How to Find a Cheap Apartment

Finding an apartment can be a difficult process, especially when you’re trying to find a great deal. To make sure you’re getting the best apartment for the cheapest rent, search for ads on websites like Craigslist, browse prices on apartment websites, and join a local housing Facebook group. You can also search in lower-cost areas and reduce rent by getting a roommate or negotiating the price down. Good luck, and happy apartment hunting!

EditSteps

EditSearching for an Apartment Online

1. Look for affordable apartment and roommate ads on Craigslist. Check the local listings and use Craigslist’s filtering options to narrow down your search results based on distance and rent price. Craigslist is often full of affordable options and deals. To avoid getting scammed, make sure to verify the owner, never give personal information away upfront, and never wire money.^[1]
   
2. Find a cheaper option by directly comparing prices online. If Craigslist isn’t your jam, don’t worry! There are countless apartment-browsing websites that make it easy to search and compare options with just a click. Compare offers from different buildings to find exactly what you're looking for at the cheapest price.^[2]
   
   • These sites can offer advanced searches by square footage and pricing as well as extras like video tours, relocation service tools, and information about local price trends.
   • For example, check out https://www.apartment.com, https://www.zillow.com, https://www.forrent.com, https://www.apartments.com, or https://www.apartmentsearch.com.
3. Join a low-cost housing Facebook group to find local options. Many cities have dozens of local groups with affordable apartment postings going up regularly. To find a group, search your city’s name along keywords like “cheap,” “affordable,” “apartment,” “listings,” and “housing.” Request to the join the groups, and once you’re accepted, you can start putting faces to listings.^[3]
   

EditLooking in Lower-Cost Areas

1. Look in the suburbs right outside of urban areas. Living just outside a city can cut your rent down by hundreds of dollars. Check out the surrounding suburban areas and focus your search on apartments in these cheaper areas. If you work in the city, this is a great option for saving some money and keeping your commute time reasonable.^[4]
   
2. Consider moving to a city with cheaper apartment options. If your living situation is flexible and you’re really looking to get the best deal, think about changing your living situation. Highly populated cities like New York City and San Francisco generally have much higher rent because of the high demand. Instead, look for cities like Memphis, Tulsa, Indianapolis, and Louisville, which have record-low apartment rent.^[5]
   
3. Look for an apartment with a smaller square footage. Even if it’s not your dream home, a lower square footage will mean a lower monthly rate. During your search, check out apartment buildings with smaller rental options, such as 400-600 square feet.^[6]
   
4. Choose an apartment that’s further away from public transportation. Apartments that are positioned conveniently near public transportation often cost more, so if you don’t need the extra convenience, go for an apartment that’s further away. This option can really help cut down on your rent price if you work from home, have a car, or don’t mind a longer commute.
   

EditReducing Rent

1. Find a roommate to split the rent with. Post that you’re looking for a roommate on your social media as well as popular websites like Craigslist or Spare Room. In addition, ask family and friends if they know anyone who needs a roommate. Having a personal connection can help you verify the potential roommate and also acts as a character reference.^[7]
   
   • In your post or ad, include some basic information about what kind of roommate you’re looking for and invite people to contact you for more information.
   • You can also mention that you’re “on a budget” if you don’t want to say your exact price point.^[8]
2. Negotiate the rent down if possible. If you’re not in a highly populated area with little renter turnaround, most landlords are open to negotiation. Set up a meeting with the landlord and be polite, respectful, and professional. Show them that you are an ideal tenant and make an offer for rent.^[9]
   
   • If they accept your offer, that’s great! Make sure to get everything in writing and you’re good to go.
   • If they turn you down, it’s okay to walk away. Keep looking for a great bargain!
3. Look at older buildings to find a rent-controlled apartment. Rent-controlled units protects tenants from unexpected rent increases or landlord retaliation in disputes. Search online specifically for apartment buildings built between 1947 and 1974, then call to make sure they’re rent-controlled.^[10]
   
   • You can also enter an advanced search for rent-controlled or rent-stabilized apartments on the website https://streeteasy.com.
   • In cities with an abundance of old buildings, such as San Francisco or New York, you have a great chance of finding a rent-controlled unit.
4. Stay flexible when searching and keep your standards at a minimum. It’s exciting to dream about your ideal apartment, complete with shiny appliances and amenities, but in order to find a bargain, you may have to settle a little. Keep your standards simple and look for a place that may be less exciting but will give you a great deal.^[11]
   
   • When searching, start with basic criteria like no maintenance problems, insect infestations, or safety problems.

EditSources and Citations

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How to Stay Awake During School

If you’ve ever pulled an all nighter or had a bad night of sleep, you know it’s difficult to stay awake in class when you’re tired. Classrooms can be boring, dark, and your teacher’s voice might begin to sound like a lullaby. To keep yourself awake, you can participate in class, come prepared with snacks, and get creative with your strategies.

