Beyond Shelter: The Essentials I won't Compromise On.

Here in Nigeria, renting a home is never just about finding a roof over one's head but about choosing a place where you are comfortable and secure plus a peaceful environment. As I prepare for NYSC (National Youth Service Corps), sometimes next month, the search and preparation become even more important for me. Why? Because you don't really have a choice with NYSC, they post you anywhere. But, no matter where it is they decide to post me, I will make sure to take my time and find a space where I can breathe, focus, and also thrive.

What do I check first? The essentials. Electricity is probably the first. While still in school, I had experienced a lack of electricity—not that it was unstable, no, we didn't have light at all for over two years. It was a very stressful time. But that's not where I am going; I am saying a home and an environment without a constant power supply are stressful. Another is... Water supply is very crucial as well. I cannot afford to move into a home where I had to carry buckets and jerrycans to search for water. Also, the cost of living, that is also one to take note of, house rent and the like. In addition is accessibility, it is important to have the convenience of getting from my place of work to the house, the convenience of getting from my house to the market, and all.

Security also isn't something to overlook. Most houses are not safe even though they may look appealing. I want a house with good neighbors, a community where love presides. I am one who always asks questions. Likewise, I would ask current tenants about their experience, and I would ask community members what they have to say as well. Furthermore, I would want to know why past tenants moved out. A secured house/environment gives one peace of mind, meaning one can focus on one's responsibilities without fear.

I am also all about cleanliness/neatness. I can't compromise that for anything. Not only that, but I love clean environments, environments with a good drainage system, clean water, neat rooms and toilets, and very well-kept surroundings. That speaks volumes about the kind of people living there. A neat environment also frees one from unnecessary illness and such.

Also, I am someone who loves his privacy. I love my privacy so much. Even throughout my stay in school, I rented a room outside school and stayed alone—no roommate, no drama. I value my space; I want a home where neighbors respect boundaries. I don't really like crowded environments. But I can manage; I am not one to really step out unless necessary. I don't like an environment where everything you do, everywhere you go, and every food you eat is exposed to others.

Before even making it known that I seek an apartment around a place, I would have toured the area, observed some things, and asked current residents certain questions. I would have imagined living there for a year and asked myself if I still wanted to continue. While in school, house rent was huge, so I couldn't really stay in a self-contained apartment, so I had to opt for a room. But I enjoyed my stay. So, I consider costs, rent increments, and the cost for maintenance.

Renting, for me, is good beyond having a
Here in Nigeria, renting a home is never just about finding a roof over one's head but about choosing a place where you are comfortable and secure plus a peaceful environment. And as I prepare for NYSC (National Youth Service Corps), sometimes next month, the search and preparation become even more important for me. Why? Because you don't really have a choice with NYSC, they post you anywhere.

But, no matter where it is they decide to post me, I will make sure to take my time and find a space where I can breathe, focus, and also thrive. I am determined to make the right choice. I pray and hope money won't stand as a hindrance to that.

All pictures are mine.

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