • W/D Hookups *** UNFURNISHED *** Community Ammenities
• Accepts Credit Card & Electronic Payments • Fitness & Business Center • Clubhouse & TV Lounge • Gated Entrance + Garages available for rent • High-Speed Internet Access • On-Site Maintenance & Management • Pets, with Limitations + Dog Park • Short-term Leases Available • Swimming pool & grills (gas & propane)
Page 4 Directions from Ai San Antonio to The Colonnade Apartments (0.7 miles)
Walking Directions: a 14 minute walk
Driving Directions: a 3 minute drive
Page 5 The Broadstone Colonnade Apartments
Phone: 210-877-9926 Address: 4330 Spectrum One, San Antonio, TX 78230
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
*** 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, & 3 bedroom units available *** als.com/adagio- - 1 bedroom starting at $823 apartments - 2 bedroom starting at $1,099 - 3 bedroom starting at $1,549
Apartment Amenities
• Air Conditioning • Ceiling Fans • Dishwasher • Garbage Disposal • Ice Maker • Microwave • Private Patio/ Balcony *** UNFURNISHED ***
Community Amenities
• BBQ Grills/ Outdoor dining • Indoor Basketball Court • Fitness Center • Swimming Pool • Online Payments Available • Pet Park • Business Center • Major Employer Discount
Page 6 Directions from Ai San Antonio to The Broadstone Colonnade Apartments (0.8 miles)
Walking Directions: a 18 minute walk
Driving Directions: a 3 minute drive
Page 7 Hill Country Place Apartments
Phone: 210-888-3100 Address: 6222 UTSA Blv., San Antonio, TX 78249
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, & 4 bedroom units available *** Call for pricing ***
Apartment Amenities
• 50" LED TV w/ Apple TV • Premium Move Channels • Memory Foam Mattresses • FREE Property Wide Wifi & Cable w/ HBO • Washer & Dryer • Water & Sewer • Walk-in Closets
*** FURNISHED *** Community Amenities
• 24-Hour Fitness Center • Hot Tub + Resort Style Pool • Dog Park • Game Room • Sand Volleyball Court • Clubhouse w/ Wifi • Two High-Pressure Tanning Domes • Hiking and Biking Trails • FREE Boot Camp & Yoga Classes
Page 8 Directions from Ai San Antonio to Hill Country Place Apartments (0.8 miles)
Driving Directions: a 3 minute drive
Page 9 The Luxx Apartments
Phone: 210-570-5533 Address: 36023 UTSA Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78249
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Pricing & Deposits - 2 bedroom starting at $740 (per person) - 3 bedroom starting at $620 (per person)
Amenities • Rent includes water, sewage, cable, trash, Internet, and parking! *** FURNISHED *** • Sophisticated roommate-matching program • Individual leases • Individual bathrooms • Individually locking bedrooms • Washer and dryer included • Vegas-style pool has a swim-up bar, submerged seating, and an outdoor cabana • 24-hour, two-story fitness center • Sand volleyball court, washer pits, or Frisbee golf course
Page 10 Directions from The Luxx to Ai San Antonio (4.8 miles)
Driving Directions: a 7 minute drive
Page 11 The Edge Studio Apartments
Phone: 210-375-3183 Address: 4041 Bluemel Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Weekends: CLOSED ** Studio, 1 bedroom, & 2 bedroom units available**
As of June 2018: 3% discount for current Ai students (w/ student ID)
Apartment Amenities • Upgraded Interior Finishes • Stainless Steel Appliances • Wood Laminate Flooring *** UNFURNISHED *** • Fire Place (select units) • Granite Counter Tops • State of the Art Keyless Entry • Designer Lofts
Community Amenities • Newly Renovated Resident Lounge • Sparkling Pool & Hot Tub • 24 Hour Fitness Facility • BBQ/ Picnic Area • Business Center • 24 Hour Laundry Facility • Pet Friendly/ No Breed Restriction
Page 12 Directions from Ai San Antonio to The Edge Studio Apartments (0.2 miles)
Walking Directions: a 4 minute walk
Page 13 Limestone Oaks Apartments
Phone: 210-690-0885 Address: 9001 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Weekends: CLOSED
Pricing & Fees - 1 bedroom starting at $575 - 2 bedroom starting at $765
- Admin. & Application Fee: $130 - Pet Deposit: $44 - Pet Fee: $200 - Pet Rent: $10 Apartment Amenities
• Heating & Ceiling Fans *** UNFURNISHED *** • Faux Hardwood Flooring (select units) • Disposal, range, oven, & refrigerator • Balcony/ Patio • Walk-in Closets • Washer/Dryer Connections (in select units) Community Amenities
• Limited Access Gate • Texas Size Pet Park • Town-homes Available • Cabana, Grill, & Picnic Area • Pool + Walking/ Biking Trails • Laundry Facilities • Maintenance & Manager On-Site
Page 14 Driving Directions: a 4 minute drive
Directions from Ai San Antonio to Limestone Oaks Apartments (0.7 miles)
Walking Directions: a 14 minute walk
Page 15 The Pointe at Ramsgate Apartments
Phone: 866-465-5882 Address: 10707 IH-10 WEST, San Antonio, TX 78230
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED
Pricing and Deposits - 1 bedroom starting at $669 ($150 deposit) - 2 bedroom starting at $859 ($250 or $300 deposit)
