<p>DD is a first-year and wants to live in an apartment with friends next year. There are a number of off-campus options near the Corner but they seem expensive. Has anyone been there-done that, and can you give an idea of the additional costs (on top of the rent) that we should expect to pay? For instance, utilities, trash removal, etc. Also, any experience with particular properties/property management firms that you could share would be much appreciated. She hasn't even been there 4 weeks and there is already pressure to lock in a place in a good location. Yikes!</p>
<p>Similarly our S is having to decide if he wants to be in dorms, in an apartment, in a house? And where? And since he gets FA what are the implications there? As aid covers housing (including off-grounds) we assume it simply means it covers you for the $amount that on-grounds housing would cost. Some of his questions have been: Are all apartment/house leases a full year, or 10 months? Is the agreement between each occupant, or collectively, or does that vary by property? When quoted a price (ex: he’s been quoted $450/mo) does that typically include all utilities or are there other expenses? Etc, etc. It’s a lot for anyone to take in when they’ve only been on Grounds for 4 weeks so far :)</p>
<p>This was one part of UVa that I hated. It was a total PITA. The crap of locking in a lease early in the fall was absurd and both the school and the surrounding housing options supported it.<br>
Anyways, a few things
- Houses go quick and often require 6-8 people to reach agreement on things (they can be smaller (3-4 people) or even bigger (10-12)). Usually these are filled with 3rd and 4th years since folks start planning the summer before and are more prepared/knowledgeable about the environment.
- ** Utilities ** can sometimes be included, sometimes not. Almost always trash/sewer is included, and most of the time water. Electricity is almost always up to the tenant in off-grounds housing, as well as cable though it depends on the building. For on-grounds, all utilities are taken care of (woo!)
- ** Additional Costs ** are usually due to furnishings for off-grounds apartments/housing. On-grounds housing obviously comes with furnishings, but you’ll still need to work it out amongst the roommates to supply stuff like pots/pans, silverware, plates, etc. TVs are also generally brought in. My best suggestion for this is have folks create a Google spreadsheet next summer with stuff the apartment will need and have folks put their names by items they have. This way you can slowly whittle away the supply list. I DO NOT recommend splitting large ticket items (TV, couches, etc). I saw friends go after each other at the end of the year when it came time to split things up. Then again, I saw a group of guys buy almost everything off CL out of one pot, then sold everything two years later and split the money (they ended up actually making money off the whole thing)
- ** Apartments ** will sometimes offer parking included in rent, as well as utilities such as cable. Some will offer furnishings as well for $10-20 a month, which over a 12-month lease pays for itself (a bed alone can cost $100). I went this route and it saved me a big headache when it came to moving in and moving back out after graduating.
-
On-Grounds vs Off-Grounds: On-G is convenient for those who don’t plan on studying during the summer, don’t want to deal with furniture/utilities, prefer a lease term during the school year only, and want to keep the sort of dorm environment. The downside is that it can actually be more expensive, payment is a lump sum, farther away, and generally less well-kept. Off-G is great for those studying over a summer (or can sublet), want to write monthly rent checks, want a bigger place and/or single room, and are over UVa-run housing. Off-G can get complicated when it comes to utilities management, almost always requires furnishing, and can be more expensive.
