How My Aggie Dad Saved Me from a Bad Apartment After Graduation!
Moving to a new city right after graduation is exciting but also stressful. As a brand-new Aggie grad stepping into the “real world,” I thought I had it all figured out. I had my job lined up, my paycheck on the way, and I was ready to sign my first apartment lease on my own. Finally—freedom and independence!
But let me tell you how close I came to making a huge mistake… and how my dad stepped in at just the right time.
The “Perfect” Apartment (Or So I Thought)
When I first started looking, I fell in love with a trendy apartment online. The pictures looked amazing—fancy pool, sleek clubhouse, and “specials” that made it seem super affordable. I imagined myself hosting friends, walking to nearby restaurants, and living my best post-grad life.
The leasing agent was friendly and seemed to say all the right things. I was this close to signing the dotted line. In my head, I was already arranging furniture and posting my “first apartment” story on Instagram.
But here’s the thing: I didn’t do much research beyond the glossy photos. I didn’t check crime reports. I didn’t look into hidden fees. I didn’t even drive around the neighborhood at night to see what it really felt like.
Dad Steps In
Right when I was about to move forward, my dad asked if he could take a look with me. At first, I resisted—I wanted to do this on my own. But I’m glad I let him tag along.
Within five minutes of being there, he pointed out things I totally missed:
The parking lot was dimly lit and felt sketchy.
The “gated community” had a gate that was literally broken and propped open.
Online reviews showed constant complaints about crime, package theft, and management ignoring issues.
And those “specials” I thought were such a deal? They came with hidden fees that would have cost me hundreds more each month.
I was embarrassed at first, but honestly, my dad saved me from a year of regret.
What I Learned (The Hard Way)
Looking back, I realize I almost jumped into a lease just because I was impatient and caught up in the excitement. But my dad’s advice taught me a few things every new grad should know:
Do a night drive – Visit the complex after dark. The vibe changes completely.
Read real reviews – Not just the ones on the apartment’s website. Google and Yelp don’t lie.
Check for hidden fees – Trash, pest control, parking, amenities—those “small” charges add up fast.
Safety matters more than style – Fancy pools and gyms aren’t worth it if you don’t feel safe walking to your car.
Ask for a second opinion – Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or even an apartment locator, another perspective can save you from a costly mistake.
The Apartment I Ended Up With
Thanks to slowing down and actually doing the research, I found a much better spot. Safe, convenient, and still stylish—but this time, without the hidden headaches. It feels good knowing I made a smarter choice (with a little help from Dad).
Final Thoughts
If you’re a new grad like me, you probably want to prove you can handle everything on your own. And you can—but that doesn’t mean you can’t lean on the wisdom of people who’ve been there before.
So, from one Aggie grad to another: before you sign that lease, slow down, double-check, and maybe… just maybe… let your dad (or mom) tag along. It could save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of stress.
Thanks, Dad—Gig ‘em! 👍🏼
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