<p>Hi everyone! I just found out today that my son is guaranteed on campus housing in The Village. However, we had already started looking at some off-campus apartments which seem pretty nice and very reasonable for the price. We saw some (ie. University Heights) that offer individual room leases. Can anyone give me some pros and cons of both housing situations? He’s an out-of-state student so we need to take that into consideration. </p>
<p>Thanks so much!</p>
<p>My son lived in the village this year as an out of state freshman. He loves living on campus. It makes it very easy for him to enjoy all Auburn has to offer. Recently, he and some friends walked to see a comedy show at the Auburn arena. My son is also very active in intramurals and loves being able to easily hang on campus after games…</p>
<p>The village suites are a little pricey but very nice. There is a high demand for village housing -and most freshman students do not get in and are disappointed. </p>
<p>In addition, parking is extremely difficult on campus. On campus housing means your son can get cheap on campus parking.</p>
<p>Since these are private rooms it can be isolating. It is possible to come home, shut your door, and not see anyone if you want. This is both good and bad. But Auburn provides many opportunities to meet people and if your son puts himself out there he will make many friends.</p>
<p>Lots of freshman do happily live off campus…but i would recommend being as close to campus as possible the first year.</p>
<p>Thanks eaglereader. I appreciate your insights. I also received a few PMs from some other posters and they all agreed with you, freshman should live close to if not on campus. </p>
<p>So I think we’ll have him live on campus. I’d really like for him to get that full college experience. I especially liked the idea that Tiger Zone is all you can eat! My son is very active and is close to eating me out of house and home. LOL. </p>
<p>To be honest, the biggest thing we liked about the apts we looked at was the 24 hour use of the fitness center. But I suppose he could take a run around the safe campus at anytime. But the pros definitely outweighed the cons.</p>
<p>I also echo eaglereader’s thoughts. I’d recommend living in the Village for at least one year. It is very nice to be so close to the basketball arena, and the football and baseball fields. My daughter lived there for two years, but will live off campus next year. My wife and I toured both the University Heights and the one across the street and they are very nice. There is a brand new apartment complex being built called The Grove which you may want to check out for next year. It is supposed to be finished this summer.</p>
<p>FYI-The Village is very nice, and it is in high demand, but the prices do continue to increase. I believe it cost something like $2950/semester two years ago and $3130 this year. My daughter said that it will cost $3400/semester next year to live there. The meal plan at Auburn is not that great as you have to pay $990/semester (I think) for dining if you live on campus. Meals are not cheap and it’s an ala carte system. If you live off campus you only have to pay $300/semester for dining.</p>
<p>Thanks Mustang! I’m glad that you liked University Heights. It’s hard to choose from long distance. But with him living on campus, at least he’ll have a chance to check on those off-campus apts before he decides to go the route.</p>
<p>Can I just say that everyone on the Auburn board has been so helpful? :-)</p>