<p>Our son got "Gooched" this year as a first year and is hoping for better his second year. During Family Weekend there is a "housing fair" with off campus apartment owners. Is it too early to be thinking about housing next year? Is there good housing on grounds for second year students? If so, which dorms should he be considering? If not, does anyone have recommendations for high quality near-grounds apartments (he doesn't have a car). Thank you!</p>
<p>I personally loved Lambeth. It’s considered On-Grounds housing for upperclassmen (2nd year+) and so it was part of R&B, not a separate cost like rent, and all utilities were included. All of them were either 3bed+2bath or 2bed+1.5bath and all have been remodeled with replaced furniture, updated kitchen and appliances, and new flooring/paint. For the most part it was comprised of second-years with a few third-years around as well.<br>
It was easy walking distance to Central Grounds and even the e-school area was only about 15min walk, Chem/Bio about 20min. It was right on Rugby Rd so easy walking to the Corner. There was a large field out back that was good for pick-up soccer or frisbee or just laying out. There was also a great mini-store located centrally in the complex and would accept PlusDollars as payment. </p>
<p>Bice is another good option for On-Grounds housing since it’s centrally located as well.</p>
<p>My son was in Dillard first year and it definitely was not the social experience he was hoping for. I think it was the main reason he ended up joining a fraternity. It wasn’t his intention to begin with. For second year he lived at the Grand Marc. He really liked it there, it comes furnished and you can rent by the room so you are only on the hook for your room. There are definitely other places which are less expensive but not by as much as it seems. Everything is included at the Grand Marc where with other apts you have to pay extra. Tell you son he should begin to look around at apts, it is safe and easy, there is so much available very close to the university. Alot of the “on campus” housing for upperclassmen is farther away than Gooch/Dillard. If cost is an issue you should begin to look now because as you would expect, the very reasonable priced off campus housing goes first. Good Luck.</p>
<p>1800 JPA is a nice complex and conveniently located.</p>
<p>I too lived in GrandMarc and liked it. The fact that it was furnished, safe, and individual rents was a big deal. Covered/assigned parking was also a perk. As I was leaving all sorts of problems were going on, but I heard that the year after they were being addressed and things have gotten much better.</p>
<p>Another plug for Grand Marc…our D lived there her sophomore and junior years. She would have remained there this year as well, but she elected to live on the lawn. Grand Marc is nice for OOS kids because you don’t have to worry about furniture (shipping, storage, etc.). The assigned covered and gated parking is nice but pricey. The best thing, IMO, is the location. The Corner is a stone’s throw away, and the grounds are very close. (Science classes are a bit further.) You will pay for these conveniences; however, like others have said, residents have individual leases which gave us peace of mind.</p>