Many landlords expect 100-percent occupancy at major apartment complexes next fall
Student apartments across Mount Pleasant will remain filled as local complexes foresee 100 percent occupancy for the 2011-12 school year.
Jill Simons, manager at Tallgrass Apartments, 1240 E. Broomfield St., does not expect an adjustment in the number of people renting for fall 2011 compared to this year, she said.
“We have been full every year,” she said. “We have had 100-percent occupancy for several years.”
Amber Greco, manager at Copper Beech Townhomes, 4750 E. Blue Grass Road, noticed a slight change in the number of people signing leases for the next school year compared to this time last year.
“We are ahead of where we were last year," she said. "I think people choose the apartments because it’s a little more freedom."
Simons said cost is the biggest factor for residents in determining whether to live in the apartments or residence halls, which often brings students to Tallgrass.
“Although apartments are less expensive, you do have to take into consideration expenses such as food and utilities,” she said.
Copper Beech has also been 100-percent full since it opened more than five years ago, she said.
Rob Zientek, manager at the Village at Bluegrass, 4300 Collegiate Way, also noticed a slight increase in leases for the upcoming school year.
“We are approximately 50 leases ahead right now, which is a 7-percent increase from what we were last year at this time,” Zientek said.
Out of 744 beds, the Village at Bluegrass is always 98 to 99 percent filled, he said.
Zientek said he noticed a spike in popularity for apartment living about five years ago. In the past three years, the trend has remained constant.
“The apartments offer the freedom and space students want. The amenities are right on site for students that do not have cars,” he said. “We also have a busing system.”
Residence Life surveys show living on campus increases students’ likelihood of graduating and achieving a higher grade point average, whereas apartment living can offer more space, fewer regulations and amenities.
Taylor freshman Latisha Ball is living in the residence halls this year but will switch to apartment life next fall.
“I want to live off campus because of more space and privacy,” she said. “Plus, they tend to have a better Internet connection.”
Shaun Holtgreive, associate director of Residence Life, said it is not determined at this point how much room and board costs will increase for the 2011-12 academic year and whether or not overcrowding will be an issue again.
Holtgreive said there are still openings in the residence halls for next fall.
