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The general impression from visiting personally multiple times and hints I've received from friends and acquaintances who are familiar with the area was that I should avoid "brick and mortar" housing options with fancy websites and massive marketing. Many of these housing options won't have windows that open for *energy efficiency purposes* (brutalist tactic from the 60s that will often cause people sick indoor syndrome from poor HVAC systems). If anything, they should be the last in your list in case you can't find anywhere else... since most of them will always have something available. The area is mainly consisted of undergrads. I know there are some grad students that found other grad students to room with, but you'll be taking chances at noise levels when the Thursday nights come around. Most of the grad students I know that live in that particular area live farther away to the south of Univ. ave, or farther down Univ. ave to the east. Since light rail started operating since 6/15, you won't have as much problem getting to school living closer to St. Paul and get bang for your buck. I was told by a few people that st. anthony village to the northwest of the campus in the east bank is very grad student friendly. it's ~20~35 min walk depending on where your classes are in campus, but if you get a bike or a U-Pass... it shouldn't be too bad.

I've been warned again and again not to live there... if that hints you anything. lol

I lived around the Evanston/Chicago border but I wouldn't live in downtown if you're going to commute to school... The commute is just TOO LONG. When it snows, you will be stuck in the roads for hours easy. Evanston is VERY SAFE... if anything, I would avoid some areas of west rogers park (areas around Mather HS; particularly North of Lincoln Ave.) and northern part of Uptown area, and around Lawrence Ave. (around Kimball brown line station) as there seems to be shootings around that area occasionally.. though I doubt you'll ever go there.

Another incoming UMN grad here Switching camps from Badgers to Gophers... So it seems pretty much impossible to find a studio/efficiency unit within the immediate proximity of the east bank campus (~20 min walk) that is NOT overpriced and will remain quiet... I am starting to lose my hopes! I started wondering if there are any viable options for grad students in the Dinkytown area or within ~20 min walking distance to the west of the east bank campus... Anyone familiar with Marcy Holmes area? And... Tairrie House / Argyle House next to the superblock??? P.s. light rail seems to be referred to by multiple names... I'm confused! ;(