CHRONICLES OF A UNILAG STUDENT: HOW TO DODGE LANDLORD WAHALA

Nothing humbles a Unilag student faster than house hunting. One minute you’re calculating GPA, next minute you’re calculating how to survive a landlord that thinks you’re a walking ATM. This is a chronicle and survival guide on how to dodge landlord wahala without losing your sanity, money or semester.

RULE NUMBER ONE: LOCATION IS NOT VIBES, IT’S SURVIVAL

That fine apartment that is “just 15 minutes from school” is usually 15 minutes by car, 40 minutes by foot, and one full lifetime when it starts raining. Before you fall in love with tiles and big windows, ask the real questions:

Is there light? (And no, “they bring it once in a while” is not an answer.)

Is water constant or is there a place to fetch nearby?

How far is the nearest bus stop when you’re late for an 8 a.m class?

Akoka, Bariga, Yaba, each area has its own personality. Choose wisely, peace of mind is greater than aesthetics.

RULE NUMBER 2, IF THE LANDLORD SAYS “I DON’T LIKE STUDENTS”, RUN

This is not an enemies to lovers wattpad story. Any landlord that starts with “students are troublesome” will end up stressing you for it. A good landlord may not be your friend, but they won’t make your life hard. Neutral energy is the goal. Nothing too much, nothing too little

RULE NUMBER 3: AGENTS CAN BE SUSPICIOUS SPIRITS

Some agents are bad, many are….creative. If an agent is rushing you, refusing to show documents, or asking for “commitment fee” before inspection, understand that something is wrong. Which is why Cribnect is here for you, cancelling out the stress of agents and even more, agent fees. An online platform where you can get apartments like buying a blender on Jumia, with no burdensome agent fees or problems. Don’t let anyone fool you, choose comfort.

RULE NUMBER 4: BUDGET LIKE A REALIST, NOT A DREAMER

Let’s face it, sometimes we’re the cause of the ‘landlord wahala’ especially when it comes to money. Rent is not the only expense. There’s light bill, water, and random “contribution” you didn’t see coming. If your budget is ₦400k, don’t go and fall in love with a ₦450k apartment because “something will work out.” It usually won’t. The first step to avoiding problems is to no be the problem.

House hunting as a Unilag student is not for the weak, but it’s survivable. Ask questions. Take your time. Trust your instincts. And remember that a fine room is useless if it comes with daily stress.

If you’re tired of stories that touch and inspections that disappoint, Cribnect is built specifically to help you find verified accommodation and reliable shortlets around campus without unnecessary drama. From student-friendly apartments to short stays while you figure things out, the right help can make the process smoother and safer. School is already hard, house hunting shouldn’t be harder.

Signed,

A Unilag student who has seen things.