University of Notre Dame 2015 Admits

[xor]

@FinalDanish

 

Thanks a whole lot! This is really useful information right here.

 

I am just finding out about University Edge. The 2-bedroom is slightly above my budget but I might have to take it. Seeing that I'm married and it might be more convenient for my wife if we don't have a roommate, I won't be searching for any roommates.

 

No, I don't exactly prefer a house. I just hope we won't suffer disturbances from undergraduates while at University Edge! I know how undergrads love to party hard.

 

Did you go to University Edge eventually? If so, did you get any pictures (good idea from HegelianThomist)?

 

Meanwhile I sent an email to ND housing over two weeks ago, trying to find some solutions to my housing problems, but got no response. Then a couple of days ago I sent another email to the rector of Cripe Street apartments. No response either. In my understanding, Cripe street has little or no available space, generally, so I'm no longer seriously expecting any favourable response there.

 

My housing plans might affect my travel plans, because I need to be certain where I'll be staying before I arrive in the US, let alone in South Bend, and that's my major cause of concern. Hope University Edge cuts it!

 

P.S. http://universityedgend.com/

Edited May 22, 2015 by xor

[FinalDanish]

I'll take pics and put them in a shared Skydrive folder later today when I'm back in Indiana.

Touring the place, they do sell it very well. Having all utilities covered (almost, each rentor gets $25 credit towards electricity, which in some bad cases can go up to $200 for four people in winter) is definitely nice. And the engagement by the property owners with the student community is on point, just look at their social media sites. My only cons are...

1. Not being on the east side of campus near more of the useful shopping areas or the more interesting/fun restaurants and bars.

2. Some scathing review online pointing out how thin the walls are or cheap construction in the units

A. http://www.rentersvoice.com/reviews/in/south-bend/university-edge-nd

B. http://www.apartmentratings.com/in/south-bend/university-edge-apartments_9199332346275153810/review-111470779/

Besides those two, I think I really like the community atmosphere they try to put in place. Plus, if I go with my other option at Clover Ridge, I read that's a drunk college party area where "frozen vomit" forms the icicles. Probably an exaggeration but still.

If I can convince myself I can be further from downtown, I think I'll sign with University Edge. Putting myself further from my desired town scene will probably be good for me anyway since first year grad school I hear is tough. Still, if anyone is interested as roommates, let me know. I plan to do a little more searching anyway because the reviews above made me think twice.

If anyone decides to go with them, mention my name found here: https://www.facebook.com/FinalDanish. I'll split a $50 gift card with you.

As a final suggestion, these property owners, like any other student housing lenders, push the urgency to sign with them, claiming spots are filling fast or prices will go up. This could be true but is likely a non problem for South Bend. Looking back last July on their social media stream, they offered waived signing fees just a few weeks before move in to bring in more customers. So if you are comfortable being in limbo regarding your housing plans, it might be a good idea to wait it out or pressure them upfront to give you these discounts.

[xor]

Hello Final Danish,

 

The only problem I might have with University Edge is that it is unfurnished. At that cost, I would have expected it to be furnished! Bummer, but I just might go for it anyway. I have started an application. If I go with them, I will certainly mention your name.

 

Please don't forget to send us the images you got!

 

I am also checking out the Clover Ridge and Clover Village apartments. I'll make some phone calls to those two in a bit.

 

You're absolutely right about the urgency to sign with student housing lenders. I have been hustled that way by most of the property owners i have contacted (except at The Overlook, and of course, Cripe Street)

[FinalDanish]

I'm still getting around to getting/uploading the pics. I have the folder University Edge gave me now, but plan to still stop by and actually take some pics (I made the previous post after I toured). They only show you a demo room adjacent to their office. The place is spacious though and the whole place is only like 2 years old.

 

Also, University Edge is furnished. Clover Ridge and Village are not.

[Leibowitz]

My wife and I decided to rent a condo in a quiet and beautiful complex called the North Shore Club, just east of the river and west of Saint Mary's. Should be biking distance as long as it isn't snowing. Prices are really decent for a furnished 2BR (1200 sqf). And as parents to an infant we won't have to deal with college parties. Here's a Craigslist ad for one apparently on the market now: http://southbend.craigslist.org/apa/5013248714.html

[FinalDanish]

Leibowitz is right to suggest a place that is for the most part not advertised to the typical college undergraduate student. But for Notre Dame, most off campus housing ends up being graduate students anyway since 80% undergrads enjoy and stay with on campus housing.

 

I for one ended up choosing UEdge since for the most part I still appreciate seeing all the different kinds of people in the kinds of places like UEdge. As a RA in my undergrad, I actually enjoyed being a part of a close community, even if it does include the occasional troublesome party/immature undergraduate. I haven't become pessimistic about people yet. I like to be optimistic and think that most of the time, undergraduates are actually pretty cool. Still, UEdge does try to enforce and put policies in place to create a respectful community.

 

Anyway, here are some of the pics I took yesterday of the place. And just so pricing is clear, you can probably convince them to "waive signing fees" which only is $100 off of their advertised $300 sign fee. Then, a 12 month lease is the current price per bed on website plus an optional $10 insurance policy of sorts for items broken in apartment (i.e. the person I talked to claimed she broke her phone screen and after paying $25 deductible, she got a $125 check). 10 month lease adds $100 per month. Last is a one-time $150 Residence Life fee for all the events they do and maintenance of facilities. First rent is due July 1st before move in (unless you sign after July) and regular monthly rent is due Sept. 1st. I don't mean to appear to "sell" the place, but if anyone does happen to choose there, mention my name found here and we can split a $50 gift card for dinner or something, courtesy of UEdge's Refer a Friend program. I like free money just as much as anyone else  

 

To compare walking/bike distances to Hayes-Healy at ND...

University Edge: 1.4 miles

Clover Village/Ridge: 1.1 miles

North Shore Club: 2.0 miles

[HegelianThomist]

Thank you FinalDanish - you've convinced me.  My first choice is still Fischer at ND if I can get in.  If not, I'll contact University Edge and let them know you referred me.  

[Thooce]

Hi everyone! How's it all going? As for me, I've arrived on campus (rather too early, I must say!)

[FinalDanish]

Everything is going great for me! I won't be getting into town until right at orientation. I fly back from Bangalore, India on the 14th, and in my crazy attempt to have a last hurrah before school starts, I plan to head to Summer Set near Minneapolis on the 15th and 16th and catch up with some friends. I'm just going to ignore the jet lag I'll have...

 

Still, if anyone wants to join me, I'd be happy to have you tag along (I'll leave morning 15th and return night/morning 16th/17th). Though, I'd admit, it would be a crazy way to start getting to know some near strangers. My logic, we'll probably be at school together for a pretty long time, so might as well put myself out there.

[Thooce]

@FinalDanish

 

Hehehe have fun! See you when you're back from Minneapolis, then.