<p>Hope to get some insight on housing options for grad students. Son would prefer off campus, one bedroom or studio, furnished or unfurnished, covered or underground parking. Son will be working in the engineering school, taking some math and bio classes, but also will work at the medical school and the VA Hospital. He is hoping to settle in Minnesota, become a resident, and maybe even find a place where he can continue living after receving his masters. Safety more a factor than expense, though he doesn't need luxury accomodations. Safety not just in regards to crime, but also safety for traveling in extreme weather.</p>
<p>Thank you for any suggestions, advice, areas to avoid, etc.</p>
<p>S2’s GF lives in Yudof Hall in a studio and many of the kids there are grad students. It is however, right on campus. I asked my son and he thought The Knoll, The Dinky Dome, Stadium Village (he likes this loca best for your son’s jobs areas, but is unsure about the parking) or the University Village would be good locations. There are prop 5-8 new apartment buildings going up as we speak. Maybe the University Housing department can offer you a link to non, but near university apt. phone numbers. <a href=“Our Buildings | Housing & Residential Life”>http://www.housing.umn.edu/halls</a> My son lives in Grand Marc on the West Bank and is quite happy there, but I think it has a lot to do with the Chipotle in the building! </p>
<p>Isn’t the VA Hospital is on or at least near the new light rail that will begin running a connection through campus this fall?</p>
<p>When I read the crime reports for the UofMN which is mostly stealing cell phones from kids walking around at 2 am, most of these crimes take place in an area just north of the U called Marcy Park so I’d stay away from there.</p>
<p>Son’s prof that he’d be working with did tell him the light rail would run in a lot of the areas he’d be working. Thanks for the heads up on Marcy Park, I did see some complexes in that location. There are some new ones that won’t be open until end of August, so we’re looking for some existing ones that we can move him in at the beginning of August so he can start furnishing the apartment and getting the lay of the land. Thank you so much for the suggestions and keep them coming!</p>
<p>Getting ready to head up for the housing search. We have still not found anything, and are reluctant to sign a lease site unseen. It will be an expensive trip, but will feel much better seeing the places firsthand. Having a problem because the new places won’t open until Sept 1, and son has to be there before August 25. If anyone could PM me, if not allowed openly on CC, names of places to stay away from, or suggestions, it would be much appreciated. At this point, just trying to find a one bedroom for son, no roommates. Finding lots of older complexes that will likely not be acceptable in person, so willing to go into a more expensive place for a year and start looking for the next year’s apartment ASAP. Of course, if anyone knows of a good fit right now, happy to hear about it!</p>
<p>D1 has lived in the UMinn side of University Village apartments for the last 2 years, and will be living there again during her upcoming senior year. I believe the other half of the complex is commercial apartments for lease, but I haven’t seen them in person…although if they’re similar to the University side they should be suitable.</p>
<p>She has had no issues with the location relative to campus, etc. The new part of the light rail line is open now (I believe) and runs right past the complex so transportation should be even easier. Additionally, if your S has a car there is indoor parking for the complex which will be a nice perk during the long MN winters!! :)</p>
<p>We found a place in prospect park for son. Has a parking spot on parking deck. High rise apartment building with gorgeous views. Walking distance to campus or light rail in cold weather. Walking distance to bus as well. Mixed residents from What we could see family with two kids to 30 something nurse to elderly so definitely a place he can stay after finishing his masters which is what he wanted. Son signed lease and is totally responsible for everything. First big step to becoming an adult</p>