psuwannabe

I'm reaching out to get some insights on the housing scene in State College. I've recently been accepted as a grad student, so I'm a bit late to the housing hunt and finding that some options are already taken. If anyone could lend a hand, I'd be incredibly grateful. My husband, dog, and I are on the lookout for a one-bedroom apartment in the $1000-1300 range, all-inclusive. I've come across the White Course Grad Family Apartments housing at the university, priced at $1250 with everything included, plus furniture. However, I haven't found much discussion about it and the furnitures look quite bad(?). Toftrees seems like a popular choice, but it's a bit out of my budget at $1400, and Nairo Village is already sold out. I did find Aspen College at $1039, but I'm unsure about the additional costs for utilities (eletric and water). If anyone has insight on that, it would be incredibly helpful, how much a month I'm I looking at? Additionally, I've heard mixed opinions about Aspen College's location, situated by a highway with a hill to climb to reach the apartments. However, they offer a range of amenities like a pool and games, and they're pet-friendly, which is a big plus for us. While we're okay with living among undergrads and in a student-oriented complex (we're quite young ourselves), I'm uncertain if our stipend will cover the costs of a car initially (probably no). So, proximity to the university or a bus route is essential for us. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!