Apartment Amenities • Newly Renovated Interiors* • Central AC & Gas Heating • Ceiling Fans* *** UNFURNISHED *** • Microwave* • Chef Style Gas Ranges • Upgraded Appliances* • ** Select Units
Community Amenities • Credit Card & Online Payments • 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance • Controlled Access • Private Garages Available • 24-Hour Private Fitness Center • Community Laundry Facility • Dog Park • 2 Pools + Outdoor Grilling Area
Page 16 Directions from The Pointe at Ramsgate Apartments Ai San Antonio (1.1 miles)
Driving Directions: a 5 minute drive
Page 17 The Park At Colonnade Apartments
Phone: 844-382-3942 Address: 3815 Parkdale St., San Antonio, TX 78229
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED
Pricing & Deposits - Studio's starting at $544 - 1 bedroom starting at $665 - 2 bedroom starting at $795 - 3 bedroom starting at $1,080
- Pet, 1-Time Fee: $375 - Rent: $15/ month *** UNFURNISHED *** Community Amenities • 24-Hour Laundry Services • 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance • Carport • Covered Parking • On-Site Maintenance • On-Site Management • Package Receiving • Public Transportation • Short-Term Lease • Spanish Speaking Staff • Sparkling Swimming Pool • Community Social Events & Organized Events
Page 18 Driving Directions: a 3 minute drive
Directions from Ai San Antonio to The Park at Colonnade (0.8 miles)
Walking Directions: a 13 minute walk
Page 19 Apartment Lease Guide
How to Search for an Apartment
“No Fee” search options and apartments for rent are often listed in local newspapers and shopping guides. Other search options may or may not have fees for their services. Funds Finances When the landlord approves your In order to rent an apartment, you will be apartment application, be prepared Other Housing Options asked to complete an application form by to pay the first month's rent and the your prospective landlord. You may also security deposit upon lease signing. 1. Apartments.com be required to pay an amount for credit Most landlords require that these funds be 2. Rent.com reports and/or application fees. Landlords paid in the form of separate certified are mainly concerned with you and/or checks or money orders. Most 3. Craigslist.org your guarantor having steady income and Landlords will not accept personal good credit. Many landlords require checks or credit cards. 4. Hotpads.com that the prospective tenant have an income equal to 2-4 times the Questions to Ask monthly rent in monthly salary When Inspecting (combined income is used for roommates). You and your roommate the Property will need to have all of your income • In what condition are the verification paperwork readily available appliances? upon application for an apartment. • In what condition is the plumbing? Is the water pressure relatively steady? Does the hot Signing a Lease water stay hot? (Ask to check for yourself.) Leases are important for clarification of the responsibilities of the landlord and • Do you ever see bugs or rodents? tenant. If you don't have a lease, the • How/how often does the landlord can ask you to leave or landlord treat the Units for bugs raise your rent on short notice. and rodents? Factors such as when your rent is due, if • Where are the electrical outlets? pets are allowed, and who is responsible Are they adequate for computer, for maintenance need to be clear in the sound systems, and appliances? lease. Any changes to the standard • How loud/ quiet is the bulding lease are usually included in a at night and weekends? separate lease rider. • How is security in the buildings? Are their deadbolts and peepholes in all the locks? Do the windows close and lock securley? Page 20
When you start Length of Lease looking for Leases are for one or two years and generally begin apartments: on the 1st or the 15th of the month. There are some landlords that will offer six month leases or Bring the following items: sometimes even month to month leases. Letter from your current employer stating your salary or from CPA if freelance or Safety & Security business owner. 1. Before you select a place to live, call the local police for crime First two pages of last year's statistics in your area. tax return. Most recent bank statement(s), 2. Get to know your apartment manager, the staff in your bank account numbers and community, and your neighbors. credit card numbers. 3. Be observant of your neighbors' traffic patterns so that you Most recent pay stub(s), know what's "typical" and will recognize someone who is out of names, addresses and phone place. numbers of previous landlords. Names, addresses and phone 4. Where are the nearest laundry facilities? If on the property, do numbers of personal and they get crowded? Are they free or coin-operated? business references. 5. How is the security in the building? Are there deadbolt locks Photo I.D. such as driver's license or passport. and a peephole on the door? Do the windows all close and lock securely? 