EditSteps

EditParticipating in Class

1. Sit in the front of the room. You’ll be more motivated to stay awake if you know that the teacher can see you. Plus, it’ll be easier to pay attention and participate when you’re front and center for the lecture. You’ll also be near people who are more likely to participate, and the sound of their voices might keep you awake.^[1]
   
2. Participate in class discussion. Ask and answer questions and pay attention to the lecture. This will help if you’re tired or frustrated with the content of the lecture because you can ask your teacher questions to try to get to the bottom of the problem. Talking will also keep you engaged and alert.^[2]
   
   • It might be helpful to make a goal for yourself to answer or ask at least 3 questions per class.^[3]
   • Try to keep your questions on topic to avoid annoying your teacher. For example, you might say “I didn’t understand the last part of the proof. Could you explain it again in more detail?”
3. Listen actively to the lesson. Active listening is a great way to force yourself to stay awake because it requires engagement of your mind as well as your body. Even if you don’t take notes, practicing active listening can help you keep your eyes open for the length of the lesson.^[4]
   
   • To effectively listen to your teacher, you should try to maintain eye contact, face the speaker, pay close attention, visualize what the speaker is saying, ask questions during a pause in the lecture, respond to prompts, and make note of gestures or a tone of voice that portray whether the information might be particularly important.^[5]
4. Interact with your classmates. Group discussions are a great time to regroup and keep yourself awake. Engage in conversation and contribute meaningful points. Try to sit yourself near people who always volunteer in class and will have a lot to say in discussion.^[6]
   
5. Take detailed notes. This is a good way to help you pay attention and stay engaged. Listen closely to the lecture and try to be as detailed as possible. You can use different highlighters and pens to denote different sections, switching colors occasionally to keep your mind alert.^[7]
   
   • Some people are visual learners. If that’s you, doodle on the page about what you’re learning. Mind maps, pictures, and flow charts are all helpful for learning.
6. Ask your teacher to turn on the lights. If you know you’re going to have a hard time staying awake before class, approach your teacher and ask them if the lights can stay on today. Unless you’re watching a movie or reading from a PowerPoint, they’re likely to oblige.^[8]
   
7. Employ the buddy system to stay awake. Sit by someone who doesn’t have problems staying awake in class. Before class starts, ask them if they can poke you or move your chair if you start to fall asleep. Having someone to keep you accountable can make it a little easier to stay awake.
   

EditStaying Awake with Food and Drinks

1. Grab a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea before class for a caffeine boost. Especially before a long lecture, a cup of coffee or tea can kick in right when you might start dozing off. If you can, grab a large latte or brew a cup at home and take it in a to-go mug. The caffeine will kick-start your system in no time!^[9]
   
2. Bring an energy drink for a shorter burst of energy. If you’re allowed to have drinks in class, an energy drink like Red Bull might be the solution you need if you don’t like coffee. However, if you choose this method, you can expect to have a sugar “crash” later on in the day.^[10]
   
   • Energy drinks should be used sparingly because they contain very high amounts of both caffeine and sugar, which can cause you to become more tired over time with continuous use.
3. Drink some cold water to keep yourself awake and aware. Come prepared to class with a bottle of cold water. Not only will you be hydrated, but you’ll also get a little energy from the chill every time you take a drink. The hydration will keep you alert and can also help you avoid feeling confused and fatigued.^[11]
   
4. Eat three healthy meals per day. Whether your class is in the morning, afternoon, or evening, eating three regular, balanced meals per day will help you fight fatigue. The food will give you energy and help you stay awake and alert. You should avoid heavy foods like pasta right before class as they can make you sleepy.^[12]
   
   • Your healthy meal should include fruit, vegetables, protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.^[13]
   • For example, a great pre-class breakfast would be greek yogurt, topped with granola or bran flakes, and berries.
5. Pack some snacks for class to keep your energy up. If your teacher allows it, bring a snack to break up the lecture and keep you alert. Snacks can keep your energy levels up and give you something to do instead of thinking about how tired you are.^[14]
   
   • Try to pack healthy snacks like nuts, berries, fruit, or vegetables such as baby carrots or celery sticks.
   • Don’t be too loud with your snacking and try not to draw attention to yourself. Other people might find the noise disruptive.
   • Avoid fatty, sugary, or salty foods because they can make you feel more tired.