The BIGGEST difference people often overlook is the fact that most Off-G housing is a big lease with multiple parties. This can lead to situations where folks don’t pay rent. I’ve seen some houses sent up a “contract” between everyone detailing rent amount, sec deposit amount, and specific payment dates. This could be held up in Honor Court if someone skips out. On-G housing is all individual, so the responsibility is person-to-person (some Off-G housing is like this too)</p>
<p>I understand some of the landlords try to pressure 1st year students to apply for off-campus housing 9 months in advance, claiming there is a severe housing shortage. While you certainly should not wait until the last minute, there is no need to rush into a lease. The UVa Housing Director has said there is plenty of off-campus housing, and a couple hundred new units were just built.</p>
<p>It is hard for 1st years to make housing choices quickly because they are still getting to know prospective roommates. </p>
<p>I believe it is preferable for 2nd year students to live on-grounds, when possible. It still provides some support system for the students, it is well served by buses, and it gives you time to learn your way around the off-grounds choices. Also, you don’t have to worry about your other roommates not paying their bills. </p>
<p>I don’t believe there is any harm in applying for on-grounds housing for 2nd year - you can always turn it down. Many undergrads turn down on-grounds housing if they are only offered choices that are far away. </p>
<p>I would guess that almost all off-grounds housing involves 12 month leases. You might find someone to sub-lease, but don’t count on it. If you do want to sublease or want to stay in Cville for the summer, make sure there is good air conditioning. On-grounds housing is a lease during the academic year, although there are some options for students doing a semester abroad, etc.</p>
<p>Amazingly, this timeline isn’t a UVa phenomenon. </p>
<p>There is actually a surplus of housing in Charlottesville. However, some developers have packed their buildings with fabulous amenities and some students feel that they need to get into a specific building with their friends. There’s a perceived shortage.</p>
<p>If you are planning on attending parents weekend there is an off grounds housing fair that was held during that weekend and you can then check out the location of various properties and the offered on campus housing. My son chose to live in the grand marc second year. Everything was included (furniture too) except for electric. They have separate leases per student which is great.</p>
<p>The Grand Marc certainly looks like a nice place, but… not necessarily for the cost-constrained 
Any off grounds locations that are nice but more economical? And, any props for particular on-grounds locations for 2nd years? Anything close(r) to the Engineering/Stadium side of grounds?</p>
<p>As far as on-grounds housing, Lambeth has been one of the more popular, and it houses many 2nd years. (I lived there 30 years ago as a 2nd year and my son also lived there his second year). Fortunately, the units were rehabbed in between those times.</p>
<p>I understand that Hereford and some of the adjacent residence halls are much less popular, but they are within a short walking distance of the engineering buildings. Because they are less popular, they are easier to get into. They also offer a higher percentage of single rooms, vs. all of Lambeth is two students per bedroom. I understand many engineering and transfer students go to those residence halls.</p>
<p>Apartments on JP are more reasonably priced than the ones by the corner. Good Luck</p>
<p>JPA would probably more convenient than the Corner for engineering students. :)</p>
<p>
This. The bills thing is a huge factor for living on grounds, as well as the fact that most others around you will be second years as well. I lived in Lambeth second year and wouldn’t have done it differently. I second applying for the housing lottery and seeing what happens (I wouldn’t support living in Copely or Faulkner since it takes away most of the pros for living on grounds)</p>
<p>
In fact, I’ve heard it’s worse in other places, especially other D1 schools. I just wish UVa would help the situation by moving the housing lottery much farther into the fall semester, or even over the winter. When I left, it was held in October and was super rushed. However, after doing some research, it looks like that’s changed significantly, so my previous statement doesn’t hold true. See [Application</a> Dates for 2013-2014 Housing, Housing & Residence Life, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/housing/room_selection.php]Application”>http://www.virginia.edu/housing/room_selection.php) for dates.
With that said, I would agree with Charlie again in that there’s no rush to find housing, especially as a second year. As long as you do it before end of the school year, you should be okay. Also tell your D/S to watch the student forums, things pop up where people need a person or two to complete an apartment or house.</p>
<p>Grp: Lambeth and Bice are usually considered the best on-grounds housing for upperclassmen. Bice is about a 5-10min walk to engineering, while Lambeth is about a 15min walk or a 5min bus ride or bike. I did the Lambeth to SEAS adventure every day and never had an issue or found it bad. There’s multiple buses nearby and the walk was relatively easy straight down the Lawn. I found Lambeth to be a great community, parking was easy, and it was located within a 5min walk of Central Grounds and the Corner. Most rental places in that area were much more expensive. They also re-did all of the apartments over the past few years.
