Apartment hunting is neither the most exciting nor easiest activity at the best of times. Apartment hunting from across three-thousand miles of North American continent is exceedingly frustrating. Thus far, not including the various places that were already rented out by the time I called or that I eliminated on my own as soon as I found them online, I've spoken to people renting four different places. These are their stories:
1. "Yeah, Richard, the place sounds great - two blocks from campus, 600 square feet, carpeting throughout, broadband access, utilities included and parking for only $600 a month? What's not to love?" "Great, call Katie to see if she's willing to rent to you in mid-September." "Hi, Katie, this is Jason. I was speaking to Richard about... Rented two weeks ago? But I just spoke to Richard yester... Ok, thanks."
2. "Sure, just give me your address and I'll mail an application right out to you... Cottage Place, uh-huh... What do you mean Second Floor? You mean apartment number two? How the hell can I address something to the second floor? If you live in a house, why can't I just write the house number? 'Second floor' is just silly..."
3. "Sure, there's carpeting, free parking, two bedrooms, about 12 by 9 and 10.5 by 8.5 each, for $500 a month. Just one thing. How tall are you? Because the ceiling's only 6'3" tall."
4. "The place is cozy... Well, yes, small. But cozy. And it's well-maintained... Well, yes, old. But well-maintained. And we tend to rent to a pretty eclectic group of people... Well, no, graduate students mostly, and quiet. But eclectic."
So far number four seems like my best bet, but the pictures I've seen don't exactly make me jump for joy. For now, the search continues, and I really, really hope that I don't have to waste the time and money to go out there. I'm told, at least, that if all else fails there should still be plenty of places available when I arrive in September. I hope that all else doesn't fail; I don't need that sort of stress.