Meet Edurain

One Man’s Quest to Redefine How Higher Education Works

The Pitch: How St. Louis fintech startup EDUrain aims to disrupt student housing

The 1st Annual EDUrain Rock Your Alma Mater Bar Crawl (8-14-2021)

MEET THE SVC FINALIST: EDURAIN

St. Clair County graduate creates platform for students to find ways to pay for college

EDUrain Wins Crowd Favorite At Alton Ideabounce

New Town Square Podcast - Ep. 4 - EDUrain with Bryon Pierson, Jr.

Black owned EDURain aims high to keep student concerns low

Whether you’re a matriculating high school senior, or a rising sophomore in college, moving to off-campus housing will soon be the natural next step in your university life. There’s a reason why 87 percent of college students nationally live off campus (\nNew York Times\n): off-campus housing brings with it a series of new freedoms that serve as stepping stones towards adult life. I spoke with one rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis to better capture how the transition off-campus was, and the benefits that came along with it: \n“It’s cheaper. It’s so much cheaper…,” says one rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis. He recently signed a lease for a 2-bedroom apartment near the Delmar loop. The rent? Nearly half of what he was paying at WashU when split between two people. \nThe experience of this particular student is by no means unique. In most conversations, price was the first topic to come up. That comes as no surprise, as most universities upcharge on-campus housing, justified by the amenities they offer. At WashU, for example, on-campus housing ranges from $1,353 to $1,567 per month per person. Rent in the nearby area, meanwhile, costs just $1,058 \non average\n. Finding a roommate can lower your costs even further, as the average 2-bedroom apartment in St. Louis costs just $1,285.\n
\nBut of course, off-campus living brings more benefits than just prices. For one, an off-campus apartment is something that you can call your own. I don’t mean that literally, but at least for the duration of your lease, you have complete jurisdiction over the apartment you call home; there are no RA’s doing weekend patrols, and no crowded communal bathrooms:\n“Moving off-campus brought with it this sense of independence, like what you envisioned college life to be when you were younger. You feel like an adult, especially in the little things; like inviting your friends over to ‘your place’ instead of ‘your room’. And when your friends do come over, you can actually cook for them in your kitchen instead of eating some dining hall food.” \nWith these new freedoms, though, comes new responsibilities. There won’t be a housekeeping staff cleaning after you, and you’ll have to learn the basics of “adulting”, such as meal planning, paying utilities/rent, and getting transportation to campus. The most daunting part for most, however, is the process of actually finding an off-campus home. That’s the part where EDUrain can step in! From our housing search platform to our scholarship database, we can help you find and fund housing. Check out our other blog on the \nResources\n page to find what you need!\n


Why Should I Move Off-Campus?

Are you moving to St. Louis for a job? Or maybe you’re transferring to a different university? Well, no matter the reason, finding a place to settle in a new city will always be your top priority. However, finding housing in a new city can be daunting, especially if you’re limited by a small time window and don’t fully understand the city. But EDUrain can help you with that! With our database of over 700 properties, you can quickly search for properties in the St. Louis area based on price, size, and distance from your workplace/university. \n
\nOnce you find a property you like, a contact information page will drop down with the listing agent’s phone number. At this point, you can call the agent directly to schedule a tour or ask for more information. If you’re uncomfortable with the leasing process, however, we’re ready to help. We know that the leasing process can be a daunting one; after all, that’s why we built EDUrain! Simply email us at \nshengyun@edurain.org\n, along with your desired property, and we can help connect you with the landlord. \n
\nWe also know that safety is a key concern for new residents to the city, and you’re definitely gonna want to protect all the belongings you’re bringing to your new home. That’s why we’ve partnered with Lemonade to provide you with renter’s insurance at as low as $5/month. You can get a free quote today by clicking the link \nhere\n, or the link on our home page! \n
\nAt the end of the day, we’re always here to help! Reach out with any questions, concerns, or recommendations, and we wish you the best of luck in your search for a new home! \n\n\n

Looking for a New Apartment?