Don’t remember specific off-grounds places, though most of the smaller, garden-style apartments were affordable (just remember to factor in furniture/utilities).</p>
<p>We toured the on-grounds upper class housing choices during parents weekend of our son’s first year. We also felt pressured to make a quick choice. Some of the on-grounds housing is further from grounds than the apartments near the Corner. Lambeth seemed to be a popular choice, but it was quite small and a bit claustrophobic IMO. Our son and several friends from his dorm wanted to stay together and close to grounds. We spent most of that parents weekend touring houses and apartments and they chose Grandmarc at the Corner, primarily because it was furnished. That was a real necessity for the roommates who lived out of state. To help with affordability, they opted to share rooms (2 bedrooms, 4 guys). The apartment is very nice and close to campus. My son has the longest walk to classes in the E school, about 20-25 min. All of them have a meal plan, but they do cook some meals. There have not been any surprises for add on costs as they were told an approximate for how much the electric bill would be (not much per person). Parking is an added cost, but oh so convenient. As repeat renters, we were able to negotiate a parking fee. Not sure they have used very many of the added features of Grandmarc (theatre room, billiards). None of them have ventured into that pool! They sure have enjoyed the new wall mount TV however.</p>
<p>grp2013…you should look at 1800 JPA. Close to engineering school and stadium. These are condos so decor, upgrades, and rent can vary considerably depending on what individual owners have put into the unit. Some units are very basic while others have been very nicely renovated. We actually bought one when our daughter was second year and now our fourth year son is using it.</p>
<p>S has also felt the urge to secure housing. He has already toured Grand Marc (they would do a 4 in 2 bedrooms if they end up there) and will look at other options in the next few weeks. From what I see, the housing fair is on Friday of Parents Weekend, unfortunately ending before we get to town. So I told S to go to get all info and maybe we can tour a bit over the weekend. I hate that he feels he need to firm something up so soon - but I was ready for it. My older S at Penn State had to sign off-campus housing contracts by end of Sept. each year. UVA seems much less rushed compared to that. Although my gut says that S will want to have this all worked out within the next few weeks. It’s too bad that they all feel like they have this taken care of so early - especially if there isn’t truly a housing shortage. I think in my son’s case he’s just excited at the prospect of living in an apartment with his friends. That, and the no air conditioning and group bathrooms are not his favorite - so this gives him something to look forward to.</p>
<p>As of a few years, I was told that a large percentage of the off-campus housing at Penn State is owned by one guy. The town also effectively prohibits students from living together in large areas of the town. That may explain some things.</p>
<p>D and friends toured houses behind the corner earlier in the week and signed a lease on one today. They called first thing this morning to say they were coming in to sign. Between the time they called and actually signed, 5 other groups contacted realtor to say they wanted to sign a lease on it. D feels lucky to have gotten it. That’s the craziness the kids are facing. I think it’s the worst if they want to be in the area behind the corner - my impression is that it’s not as frenzied in other areas.</p>
<p><<as of="" a="" few="" years,="" i="" was="" told="" that="" large="" percentage="" the="" off-campus="" housing="" at="" penn="" state="" is="" owned="" by="" one="" guy.="" town="" also="" effectively="" prohibits="" students="" from="" living="" together="" in="" areas="" town.="" may="" explain="" some="" things.="">></as></p>
<p>That could be right. But in addition, there are 3 or 4 very popular apartment complexes, plus everyone wants to live downtown…some line up days before the rental office opens to get what they want. It’s crazy. S lived on campus 2 years and then stayed put 2 years in the same apartment so luckily we really only experienced the craziness once…and he didn’t camp out!!</p>
<p>yea… 5 people just called this morning to say they want to rent this house… you better sign right now.</p>
<p>D lived in a house her last year and it was never even advertised as available - they are very popular and those in good locations are in great demand. That said, it was horrible. As a parent, I far preferred the complexes managed by rental companies. We paid a small fortune for her to live in a house that was filthy when she moved in and poorly maintained. Awful. </p>
<p>We had good experiences with CBS and MSC. CBS offered an option at the end of the year to have the apartment cleaned by their preferred cleaner and charged against the deposit so it was ready for move-in by the next tenant. That worked out really well since the girls were all moving out at different times. </p>
<p>Make sure if your son or daughter is living in a house, particularly with a large group that includes folks they may not know well, that they have the utilities worked out. I would insist upon some type of deposit to be held by the bill payer. D was responsible for a large utility bill (she had good credit with the utility so no deposit was required) and two of the young women who lived there refused to pay their final share. Classy.</p>
<p>And keep in mind that the last person to move out from an apartment may get stuck with most of the cleaning.</p>