EditTaking Care of Your Body

1. Sleep for at least 8 hours each night. Getting enough sleep is the best way to make sure you stay awake in class. For most students, 8 hours is enough sleep to get them through the day, but you might need more depending on your energy levels. Going to bed at the same time every night will train your body to know when it should be sleeping and when it needs to be awake.^[15]
   
   • Before you go to sleep, give yourself time to relax and unwind before bed, without phones, homework, or other stressors.
   • In combination with regular exercise and healthy eating, getting enough sleep can alleviate most daytime fatigue problems.
2. Sit up straight and stretch in your chair. Maintaining good posture can keep you awake and your body alert. You can stretch a little in your chair to help you feel refreshed. Start by rolling your wrists, shoulders, and neck.^[16]
   
   • You can make it a challenge to keep yourself from slouching. Every time you notice yourself beginning to slouch, adjust your posture and sit up straight.
   • If you have a choice, sit in a chair or desk that is slightly uncomfortable to keep you from slouching.
3. Walk around before or after class. Physical activity tells your body that it’s not time for sleep just yet. Walk around during breaks, go outside if you’re allowed to, and get your blood moving to improve alertness. After you stop moving, you might feel tired again, but it can help for a little bit.^[17]
   
   • If you’re falling asleep in class, excuse yourself to walk to the bathroom and back. Even a short walk can wake you up.
   • Take the stairs on your way to class. It can get your heart rate up and make you feel more alert.

EditTips

• To avoid feeling tired, try to get 8 hours of sleep before class.
• Take a nap if you have a long break in the middle of your day.

EditWarnings

• Don’t consume too much caffeine during the day to stay awake. If your heart starts beating fast or you feel nervous and antsy, don’t have anymore caffeine.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Stay Awake at Work
• Stay Awake All Night at a Sleepover
• Stay Awake when Driving
• Know How Much Sleep You Need
• Sleep Better

EditSources and Citations

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18 Images That Prove Cats Are Our Masters And Not The Other Way Around

FYI: You don’t own cats. They own you.

It's not your home; it's their home. They're just letting you squat there.

u/WolfAkela / Via reddit.com

And they'll remind you of this fact any chance they get.

u/TatumStrangely01 / Via reddit.com

They're always watching...

u/WavyGlass / Via reddit.com

...even when you think they're not around, they are.

u/TheNMP / Via reddit.com

"If I fits, I sits" is the law of the land, so don't act surprised when you see it being enforced.

u/TheNutsCracker / Via reddit.com

Sometimes they like to be held, but — and this next part is very important — usually they don't.

u/lalalanny / Via reddit.com

Games that don't involve your cat? Forget about it.

u/OutOfAbyss / Via reddit.com

They can't be contained...

u/FabioInMyBed / Via reddit.com

...and they can't be controlled.

u/Enter_Text_Here / Via reddit.com

Any attempts to contain or control a cat will be met with failure.

Jenny Stevens / Via Twitter: @jenny_stevens

If you're not careful, they will find your greatest weakness and exploit it.

Gavin Free / Via Twitter: @GavinFree

Oh you want a plant? Do yourself a favor right now and forget all about plants. Just forget they exist. It's easier that way.

u/XratedTherapistRehab / Via reddit.com

What's yours is theirs so I hope you like sharing.

u/UrbanFarmHouse / Via reddit.com

FYI: They hate sharing.

u/Olofstrom / Via reddit.com

Cat toys? Keep 'em.

u/nevergreene / Via reddit.com

Fancy cat beds? Keep 'em!

leetabix / Via Twitter: @leetabix

If you ever forget any of these things, your cat might feel compelled to remind you.

u/Boxedwinetime / Via reddit.com

And remember, it's always been this way.

Smithsonian MagazineVerified account / Via Twitter: @SmithsonianMag

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Here's How Various Adorable Little Animals Are Weighed On Scales

I’m not sure what profession requires weighing small animals, but it’s definitely what I want to do for a living.

He fits right into that tiny little parfait cup!

Instagram: @umi

Me: "Don't move! Stay perfectly still!" Meerkat: "You got it, boss."

Oli Scarff / Getty Images

"Hey, how long is this gonna take? Can we hurry it up?"

Afp / AFP / Getty Images

All this lil' guy needs is an equally lil' glass jar.

Instagram: @fuu_chan723

"Hey, how much do you weigh?" "It's not polite to ask."

Afp Contributor / AFP / Getty Images

"OMG. Hold my hand. I'm so scared!"

You'll be fine! Don't worry!

Afp Contributor / AFP / Getty Images

This post was translated from Japanese.

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How to Get Your Art Into a Gallery

The art world can be difficult to break into, due to the competition for limited spaces in gallery shows. Getting into a gallery is a great step toward selling your art and feeling more serious as an artist. Competition is fierce, but if you are able to make your work stand out and generate attention, you can get your art into the gallery of your dreams.

