Start with the small, green bathroom stalls, the 13- by 14-foot grey-carpeted rooms, and the extra-long twin beds. Insert posters, lamps, printers, books and other miscellaneous supplies and decorations. Add four to eight college students and shake well.
This recipe results in the traditional dorm room and, sometimes, disaster.
Although dorms are the typical living ideal of college, apartments are another option for housing. So if you’re looking to expand your living space next year, here’s a guide to some of the most popular apartment choices new campus.
Wolf Creek
Where: Off of Hillsborough Street
Rates: 2008 to 2009 rates range from $575 to $637 for two bedrooms/two bathrooms, $475 for three bedrooms/three bathrooms and $450 to $499 for four bedrooms/four bathrooms. Rental rates include electricity, water and sewer, trash, high-speed internet and cable.
Square footage: Two bedroom apartments are 919 square feet, 3 bedroom apartments are 1,093 square feet and four bedroom apartments are 1,434 square feet.
Furniture: Units include furnished bedrooms and living room and kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, stove with range, washer and dryer.
Amenities: Recreation room, fitness center, video center, basketball courts, tennis courts, tanning bed, sand volleyball courts and two swimming pools.
Pets: No
Terence Bowden, a leasing agent, recommends applying as soon as possible.
“Come tour and get an application and fill it out then,” said Bowden.
SOURCE: www.wolfcreekapts.info, Terence Bowden, leasing agent
University Suites
Where: Off of Trailwood Drive
Rates: Three and four bedroom, private bathroom town homes with private bathrooms start at $395. A utility package is also offered.
Square Footage: Three- and four-bedroom town homes are around 1,530 square feet.
Furniture: Apartments are partially furnished and are also available fully furnished for an additional charge.
Amenities: The town homes include one parking space for each suite, full-sized washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, range, microwave, and a clubhouse with pool, fitness room, tanning beds, television, computer and study room.
Pets: No
SOURCE: www.universitysuites.net Campus Crossings
Where: Formerly known as University House, off of Tryon Road.
Rates: The complex features two bedroom/two bathroom, three bedroom/three bathroom, and four bedroom/four bathroom apartments. Rent ranges from $430 to $495 a month, depending on the unit and the number of bedrooms, and includes utilities.
Square footage: Two bedroom apartment is 876 square feet, a three bedroom is 1,163 square feet, and a four bedroom is 1,393 square feet. Bedrooms are 10- by 12-feet on average.
Furniture: There is a fully-furnished option and an available full appliance package. Washers, dryers, patios and balconies, high-speed Internet, cable and alarms are also available.
Amenities: The living community includes a computer lab, fitness center, clubhouse, recreation center, study room, pool, barbecue area, sand volleyball courts and basketball court.
Pets: Yes
To ensure an apartment, Assistant Manager Thomas Hardee recommends looking immediately for an apartment.
“Go ahead and start looking,” said Hardee. “Come in person and take tours.”
SOURCE: www.campusapts.com, Thomas Hardee
University Village
Where: Off of Trailwood Drive
Rates: This living option has units with two bedrooms/two bathrooms for $420, three bedrooms/three bathrooms for $430 and four bedrooms/four bathrooms for $400. Rental rates include water and Internet. Furniture is available for each unit for $15 or $25.
Square footage: Approximately 900 square feet for two bedrooms, 1,150 for three and 1,200 for four.
Furniture: Each unit features a dishwasher, washer and dryer, oven and ceiling fans.
Amenities: The community offers a beach volleyball court, pool, fitness center, basketball court and tanning beds. Parking is on a first come, first serve basis.
Pets: No
Greg Sakas, a leasing manager, suggests either coming in person or applying online as soon as possible.
“We require a co-signer, so since many parents do not live in the area, applying online is a good option to guarantee a spot and get the best rate, as rates increase as time goes on, and half of the apartments are furnished and half are not,” Sakas said. “Applying early ensures that you get what you want.”
SOURCE: www.universitycondos.com, Greg Sakas, a leasing manager
University Woods
Where: Off of Trailwood Drive
Rates: University Woods offers three bedroom/three bathroom and four bedroom/four bathroom options. The three-bedroom apartment costs $355 per month and a four-bedroom apartment costs $315. Separate utility packages are available for $55 per month. High-speed Internet access and two phone lines are available in each bedroom, as well as a sunroom or office.
Square footage: Approximately 900 square feet for two bedrooms, 1,150 for three and 1,200 for four.
Furniture: Properties include a refrigerator, range and oven, washer and dryer, and dishwasher in the appliance package.
Amenities: Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Pets: No
Greg Sakas, a leasing manager, recommends applying for University Woods in the same manner as applying for University Village.
SOURCE: www.universitycondos.com, Greg Sakas, a leasing manager
Redwolf Crossing
Where: Off of Hillsborough Street
Rates: This condominium has floor plans for two bedroom/two and a half bathrooms, three bedrooms/three and a half bathrooms and four bedrooms/four and a half bathrooms. Two bedrooms are $370 a month, three bedrooms are $430, and four bedrooms are $365 a month. Separate utility packages are available for $55 per month. Each condo has high-speed Internet available for the bedrooms.
Square Footage: Depending on the number of bedrooms, floor plans range in size from 975 square feet and 1200 square feet.
Furniture: The appliance package includes a refrigerator, range and oven, washer and dryer and dishwasher.
Amenities: Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Pets: Yes, but on owner approval
Assistant Manager Chloe George recommended applying early.
“I would apply soon, as we are almost full,” said George.
George also had suggestions as how to apply.
“Apply online at universitycondos.com because it is easier to do so with a co-signer,” George said. “And we do not require a co-signer, but it is a lot easier to qualify and may allow you to not have a security deposit.”
SOURCE: www.universitycondos.com, Chloe George, assistant manager
