unsure about my new apt

[wanderlust99]

I start my first assignment at Stanford in Palo Alto, CA Monday. I have moved into my apt and I am a little disappointed. It's about 20-30 minute drive to work. Not horrible, I just wish it could have been closer.

The outside of the building is a ugly brown color. It's probably 40 years old. The inside of my apt is clean and it's ok. My big issue is the temperature.

There is only one outside air conditioning unit in my bedroom window. It is so freaking hot here! There isn't one in the living room. I am ok with not having central air, it sucks, but I'll deal with it. But, that little unit in the bedroom doesn't cool the living room down. I have been here 2 nights and it is so hot in my living room, it's uncomfortable and annoying.

I don't know what to do. I am scared to leave this place and move in somewhere even worse (ugly, old,etc..). The thing about this area is that it's so expensive and you don't get what you pay for. This apt is 1800/mo and I would never have lived here in Nashville, TN.

What should I do.

[CompassionateRN]

Hi!

You might try giving your recruiter a call and letting him/her know how uncomfortable you are without adequate air conditioning. Yes, housing in that area is expensive, but explain to them that you will not be happy living there the rest of the summer and sweating all over your furniture while you're watching TV in your living room. Most companies and recruiters will do what they can to keep you happy so you will continue to take assignments with them. Perhaps they could reimburse you for the cost of a 2nd window unit. I doubt that they will move you to another apartment, but they might be able to do something.

I've been a traveler for 2-1/2 years now, and there have been several apartments I've loved, a few I just liked, and one that I was REALLY eager to leave! Hang in there, but definitely talk to your recruiter. Housing is a big deal to us travelers, and come to think of it, that really bad apartment was one of the biggest reasons I switched companies!

[caliotter3]

You might want to visit Big Buy, Circuit City, Home Depot, or Fry's to see what you could pick up in the way of portable air conditioners or super fans on sale. I got a very good portable air conditioner on sale for only $299 (or $399, don't remember) one time at Home Depot. Might be just what you need to make it bearable. And you could take it with you.

[bagladyrn, RN]

I start my first assignment at Stanford in Palo Alto, CA Monday. I have moved into my apt and I am a little disappointed. It's about 20-30 minute drive to work. Not horrible, I just wish it could have been closer.

The outside of the building is a ugly brown color. It's probably 40 years old. The inside of my apt is clean and it's ok. My big issue is the temperature.

There is only one outside air conditioning unit in my bedroom window. It is so freaking hot here! There isn't one in the living room. I am ok with not having central air, it sucks, but I'll deal with it. But, that little unit in the bedroom doesn't cool the living room down. I have been here 2 nights and it is so hot in my living room, it's uncomfortable and annoying.

I don't know what to do. I am scared to leave this place and move in somewhere even worse (ugly, old,etc..). The thing about this area is that it's so expensive and you don't get what you pay for. This apt is 1800/mo and I would never have lived here in Nashville, TN.

What should I do.

The old, ugly thing is really irrelevant. What your company is obligated to provide is a basic clean safe place to live. Everything else is just "gravy". As for the air conditioning , the simplest thing to do is have your company pay for another window unit to be installed in the living room. You could either buy it and have them reimburse you or have them call and buy it on a corporate credit card at one of the chain stores like Walmart or Home Depot that is close to you. Ask your landlord to have the maintence person help you install it. Call your housing coordinator and ask which they would do.