Moving to a new apartment is always a fun adventure especially if you have been living on campus for the majority of your college years. Sometimes you need a guide on \nHow to Successfully Move Off-Campus\n, but if you are already further ahead in the process you should be just about to sign your lease. A \nlease\n is a contractual arrangement calling for the lessee to pay the lessor for use of an asset, in your case the asset is a property. \nHere's what you should ask \nbefore signing\n your lease:\nDo a walkthrough of the property and note any damages\nAsk your landlord what is included in the rent and if utilities are not included in the rent ask what the average monthly cost of these is\nIf you have an ESA (emotional support animal), ask if there are any additional fees for having a pet\nIs wifi included?\nAsk if you having a parking spot is included or if you'd have to pay for it separately\nIs there a washer/dryer in the unit?\nAlso, take pictures of the apartment and email them to your landlord as proof of any damages that were not caused by you so you can get your full security deposit back\nIt's recommended you also \ndo some research\n on your own time such as\nHow secure is the area?\nYou can use tools such as Areavibes or North American Title to determine this. Make sure the area you are moving into is safe because you don't want to wake up one morning in a rush and find your car's window is broken.\nWhat are the rent prices nearby?\nYou can use this as leverage when negotiating your rent price (more on this later) and make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck.\nHow convenient is the area?\nThis is based on personal preference, but for example, if you depend on public transportation you want to make sure there is a bus stop near your apartment or a convenience store around the corner. If you have a car you want to make sure that the nearest highway exit isn't far away to make your commute easier.\nRead your lease thoroughly and remember that this is a \nlegally binding contract\n so ask how long you have to sign your lease upon receiving it without incurring any additional fees and make sure you take advantage of that time to read through your lease thoroughly before signing it. If you reached any verbal agreements with the landlord make sure they are included. You should always try to \nnegotiate the terms of your lease\n so try and save some money. Ask about things like waiving fees, including the parking spot at no cost, or lowering the rent price. Come prepared to do that by researching properties near you and comparing costs and amenities. Never make the first offer because some websites like \nZillow\n can show you what the price for the rent was during previous years and you could use that to your advantage. \nWhen you're \nready to sign:\nMake sure all roommates are present and in agreement about the terms of the lease\nIf the security deposit is due at the time of signing have it ready to be transferred to your landlord. If you're struggling to get the money together or are waiting on your FAFSA use or tool to get a 0% interest loan to help pay your security deposit.\nIf you are signing for the upcoming school year, figure out when and where you can get your keys\nAsk when your move in and move out dates are\nNever sign an apartment lease without having a walk-through with the landlord.\nHave renters insurance ready. Some places require it but we recommend getting it even if they don’t just in case any unforeseen event happens. Need help finding the best renters insurance?\n\nSign up to use our free tool\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, you just need to trust your gut. Moving to an off-campus apartment is a learning experience and EDUrain is here to help make it easier for you by offering you tools that will help you get your dream apartment at the perfect price.

