<p>DD is thrilled to have been admitted. She is going for a visit in two weeks. Does anyone have info about apartments? She is not a partier, and will be studying on the West campus. Looked online and saw The Lofts. Are they party central with a lot of undergrads? All advice and experience will be appreciated.</p>
<p>Check out the following link for apartments near west including prices (although note this is intended as a guide for international undergrad students):
[Duke</a> University | Student Affairs | International House | Handout: Price Lists for Apartment Complexes near Duke](<a href=“Duke Student Affairs”>Duke Student Affairs)</p>
<p>I believe The Lofts used to be 23+, but has since changed its policies, so there are definitely more undergrads now. But I don’t think it’s as undergrad centric as the Belmont or Partners. I think other popular places besides the Lofts at Lakeview for grad students near campus include Pinnacle Ridge, Alexan Garrett, Erwin Terrace, West Village lofts, and Station 9 (not as close). Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Thanks so much Bluedog–very helpful.</p>
<p>I think apartments get a lot cheaper if you are willing to move at least 1 mile from campus. Places like the Loft at Lakeview are good luxury living places and literally steps from Research Dr/Hospital/West/Engineering campus but can easily be 2x the price you’d pay if you were willing to drive 5-10 min out. </p>
<p>I don’t really party as much and I lived off campus senior year at Lenox East which is a straight shot down Morreene (2 miles from campus). There were lots of grad students/postdocs/Duke employees who live nearby and it was a quiet residential area. Plus it was pretty cheap.</p>
<p>Another option is to look at the 15-501 corridor which has lots of apartment complexes. </p>
<p>tl;dr consider a 5-10 minute commute and your options broaden and cheapen considerably.</p>
<p>Thanks SBR. we have heard that parking on campus is impossible so she is hoping to avoid bringing a car. Maybe you know differently though, or have tips about parking on West campus? If so, she would gladly bring her car and venture further out.</p>
<p>Also check out <a href=“Duke University - 2011 Archive - The GradCafe Forums”>Duke University - 2011 Archive - The GradCafe Forums; (the graduate college confidential, it’s fantastic for grad students!) if you haven’t… This should help as well: <a href=“http://issuu.com/dukechronicle/docs/dukechronicle_110325_hsg[/url]”>http://issuu.com/dukechronicle/docs/dukechronicle_110325_hsg</a> and [url=<a href=“http://www.chroniclehousing.com/owner/ticon]chroniclehousing.com[/url”>http://www.chroniclehousing.com/owner/ticon]chroniclehousing.com[/url</a>]</p>
<p>trinity commons on Erwin road mostly grad student , law, med schools etc
walk to west</p>
<p>I have to say that I really can’t imagine living in Durham without a car, especially as a grad student whose life may not resolve around campus activities 24/7 like most undergrads. However that’s a whole other topic. </p>
<p>As for parking, AFAIK, good grad student parking is practically impossible as a first or even second year. But to park as a grad student shouldn’t be. You may need to park at a lot further away and that may be an inconvenience. An alternative is to find an undergrad who doesn’t have a car and who would be willing to buy a blue zone permit for you. </p>
<p>Another alternative is to bike. Especially if you live reasonably close. I’ve heard some people doing that and it doesn’t sound too hard.</p>
<p>Finally consider Central Campus (if they still allow grad students to live there). It may be more expensive but it’s definitely close.</p>