EditSteps

EditVisiting Galleries and Gaining Exposure

1. Visit galleries near you. Many galleries are run by curators with specific tastes and a vision for their space. Take a look around each gallery and identify what connects all of the pieces. Speak to the curator if they are present, and ask them what kind of pieces they are looking to add to their collection.^[1]
   
   • Developing a positive relationship with the curator and becoming part of the gallery community is a great way to get yourself on their radar, even if your work might not fit their specific gallery. You never know who they might know!
2. Go to openings and network. Openings are normally on a set night every week. View and appreciate the art, but sell your own enthusiasm and skill. Approach artists, curators, and spectators to discuss the art being shown and your own art.^[2]
   
   • Have your elevator pitch in mind! Keep the discussion of your art short, especially if they don’t seem interested in discussing it. Remember you’re at someone else’s gallery and viewing someone else’s work.
3. Apply for grants. Grants provide funding for artists to continue working on projects that fit a certain theme. When you apply for grants, you expose yourself to artists and curators who are on judging panels. This will establish you as an artist who takes your work seriously.^[3]
   
4. Avoid shows that require an entry fee. These "competitions" are usually fundraisers for the organization or gallery and offer very little in terms of career advancement. It is best to save your money and avoid paying fees to be involved in a show or gallery exhibition. Legitimate galleries make money off of the sale of the art, rather than entrance fees from artists.^[4]
   
5. Create an online gallery website. Having an online presence for your work is extremely important. You can invite other local artists, or other artists with similar styles, to showcase art on a website in a digital gallery. Make sure to include the professional contact information of each artist on the website.^[5]
   
   • Include only high-quality digital images of your artwork. Once you have digital images of your work, create a website and get a professional email address.
6. Join an artist collective gallery. These galleries normally don't take a cut of your work, but require monthly membership fees. Membership will allow you to make many connections and participate in a larger body of work with other artists over a long period of time. You might also have access to group resources and a space to work.^[6]
   
   • Becoming a member can be very competitive, so you will likely still need to present your work and artist statement for acceptance.

EditSubmitting Your Art to a Gallery

1. Check gallery websites for submission policies. It is best not to approach a gallery about submitting your work until you learn their policies. If you can’t find the information online, call them to inquire about submission, or ask in person. Follow the guidelines closely to demonstrate that you respect their rules.^[7]
   
   • Some galleries do not accept submissions.
2. Email a "letter of inquiry" to the galleries of interest to you. Include illustrious examples of your work, a description of your artistic approach, and a link to your artist website. Focus on what you can offer to the gallery, rather than what they can offer you. Many curators like to collect paper documents on artists before they will show their work.^[8]
   
   • Include high-quality images of your work as attachments to the email. If they’re interested, they’ll look through your work and have a copy of it on hand.
3. Practice talking about your art. Often, you’ll have to sell yourself and your work to a curator in order to get them interested. Practice your elevator pitch and decide what makes your art exciting.^[9]
   
   • For example, if you’re a painter, you could say “I work with oil on canvas to create representative images of the contemporary, middle-class version of the American Dream. I like to focus on the imagery of capitalism and overabundance.”
4. Demonstrate how your art is different. Although curators are sometimes interested in specific types of art, they won’t want too much of the same thing. Identify how your art fits into a common theme, but stands out due to the craftsmanship, quality of work, perspective, or experience of viewing.^[10]
   
5. Evaluate what rate of commission you are comfortable with. If the gallery is interested in your work, they will inform you of their interest. Galleries make money off of the commission of the sale of art. Normally, this can range from 30-60% of the total amount paid for the piece by a collector. Have a percentage in mind, based on the listed value of your art, that you would feel comfortable accepting.^[11]
   
   • Keep in mind they are offering you a space to exhibit and sell your work that you would not have otherwise had.
6. Sign with a gallery. The gallery will present you with a contract for including your art in their space. Be clear with what you desire, but remember that they are the business owners. Ensure the commission percentage is clearly specified in the contract. ^[12]
   
   • Thoroughly read any contract you sign, as it may stipulate that you may show and sell work exclusively through that gallery.

EditTips

• Don't limit yourself to local galleries, search far and wide for the best fit.
• Persistence pays off, you may want to approach the same gallery several times over a few years. Repeat these steps until you are approached by a gallery that shows interest in your work. There are so many different types and styles of art appreciation, someone will admire your work!
• Make the paintings before you sell them.
• Make business cards, flyers, stickers. Self promotion will provide fantastic networking opportunities.
• Travel and physically expose yourself to galleries that are in your area. Visit any place that speaks to you when you walk in. Even if it has work from Warhol or Hirst in it, if you feel confident in your work and comfortable in the space, submit your work for consideration.
• Dress, speak, and behave professionally. Treat art as your full-time profession, even if it isn’t your only job.

EditWarnings

• Be prepared for rejection. Everyone gets turned down. Keep trying.
• Watch your budget. Spend as little as possible, but try to maintain a high degree of professionalism.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Advertise an Art Gallery Show
• Work in an Art Museum
• Visit an Art Gallery

EditSources and Citations

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