Tips and Tricks for Signing Your Lease

Living on campus at your university can be an exciting new experience. You’re living with (potentially) your friends, deepening your bonds as well as developing new ones! \nBut after the first year or so, you can (and should) start considering moving off campus. Not only is it cheaper, but you also get a different sense of freedom that you wouldn’t otherwise have while living in the dorms. You’ll also still be quite close to anyone important to you. \nThere are pros and cons to moving off campus, as there are with most things in life, but it can be done easily with good planning. Off campus living is the bridge between a more traditional college experience, and standing on one’s own two feet. Let’s begin:\nTo roommate, or not to roommate, that is the question\n.\nLiving alone definitely has its perks. You get to experience full autonomy—from choosing your housing location, the apartment decor, to the house rules. Your inner child will surely rejoice with the unparalleled freedom that comes with living alone. Although, being the sole renter also comes with taking on 100% of the cost and responsibility. Things that for some can be a lot to handle at first. 
Going from a dorm room situation to full-on solo living is not for the faint of heart. For those who may feel like a little companionship is more their vibe, a roommate (or at least a cat) is a strong option to consider. By living with roommates, you can opt for a larger apartment space—a huge upgrade from a dorm situation. Roommates also help split the cost, and ultimately can end up being some of your strongest friendships in life. Few things bond people together as deeply as sharing a space. 
Make sure you find someone you feel comfortable communicating with. Living with roommatescan be fun if you have good roommates. Being able to split the cost of rent is a perk of having a roommate but make sure it’s someone you are compatible with, so try comparing study habits, sleeping schedules, cleanliness, and work schedules with a potential roommate to make sure you won’t have conflicts. Location, Location, Location. \nA great apartment search tip is to start near your campus and work your way out. 
Look around…. notice which bus stops are there? Is there a train? Are bike racks readily available?  If you have a car, most places will include a parking space with your rent cost, saving you a bit of money every month versus buying those unnecessarily expensive campus parking passes. If you're already living nearby, try taking a trip through potential neighborhoods and see if you can find any houses or apartments that aren’t listed online—you might be able to find a few hidden gems!
 Some extra student-friendly apartments will even offer shuttle service to the nearby campuses. If you have a car and don't mind paying for the parking permit you could save some money by moving a bit farther away from campus.Furnished or Unfurnished?\nDepending on what you and your roommate’s preferences, it’s helpful to make a list of all the things you want to have in your new apartment \n(for example: a balcony, washer/dryer in-unit, fully equipped kitchen, big windows, etc)\n. You can also choose furnished or unfurnished apartments, which includes a lot of people's favorite part: decor.
Although perhaps not as essential as the other parts, it is still considerably important and something you have to include in your budget. When living at an off-campus apartment, you get to customize your space and express yourself in a different way. Make sure your space is comfortable seeing as you'll be spending a lot of time there. 
Some places will offer the option of including furniture, but this can sometimes bring up the cost of rent. You can alternatively choose an unfurnished apartment and easily add your own style by looking for some cheap, cute, comfy furniture—the 3 C’s.  Another good thing about getting your own furniture is that you can potentially re-sell it once you’re ready to move out. I recommend using \nFacebook Marketplace\n or \nCraigslist\n to find cheap furniture in fairly good condition, but remember that this is an extra expense you’ll have to save up for. 
Furnished apartments are great if you’re not local, and it makes the moving process even easier. Just make sure the furniture is in good conditions when you move in \nand\n out; you don’t want to put your security deposit at risk!
Hold on a second though! Before you start picking out a color scheme, you have to: Finalize Your Apartment Decision. \n`After scrolling through an extensive roster of furnished/unfurnished apartments, try narrowing down your list to 3-5 options. 
Begin scheduling tours by calling or emailing the real estate agent or landlord. Some realtors are even willing to schedule virtual tours through video call to follow social distancing regulations (or if you’re an out-of-state student). While on the tour, make sure to look at every single room and pay attention to details so you can take note of anything that looks broken or ‘off’. After you tour all the apartments choose the one that works best and begin the leasing process. 
It cannot be stressed enough, but \ndo NOT sign anything without reading it thoroughly first\n. If you are interested in learning more about negotiating your lease or how the process works \nmake sure to check out this article\n. Once you review the terms of your lease and you reach an agreement, it’s time to submit your first payment.
 This first payment should include the security deposit, first months rent, and any fees. If you started saving up money early this should be the first thing taken care of. If you didn’t quite save enough, it’s time to look at your options. One option is that you could ask your parents or legal guardian to help, but that isn’t always an option for everyone. Another option is looking up loans like the \n0%-interest loan\n offered by EDUrain to students who are eligible for the FAFSA to assist them with the cost of moving to off-campus housing. The last consideration is getting a loan through a private bank, and most likely, with high interest fees. Pass.\nOnce all of that is taken care of, determine whether you’ll need a moving truck (if you’re bringing a lot of furniture), or you can potentially save money if you have a friend with a truck, van, or any car to help with your travel. \nCongratulations! You’ve successfully acquired your first off-campus apartment *\nwipes tear from virtual face*. \nNow it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your new space and lifestyle!