6. Always look through the peephole viewer to see who is outside your door. Never open it for someone you don't know. 7. If someone you don't know or trust asks you to make an What can I Afford? emergency phone call, don't open the door. You make the call for them. Consider the full range of your 8. Give no indication in the phone directory that you are a female expenses such as tuition, food, rent, or living alone. and transportation. It is easy to forget some items that are monthly and routine such 9. When returning home, make sure that you are not being as car payments. Also, entertainment items followed. Be on the lookout for anyone who may be waiting for such as movie and concert tickets, pizzas and you to unlock your door so that they can force their way in. snacks can add up to a considerable amount if they are not planned. Without a budget plan and continuous review of both your income and expenses, you run the o r ho e o to a a e place i ediatel and contact the police risk of depleting your financial callin resources. For many students, this situation becomes one where they believe they have lost control of their life situation. This can result in anxious feelings and physical distress. Resources in Student Life, Financial Aid, and Counseling Services may assist you in facilitating a resolution to the problem. In order to determine what to rent, think very carefully about your budget and how much you can afford. Take into consideration all sources of income, such as job income, money from loans, grants, etc. when calculating what you can afford. Generally your rent should not be more than one-quarter to one-third of your total monthly income.
Page 21 When to Start Your Housing Search
You may want to acquaint yourself with the San Antonio area two to three months prior to your desired move date. Become familiar with factors such as neighborhoods, pricing, amenities, location of mass transit, and commuting time.
If you do your research more than 60 days prior to moving to San Antonio, keep in mind you are just getting an idea about what is available. Any specific apartments that you see months in advance, may already be rented when you are looking to sign a lease.
Most leases only require 30 days notice of intent to vacate. As a result, some landlords will begin looking for new tenants a mere 30 days before the current tenant moves out.
A period of 60 days prior to moving is a good time to get in touch with realtors, property management companies, private owners, or tenants looking for roommates.
Page 22
Finding the Right Roommate
Finding Them and Keeping Them!
Picking the right roommate is very important and should not Roommate Search be done in a hurry. Engines
But how do you know if the person that answers y our ad is the right roommate for you? www.roommates.com www.roomiematch.com
www.roomsurf.com
www.roomster.com
Believe it or not, the first step in your roommate search is to know yourself. Then you will have a better idea about the types of behaviors you find desirable in a roommate, and you can then express your preferences in your ad!
Page 23 How & When to Set Up Utilities
“Before you set up any accounts, think about what utilities you really need and want. That list may include electricity, gas, water, trash pickup, cable and Internet...”
This is a good time to re-evaluate your priorities and budget. Keep in mind some It's difficult to imagine going without electricity and water, but some utilities are landlords require proof optional and more a matter of convenience. that utilities have been set up before they let you Are there any you're willing to forgo to save money? move in. Just ask your Maybe you don't need your own Internet connection if your apartment complex landlord which ones, if has an on-site clubhouse that offers free Wi-Fi, for example. any, need to be on and what documents he or Two options for setting up Utilities she needs to see as proof.
Option 1: Option 2:
Transfer your existing utilities to Establish fresh accounts your new home. You may not be able to transfer your If you're only heading across town, you account if you're moving to an area that is should be able to keep all the utility not serviced by your current providers. Utility service providers you have now. This is an When this is the case, request a last Companies easy process -- just request the last day day of service (effectively canceling the Directory of service for your old place and the account) and set up the utility with a first day of service for your new new provider. home. CPS Energy: 210-353-2222 Timeline for Setting up Utilities San Antonio Water Always give a utility provider adequate notice when canceling service to avoid System: overpaying or incurring fees. 210-704-7297 Contact the company early on to find out how much notice you need to give. San Antonio The same holds true when you start a service. Determine how far out you'll Public Utilities: need to set up utilities so they're operating when you move in. 210-207-5734 When you make this initial point of contact also ask if a deposit is required to turn on service. This way, you'll be prepared and can budget accordingly.
