The Eagle Eye

Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: News

Lindsey Brouse, a first-year student, looks over the bulletin board in the PUB in search of rental ads.

Residence halls will close at 10 a.m. on May 2 this year, and students will load up all their possessions and head home for the summer.
Those who don't have housing lined up for next year only have about a month to get their living situations settled before they leave Lock Haven.
The on-campus housing lottery for next year has already taken place, and competition for the best dorms is stiff.
Many students prefer to stay on campus because of its convenience.
"I enjoy the people, and closeness to friends. My RA is cool, and there's less paperwork [than for off-campus housing]," said sophomore Ryan Wargo.
While it is unlikely that students will still have the opportunity to sign up for on-campus housing this late in the game, there are still plenty of options for off-campus living, which appeals to many students for its freedom.
"I have lived in Smith hall for two years, and even though I really like the environment and the convenience of living so close to everything on campus, I'm just ready for my own place," said sophomore Megan King. "I'll be able to cook and I'll have more space and more privacy."
Those who want to live on their own but still would like to have the ease of on-campus living should check out the LHU-owned Evergreen Commons.
"One of the top reasons that people choose to live in Evergreen Commons is that our rent is all-inclusive," said a staff member. The price includes cable, Internet, heat, electricity, and the washers and dryers in each apartment.
Evergreen Commons also has CAs, the off-campus equivalent to the RAs in dorms.
There is always an on-call CA that students can contact at any time if they get locked out, have a noise complaint or if any other problems arise. Evergreen Commons also has security guards on the weekends.
"We run a pretty tight ship," the staff member said.
Evergreen Commons offers academic leases and year-round leases, but they are currently fall for the 2009-2010 school year.
"We are accepting applications, but we are putting people on a wait list," said Resident Services Manager Kate Kishbaugh.
Students may be tempted by the convenience of the dishwasher and washer/dryer sets offered in each apartment along with all the basic furniture; however, it's worth looking into local apartment prices first.
Rent at Evergreen Commons is pricy, at $617 per month for two-person units and $505 per month for four-person units.
King and her roommates found their perfect apartment by looking through ads on campus and visiting different places until they found the right one.
Looking at bulletin boards and other places on campus with advertisements is the easiest way to start looking for an apartment.
Good online resources include Craigslist and the MyNewPlace application on Facebook.
There is also, of course, good old-fashioned word of mouth. Everybody knows someone who needs a roommate or is moving out of their apartment, so it shouldn't be hard to find some last-minute options.
While finals are looming in the distance, finding a place to live is the last thing students need to worry about.
The opportunities are everywhere. It's just about taking advantage of them.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools