Renting an apartment, house or trailer requires more than just a few seconds of thought.

It is a big commitment that requires a legal contract, which forces you to pay a set rate per month for the duration of the lease. But of course, you already knew that.

Does it fit your budget? How’s the proximity to your campus? How does the building compare to others in the neighborhood?

There are many things to think about.

Don’t sell yourself short.

Don’t instantly sign at one of those large, mega-complexes simply because of the promise of a “media room” and “workout room.”

Think about whether or not you will have time to use those facilities and how likely you are to use them, even if you did have the time.

A media room sounds fine, but what’s the fun in playing someone else’s console in a room you can’t really get comfortable in?

Also, how likely are you to lift weights? Despite my best intentions, that generally trails off toward the second month of my lease, and it’s back to armchair athletics, turning the channels with the remote.

Don’t settle for proximity

Like any city, there are some apartments in Morgantown that are just plain awful.

You know the ones – the ones that look, feel and even smell shady. You don’t need to know whose they are or where, you just know when you see them.

Remember – you’re paying the rent. Don’t settle for paying expensive rent for a subpar apartment because of its proximity to a particular campus.

There are plenty of affordable, decent apartments that may be more than a stone’s throw away from campus but will be worth it in the long run.

Neighborhood

Always look at the neighborhood around you. Are these the types of neighborhoods that won’t take kindly to college students engaging in the consumption of other beverages?

There have recently been some cases where neighborhoods have become embroiled in scandal, as college residents have clashed with their neighbors because of their differences in lifestyles.

So take a quick look and exercise your best judgement.

Are they less tolerant of loud noises past 7 p.m.? A little thought before you sign the lease may cause you some easier nights avoiding interruptions from police on cease-and-desist, noise-related visitations.

Traffic

Are you going to rent an apartment with a difficult parking situation, high traffic in or around the complex, sandwiching you in at busier times, even when you’re just going to the store to get a loaf of bread?

Think about the heaviest routes, and plan your escape accordingly.

After all, getting home shouldn’t be a chore because traffic is backed up all the way to the ends of the city.