<p>My roommate and I (two girls) are becoming juniors this year and decided on off-campus housing. We were able to get a studio in the Riverside Towers (10 Commercial Ave) which was conveniently located right next to the bus stops but haven't signed the papers just yet. But, the lobby looked so much more renovated and cleaner than the upper levels where the rooms were that I started to question the actual safety of the building and area. I don't mean to say that the building necessary looks like a dangerous place, but the difference between the lobby and the upper levels was a bit shocking to my roommate and I. We have late classes around 8-10 pm and were worried if we should be wary of this building as this is our first time living off-campus. </p>
<p>I don’t personally know about this unit. However, from what I have read by googling, it seems sketchy. A couple of reviews from May/June mentioned mice/rats. I would worry more about the maintenance/cleanliness of the building vs safety, and because you have questioned the cleanliness already, I would vote no on this building. </p>
<p>Have you looked at apartments in the more residential sections of New Brunswick? Do you have a car? </p>
<p>Have you searched in the immediate College Ave area? Have you joined one of the Rutgers fb ‘class of’ groups to see if anyone is looking for roommates? </p>
<p>If you are still undecided, I would have your parents come out and look at the apartment with you. I would never let my kids rent an apartment in college without me reviewing it first. </p>
<p>Can you still get on a waitlist for on campus housing? </p>
<p>btw I don’t mean that you should not worry about safety. Even if you are living right off of College Ave, you have to be aware of your surroundings, lock your doors, don’t walk alone very late at night, etc. Just normal safety measures that you would take in a big city. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, RU housing could not offer me an on-campus housing. So, we came with both parents and had a look around. Despite the cleanliness, the apartment itself seems quite safe and okay for the most part. But yes, I would definitely make sure to have safety precautions, especially when walking at night. </p>