geekforgreek

I'll be starting at Harvard in the fall woo! I just started looking into housing options, which are less woo. I know it's a bit early, but I find it helpful to look around and see what I can expect from the housing market. I'm going to be moving on my own, but hopefully my boyfriend will join me at some point during the year, so I want a 1 bedroom. I have been working for a few years so I'm willing to pay up to $1800. It's out of my ideal price range, but hopefully my boyfriend will join me halfway through the year to split the rent, and I can afford it for a year in the sad case that he doesn't end up moving. I don't mind up to a 20 minute walk to campus, although I would prefer a shorter walk, and I would prefer a well-maintained property in a quiet area, preferably with hardwood floors and no carpeting because of ze germz. A few questions: Should I expect to pay a stupid broker's fee for most apartments, or are independently owned buildings common enough to avoid it? Does anyone have an opinion on living in Cambridgeport? Has anyone lived in Harvard University Housing (the apartments, not the residence halls)? If so, are there any specific properties you would recommend or properties you would stay away from?