As the new school year settles in, freshmen, sophomores and some upperclassmen are starting to adapt to their new dorms on campus but some of us have already begun searching for a new place to live next school year.  

The first week of sophomore year brought familiar faces and new schedules, and for some it also meant an immediate dive into house hunting. It seems insane to be looking into a lease for next school year already, but it’s oddly necessary. 

Finding a place to live off campus has its challenges. The Atlas is the favorite option for apartment living and there are other complexes nearby, but there’s still plenty of time to decide on an apartment. It’s the shortage of genuinely good houses in areas surrounding Creighton that forces an early search.  

When looking for a house, there are many things you have to figure out; roommates, price range, how many parking spots are needed, the move-in date and neighborhood are just some of the big ones.  

The Gifford Park neighborhood is a popular option for Creighton upperclassmen. For houses like these, students must sign a lease almost a year in advance.

Choosing a new set of roommates only a few weeks after moving in can be tricky. You don’t have the experience of a semester or year of living with these people, but you have to know a set number of roommates in order to narrow your house search down. Add that to the startling financial demands that come from utilities, house upkeep and rent, and tensions are high.  

Sometimes, there’s the pressure of moving into a house with a legacy. Sororities, fraternities, programs and older siblings are sending out their addresses and offering tours in the hopes that their house passes to someone they know.  

Here’s where it gets tricky. While it seems reasonable to wait until you find the perfect roommates and decide whether or not you’re staying in Omaha this summer, houses are disappearing fast.  

Most groups are either in the stage of lining up tours, visiting houses or getting ready to sign the lease. For those who haven’t reached those phases yet, cross your fingers that someone else’s plan falls apart.  

Is it mind-bending that you need to be touring houses in September? Of course, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be reaching out to landlords right now. 

 Is it absurd that you need to be gathering the money for a security deposit? Absolutely, but your best options could slip away if you don’t take action. 

And is it insane that you must commit to a potential two-year lease in the fall of sophomore year? Yes. And a word of warning: your parents are going to think it’s even crazier.  

There are so many factors that aren’t settled yet, but you have to take the leap. Moving off campus is a big step, but the housing market near Creighton is competitive and narrowing fast. Gather your roommates, decide on the details, and start punching in addresses. Your future house awaits.