Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Berzerkeley Housing Hunt: Day 1

Those of you who have followed this blog have noticed that my plans rarely last long into the first engagement. I had originally intended to stay at home for a few more days and rest up. SSP this year was tough, for a number of different reasons, so I figured I deserved a few days off before diving back into the work. However, one of the houses that I had contacted a couple weeks ago was potentially going quickly, so I wanted to strike while the iron was hot, since it sounded fairly close to ideal.

So last night, I sent an email to my contact (who was moving out), who then forwarded it on to the rest of the roommates. They, in turn, said that they could meet with me at 9PM tonight. So I slept in this morning, did a couple loads of laundry, then looked around on craigslist for a couple more houses to look at, since I didn't want to drive up for just the one. After arranging a couple more (one right before leaving), I jumped back into my car and drove up to Berkeley.

Ranking so far: 2, 3, 1.

The first place I looked at was a bedroom in a 2BR/1BA. It was being sublet for the summer, so I didn't get to meet my future roommates (potentially a minus). The room itself was fairly small, but had decent closet space and a nice living room. A smallish, but serviceable looking electric stove.

Next up was a house. The current occupants are just moving in, so it was a little bare, and the whole thing felt a little ramshackle. The room itself was somewhat oddly shaped, being right beneath the roof, so the ceiling sloped in. Still, plenty of common space, very nice appliances in the kitchen. What turned me off, though, is that the guy I met just seemed kindof... Ivy. I dunno. It could work out, though.

Finally, the place that brought me up here so soon to begin with. Thus far, it's the best place I've seen, given what I'm looking for. The room itself is pretty spacious, with a giant closet, and the possibility to buy furniture (a desk, full bed, etc). Beautiful, functional kitchen. Comfy living room, although the kitchen is apparently the hangout space. The other roommates seem like a great bunch. The only thing that worries me is that they seem somewhat older than I am. Or, at least, than I feel. However, given today's xkcd, I'm beginning to wonder whether I'm old enough at all. They said they wanted to meet some more prospective tenants, and they'd get back to me in a day or so.

Up for tomorrow:
Sam Leachman (another princeton kid, class of '09) contacted me, said that he accepted a counter offer for a place. I'll come by and look at it tomorrow, see if the proposed situation will work.

I have a set appointment at 8 to see another place, and contacts with two others to set up appointments.

I'm also gonna block off some time to make a set of Cards Against Humanity, sortof an Apples To Apples meets Cheapass Games meets The Axis of Horrible card game.

Hopefully at least one of these will work out.