Page 24 Timeline Continued…
Ask your landlord, Management Company or even sales office personnel for an access “To get a nice big picture of your code or key to navigate a electricity expenses, you can turn security fence if you're to any number of calculators on moving into a gated If you live in a small apartment community. the Internet, provided by power and use about 550 kW/h per Sometimes exterior companies, government security gates or doors month, which is about average, agencies, energy-efficiency can be opened by the and you're paying about $0.10 organizations and apartment resident using his or her per kW/h, again the average, rental Web sites.” landline's key pad. But if you'll receive a bill each month you don't have or don't for $55. Google: want a landline, ask CPS Energy: Calculate Your what other ways you can Home Energy Costs let in visitors. You just may have to go to the gate to welcome in guests. If you're adamant about not wanting a landline, it may be worth selecting a unit as close to the entrance as possible.
Choosing your Utility Provider:
• Talk to friends or neighbors about the companies providing their utilities and the quality of service they have received. • Research online • Read customer reviews or opinions on blogs or sites like Yelp.com • Visit utiilty companies' websites to determine what they offer and how these services stack up against competitors.
Ask questions like:
1. What prompted you to choose those providers over others? 2. How happy are you with the service? 3. What's the customer service like? 4. Have you had any problems -- and if so, Information provided by: how quickly were they fixed? 5. What are the rates? http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal- 6. Are there any deals or discounts you finance/for-new-adults/how-to-get-utilities- know about? set-up1.htm
Page 25 CULTURE IN SAN ANTONIO, TX
VENUES Alamodome 207-3663 www.alamodome.com Freeman Coliseum 226-1177 www.freemancoliseum.com Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center 207-8500 wwe.sahbgcc.com AT&T Center 444-5000 www.attcenter.com Retama Park Racetrack 651-7000 www.retamapark.com McAllister Auditorium 486-0497 www.sahearts.com Sunken Garden Theatre 207-3050 sunkengardentheater.com Sunset Station 222-9841 www.sunset-station.com Time Warner Sports Park 230-6719 http://theparkonline.com Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 227-0221 http://tobincenter.org
ART VENUES Blue Star Art Space 227-6960 www.bluestarart.org The Alley on Bitters 484-3226 www.thealleyonbitters.com Southwest School of Art 224-1848 www.swschool.org Artpace 12-4900 www.artpace.org Gallery Vetro! Creative Artglass 354-0001 www.galleryvetro.com High Wire Arts 827-7652 highwirearts.com Gallista Gallery 212-8606 www.gallistagallery.com Fl!ght Gallery 872-2586 www.turnitoff.tv
MUSEUMS San Antonio Museum of Art 978-8100 www.samuseum.org McNay Art Museum 824-5368 www.mcnayart.org Witte Museum 357-1900 www.wittemuseum.org Briscoe Western Art Museum 299-4499 briscoemuseum.org San Antonio Art League Museum 223-1140 www.saalm.org Institute of Texan Cultures 458-2300 www.texancultures.com Texas Ranger Museum 247-4008 www.texasranger.org
Page 26 AREAS OF INTEREST San Antonio River Walk 227-4262 thesanantonioriverwalk.com Hemis Fair Park www.hemisfair.org The Alamo 225-1391 www.thealamo.org The Market Square (El Mercado) 207-8600 sanantonio.gov/marketsquare Tower of Americas 223-3101 www.toweroftheamericas.com Rio Plaza 293-6110 http://www.rioplaza.net Pearl Stable 212-9539 http://atpearl.com/events/pearl-stable San Antonio Central Library 207-2500 www.sanantonio.gov/library
PARKS AND NATURE San Antonio Botanical Gardens 207-3250 www.sabot.org King William Park 207-7275 www.kingwilliamrec.com/info/default.aspx Japanese Tea Garden 207-3050 saparksfoundation.org/iapaneseteagarden.html Phil Hardberger Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx Eisenhower Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx Highland Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx LB Johnson Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx McAllister Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx Olmos Basin Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx Milam Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx Travis Park 207-7275 www.sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/directory.aspx
Page 27 19.1