Are you ready for your internship?

As spring quarter begins, people start thinking about what the summer will bring. For some, this means preparing for that internship or new job you worked so hard to obtain during the school year. This can mean not living with your family as you are accustomed to and being completely independent, possibly for the very first time. As someone who has three months of co-op under her belt, I’m willing to share some of the knowledge that I’ve obtained while going through this experience.

First and foremost, make sure you know where you will be living. In some cases, the company you are working for will provide housing for interns but, if you are in a situation like mine, you are given nothing more than a list of some possible apartment locations. If you are not explicitly told that you will receive housing, are given a housing stipend, or are completely on your own, make sure to check as soon as you have committed to the position. This way, if you have to find your own apartment, you have plenty of time to find a place to live. Do not be scared to ask the Human Resources department for help; since they are in the area, they can at least give you a push in the right direction. During your search for an apartment, keep in mind:

1. What is the cost of rent each month? If you are given a stipend, does the rent exceed your allotted amount?
2. How far are you from work, stores, restaurants, etc?
3. Is the apartment furnished? If not, do you have access to key things, such as a bed, that you can bring with you?
4. For how long is the lease? Can you move out at the end of the summer without losing your deposit?
5. What is the area like? Is it a quiet neighborhood or should you buy earplugs to sleep at night?
6. What condition is the apartment in?

The worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute and end up living a long distance from your job or find out there is nothing available.

Allow yourself plenty of time to find a place that is right for you. I do not think I can stress timing enough. The worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute and end up living a long distance from your job or find out there is nothing available at all!

Once you have secured an apartment, get the information for utilities. Check with the landlord to see if any are included with the rent. If not, ask them if they can give you a list of the phone numbers for electricity, trash collection, water, phone, Internet and cable. Make sure to call and get information, such as the cost of deposit, as soon as you know when you will be moving in. The sooner you schedule hook-up for services, the sooner your living experience will be enjoyable. Do not make the mistake of waiting until you have already moved in to schedule Internet and cable like I did. It took a full month before there was an opening for connection and, since I was on my new work schedule, I had to do some creative thinking (and pleading with my boss) to make sure I was home for the installation. Before the quarter has ended, make sure you have allotted enough time to get settled into your apartment before beginning work. Not only do you need to plan time to move your things from Terre Haute to your temporary home, you also need to plan for unpacking and exploring the town you have chosen to live in. Make sure you can find your way around. Locate key places, such as the grocery store, post office, gas stations, area restaurants, laundromats, and, most importantly, make sure you know how to get to and from work in a timely manner. Make a mental note of speed limits, railroad crossings, and stop-lights which could slow down your commute.

Take it from me, getting prepared to go into the workplace is not an easy or quick task. If you get lucky, you might be able to prepare with very little time, but your great experience could quickly turn into a nightmare if you fail to plan ahead.