1. Look for places that fits your needs. Some things to keep in mind -
Transportation
Consider how you will get from your home to your campus
Ensure that the distance and location reflects your ideal mode of transportation (walking, cycling, busing, driving a personal vehicle.
If you are walking, try to live as close to campus as possible. In Nova Scotia, we experience all seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and all forms of precipitation (rain, freezing rain, hail, and snow) as well as different wind speeds and humidity levels
If cycling, check to see if there are bike lanes and a place to store your bike. On all Halifax campuses, we have bike parking availability. There is bike parking on the Agricultural Campus, however, the Town of Truro and the Village of Bible Hill do not have any official bike lanes.
If bussing (HRM Transit), ensure that your accommodations are on or near a bus route that can get you to and from campus. You can use your Dalhousie UPass to get around.
If driving a personal vehicle, ensure that your accommodation has parking options. Also, you will need to purchase a Dalhousie parking pass
On occasion you may be in a rush, taxi services are available (eg. Casino taxi, uber)
Weather
In Nova Scotia, we experience all seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and all forms of precipitation (rain, freezing rain, hail, and snow) as well as different wind speeds and humidity levels
Check to see if your accommodation has snow removal, if not plan for a way to remove snow in the winter
In NS we also get tons of wind and rain, ensure that your dress appropriately for the weather and that your accommodations include services to make you comfortable (AC or Heat, hurricane safe)
2. Visit the housing options in person (or over a virtual real-time tour). This step is important as it helps to ensure that what you see matches the lease you will be signing.
3. Submit a rental application
4. The lease agreement
5. Read and understand the lease, ask questions, and make necessary adjustments
6. Sign and submit lease with security deposit, tenant's insurance, and first month's rent
7. Arrange your move
For mor detailed information please visit the Being a Tenant page of this site.