There are some apartments near campus that claim to offer students comfort and pleasure in a friendly community. The apartments that are evaluated offer furnished apartments, pools, game rooms, fitness center and other amenities that students would find desirable in low risk community near campus.
University Commons
Louis Davis, the communications director at University Commons, said the biggest difference among University Commons and other apartment complexes is that it is more than a complex, it is a community.
The office is located in the front of the complex where people pass through coming to and from the bus stop to attend class. There always are snacks and friendly conversations waiting for students each day, David said.
“People get off the bus and stop to talk,” David said. “It’s really friendly, everybody knows each other.”
To help put residents’ minds at ease about safety issues there is an emergency call box in each bedroom and hall that is connected to the Baton Rouge Police Department, Davis said. There are also two courtesy officers who are available as a first line of defense so residence don’t have to “wait on the police,” David said.
The distance from campus to University Commons is “vaguely half a mile,” David said.
There is no deposit fee however there is an application fee and a redecoration fee of $75 each.
The apartments are only available in individual leases and four bedroom two bathroom apartments.
Monthly rent is $350 per person and $355 for third floor apartments.
There is a roommate finder system where the tenants fill out a profile sheet to match them with compatible roommates. David said an employee used the method and became best friends with her roommates.
A benefit of living at University Commons is that “you don’t have to pay for what you don’t want,” David said.
The apartments come with cable and an HBO channel. Utilities, phone and Internet are not included in the rent. The tenants pay for the services through the companies if they choose to request the services, David said.
There will be a drawing, for new leasers, held in the fall for free tuition, $1,800 and free books, $500.
University Commons has recently expanded their weight room because there was a “crazy demand,” David said.
“It’s a fun place, real relaxed,” he said. “Everyone is really nice, it’s weird.”
Anthony Washington, a kinesiology junior, said he enjoys living at University Commons. His favorite thing about living there is the availability of parking.
“I like it,” Washington said. “They have programs with food for us and there is always snacks in the office.”
Washington said he dislikes the locks on the room doors.
“They can be opened with a butter knife,” he said. “Your room is supposed to be your private sanctuary.”
Washington said University Commons is worth the cost.
“I guess it’s the cheapest,” he said.
He will not be returning to University Commons for the fall semester because he feels the need to move around.
“It just feels temporary,” he said. “It’s like a dorm, living with four people. And I don’t want to stay in the same place.”
Oakbrook Suits
Oakbrook Suits claims to offer “the best life has to offer,” according to its brochure.
Tammy Lane, property director at Oakbrook, said the apartments can be set apart from others because they are “really nice” and the customer service is top of the line.
“The amenities are comparable to others but our customer service is really good.”
All apartments include private phone lines in each bedroom with caller ID and voice mail. All utilities are paid and high speed Internet also is included.
Oakbrook does not have individual leases available. Lane said the benefit to this is being able to choose their roommates. She said tenants have to decide who can sublease their apartments.
A two bedroom with two bathrooms is $615 per bedroom. A three bedroom with three bathrooms is $565 per bedroom. And the four bedroom four-and-a-half bathroom is $575 per bedroom.
Adrianne McDonald, a fashion merchandise junior and Oakbrook resident, said when someone first hears the price they might be taken back, but she said the price is worth it.
“It’s really nice, everything is included,” she said. “I don’t plan on moving anytime soon. Everyone is really helpful.”
McDonald said she dislikes the lack of visitor parking.
“There is no visitor parking and there is a towing fee of $160,” she said.
Sterling University Crescent
Donna Riddle, manager at the Sterling University Crescent, said Sterling is the “number one property” for University student.
“I know the competition and our property with the price is perfect for students,” she said.
Riddle also said the location of the apartments, less than one mile from campus, is the main reason students and parents find Sterling to be a desirable option.
Sterling’s apartments are available in furnished and unfurnished apartments. The apartments also are available in bedrooms and two bathrooms for four person occupancy at a monthly price of $290 unfurnished and $315 furnished, each person. The two bedroom and two bathroom apartments for two person occupancy are $510 unfurnished and $535 furnished, each bedroom.
The three bedroom three bathroom apartments are $400 unfurnished and $425 furnished. The four bedroom, two bathroom apartments are $355 unfurnished and $380 furnished.
The rental prices include ethernet in every bedroom and basic cable with HBO. Covered parking, pool view, intrusion alarm, extended cable and pets are optional for an additional price, Riddle said.
Electricity, water and telephone are not included in the rental prices.
There is a current special for no deposit fee and a $35 processing fee till the end of March, Riddle said.
Although the community is not gated Riddle said there are three Sheriff Deputes onsite and “everyone watches out for each other.”
Edith Wagner, an undecided junior, said although she likes living at Sterling her and her a roommates are looking for a new apartment for next semester.
“We’ll be seniors and it feels too college,” she said. “Everything is so divided.”
Wagner said although the features are nice she would like for there to be a covered area for the bus stop and more visitor parking.