How to Successfully Move Off Campus

You applied to your dream college, Yay! Now what? \nTime to fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application.\nThe process of acquiring financial aid is very time-consuming and confusing. We wanted to make it a bit easier for you, so here's \na list of everything you need to file your FAFSA\n:\nTax Returns\nYou’re going to need your tax returns from at least two years before, so if you are filing for 2021-2022 you need your tax return from 2019. If you are a dependent, the ones you would use are your parents’.\nFSA ID\nAn FSA ID is just your username and password that helps make the process easier. While you aren’t required to have one, it helps streamline the process of filing your FAFSA. The FSA ID is \nespecially\n important if you plan on filing more than once, because it saves your information so you don’t have to re-enter it.\nList of schools you plan on attending\nThese are going to be the schools that receive your information and determine your eligibility status, as well as amount of aid granted. To enter the school, you will need a 6-digit code that the school can provide for you, or you can find at \nhttps://www.fafsa.gov/\n.\nSocial Security Number\nHave your SSN on hand while filling out your FAFSA. Your SSN acts as a unique identifier to you given to you at birth by the government. If you are not a US citizen, you can provide your Alien Registration Number as part of your application.\nAssets\nFAFSA will need some information you can easily find on your bank statement. 
Since 2017, the U.S. Department of Education also takes into consideration your investments and savings as a factor in determining your financial aid.\nThe FAFSA becomes open to all October 1 and closes June 30 of the next year. Remember that the sooner you fill it out, the higher your financial aid could be! This process can be time consuming, so we created a tool to help you fill out your FAFSA in under 5 minutes versus the typical 45+ minutes that it would take to fill out on \nhttps://www.fafsa.gov/\n.\nCreate your account today and get your federal aid!\n\nCREATE ACCOUNT\n\n 

How to File your FAFSA

Living on campus is convenient when it comes to being near your classes, but \nmoving off campus\n can be a difficult transition. Off-campus apartments can also be expensive—which is why we want to help make it easier for you, and get you the off-campus apartment of your dreams!\n✔ Budgeting\nBudgeting for your move off campus should start ASAP. Usually, most students look to move in between july and august. Try to find a job before the summer starts to save up enough money to make first months rent and security deposit. \nUsually, most students start looking for apartments around July or August. However, you should begin your search as soon as possible. Ideally, before Summer starts, we \nhighly\n encourage students to find at least a part-time job to save enough money for first month’s rent and security deposit.\nTypically, students plan on using FAFSA for off-campus housing, but it usually gets deposited too late to apply for housing in the Fall.\nThat’s why, if you’re working part-time or full-time as a student, EDUrain offers a 0%-interest loan for students looking to move off campus!\n✔ Schedule a Tour\nMake sure to walk through the apartment at least once before signing your lease. Don’t get scammed by landlords who will refuse to return a security deposit due to damage you didn't cause. Also be sure to take pictures of any damage you may have spotted.\n✔ Find the Best Renters Insurance\nMost places \nrequire\n you to get renters insurance, so you want to make sure that you get the best rate on the market. We've partnered with local companies to help students find the best price for their renters insurance.\n✔ Find Good Roommates\nMake sure your roommates are people you trust. Remember, you’ll have all of your belongings there, and you don’t want the person you’re living with to be a kleptomaniac! It’s also very important to find out if you and your potential roommates have \nsimilar dynamics\n (when it comes to things like studying and cleanliness).\nWe recommend that you print out a \nroommate contract\n as an easy way to set some ground rules. You can easily find various templates for roommate contracts on the internet, or RA’s can usually provide one upon request.\nNo matter what you decide to do, EDUrain is here to support you by providing you with the tools to make your move off campus easier. Our 0%-interest loans, apartment finding tool, and easy access to finding renters insurance are all in one place. \nCheck it out now! \n\n 

Checklist for Moving to Off-Campus Housing

Transition to off-campus housing: Off-campus housing is a much cheaper alternative to on-campus housing and EDUrain is here to help you in your off-campus housing transition!\nUtilize campus amenities: You pay for a lot when you pay tuition to your school so make sure to use all the benefits of your college. Going to the school gym, using your meal plan, and finding other on-campus resources will all help save you money in the long-term.\nStay on top of your studies: Did you know that some credit cards actually PAY YOU to keep your grades up? Not only will good grades keep you qualified for different credit card programs, but it will also help you as you seek out different jobs in the future.\nStay on top of your studies: Did you know that some credit cards actually PAY YOU to keep your grades up? Not only will good grades keep you qualified for different credit card programs, but it will also help you as you seek out different jobs in the future.\nConsider which subscriptions you really need: We all enjoy our Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime subscriptions, but make sure you’re paying for what you REALLY need. If you don’t use all of them, consider cancelling the subscription or splitting the costs with a friend!\n 

5 Ways to Save Money in College

Join clubs\nGetting involved is the best way for you to not only make friends, but also to create your network. And after all, your network = your net worth.\nGo to class\nWe know it’s easy to skip classes, but going to class is actually the best way to get your money’s worth of college. If not, what are you paying for?.\nMake connections with your professors\nYour professors are so knowledgeable; make sure that at the beginning of the semester, you introduce yourself to the professor and schedule check-ins throughout the semester to keep yourself on track with the course!\nKeep track of financial aid deadlines\nPaying for college is a big undertaking, and making sure you’re on track of deadlines is vital. EDUrain is here to help you with this; we send push notifications to our students reminding them of key financial aid deadlines. \nSign up today!\n\n 

Tips for College Freshmen

Apply, apply, apply!\n The scholarship process is a numbers game. Make sure that you are actively searching and applying to scholarships; EDUrain makes that easy with one of the LARGEST, FREE databases of scholarships matched personally to YOU!\nKeep your social media clean:\n Did you know that colleges and scholarship committees do check your social media? Make sure you’re posting things that you would be okay with them seeing.\nDo the optional questions!\n When it comes to scholarships, everything counts, so make sure you’re filling out all the optional questions and putting your best foot forward in each application you send out.\nLook for scholarships at the college you’re interested in:\n There are a lot of merit-based scholarships that you can apply for at the college you’re interested in. Many students never find out about these scholarships until they get to campus, but most of these scholarships are only open to high school seniors. Make sure you’re early!\n 

Mon Jun 13 2022

Why Should I Move Off-Campus?

Shawn Zhu | 2 min read

Thu Jun 09 2022

Looking for a New Apartment?

by Shawn Zhu | 1 min read

Sun Apr 11 2021

Tips and Tricks for Signing Your Lease

by Milva Garcia | 3 min read

Fri Apr 02 2021

How to Successfully Move Off Campus

by Milva Garcia | 5 min read

Sat Mar 27 2021

How to File your FAFSA

by Milva Garcia | 2 min read

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Sat Mar 20 2021

Checklist for Moving to Off-Campus Housing

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Sun Feb 28 2021

5 Ways to Save Money in College

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Sat Feb 20 2021

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Wed Feb 10 2021

Get the Scholarships That Best Fit You

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in the news

Meet Edurain

One Man’s Quest to Redefine How Higher Education Works

The Pitch: How St. Louis fintech startup EDUrain aims to disrupt student housing

The 1st Annual EDUrain Rock Your Alma Mater Bar Crawl (8-14-2021)

MEET THE SVC FINALIST: EDURAIN

St. Clair County graduate creates platform for students to find ways to pay for college

EDUrain Wins Crowd Favorite At Alton Ideabounce

New Town Square Podcast - Ep. 4 - EDUrain with Bryon Pierson, Jr.

Black owned EDURain aims high to keep student concerns low