Category Archives: Campus

UWL Off-Campus Housing: 10 Top Rated La Crosse Landlords
Downtown La Crosse. (Flickr)

Downtown La Crosse. (Flickr)

La Crosse, Wisconsin is the definition of a college town. A large chunk of the population is students, a lot of the businesses and amenities of the city are meant to serve students, and there’s a downtown that is the stuff of legends.

There might be three colleges in town, but students and citizens know who runs the place: UW-La Crosse. We’ve surveyed the field and assembled a list of 10 realtors that provide the optimal housing options for UW-L students. Continue reading

10 Reasons You Know You Went To Penn State University
Penn State's Beaver Stadium

Penn State’s Beaver Stadium (Flickr)

Besides the inevitable search for apartments near Penn State, there are a few things that every Penn Stater should see and do throughout the academic year. You know you went to Penn State if you’ve experienced one, or all, of these ten things.

1. There’s no better place to be on a fall Saturday than Beaver Stadium

It’s the house Paterno built. It’s ninety thousand people wearing Navy and White and cheering for one of the country’s most prestigious college sports programs. It’s seeing the Nittany Lion run up and down the sidelines. It’s regularly considered one of the top college game day experiences in the country. It’s getting fired up just by hearing the words “We Are.” You simply can’t describe what it’s like to attend a Penn State football game; it’s something you just have to experience. Continue reading

10 Reasons You Know You Went To Illinois State University
The famous Pub II college bar in downtown Normal, IL

The famous Pub II college bar in downtown Normal, IL (Flickr)

1. Wednesday’s are for Pub II

Drinking in college is something a lot of students like to partake in. Some even go as far as to avoid having classes on Friday so they can participate in “Thirsty Thursday.” If you go to Illinois State, you know that the real fun starts on Pub Wednesday. A bar in Downtown Normal named Pub II, or The Pub for short, has a DJ and some wicked good drink specials on Wednesdays that attract a substantial college crowd. Pub II is, without a doubt, the place to be on Wednesday nights. Continue reading

Landlord Profile: Walk 2 Class at Illinois State University

blackIt’s important to feel both safe and comfortable. Comfort isn’t just a matter of choosing the right futon or getting rid of that chair passed down from two generations before when the bottom falls out. Comfort is about your surroundings and being able to rely on some backup whenever problems arise at home. Being stuck with a leaking toilet or oven that won’t even boil a pot of water causes the sort of unnecessary emotional stress that college students need to avoid while focusing on school and socializing.

Over the past month, we’ve been assembling lists of the top landlords at campuses around the country based on online reviews from former tenants. The same common themes came up time and time again at campuses all over. It turns out whether a student attends a large state school in New York or a small college in the Midwest, he or she typically is looking for the same thing in a landlord. Students want respect and responsiveness.

One company that stood out to us based on an extreme number of positive reviews was Walk 2 Class, located about as close to the Illinois State University campus as possible. We had the chance to speak with owner Chuck Kiven and Courtney Lahr, a property manager at Walk 2 Class about their service and what they’re doing to keep students so happy. Continue reading

10 Reasons You Know You Went To Syracuse University
2848532025_63e31ce0a7_b

A hefty plate of food from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse, NY (Flickr)

1. There’s only one Grocery store that has your heart: Wegman’s

Native to the upper east coast, Wegman’s offers a wide selection of food, household items, floral supplies, and anything else you could ever want or need. Whether you’re grabbing some ready-to-eat pizza or hunting for the best deals on organic food, Wegman’s is your grocery chain of choice if you’re a student attending Syracuse University. The crowds might drive off some, but the amazing sushi rolls will have you clamoring for this store when you’re back home for the holidays. Continue reading

The 5 Instagram Accounts You Have To Follow If You Go To UVA
The Rotunda at the University of Virginia (Flickr)

The Rotunda at the University of Virginia (Flickr)

1. @wahoofood

Looking to break up a newsfeed of girls in pearls and guys in ties with some wahoo-approved food pics? Look no further—wahoofood is sure to satisfy your deepest cravings. This student-run account devotes itself to posting pictures of the best treats that UVA and Charlottesville have to offer. From glamorous shots of Bodo’s bagels to scrumptious snaps of gooey Christian’s pizza, @wahoofood knows how to make your mouth water. You’ll find pictures of tried-and-true favorites right alongside some brand new creations and locations you’ll be dying to try. And when you do, be sure to submit your best shots to the account—hoo knows, your food might be featured next!

Continue reading

Seven Top Rated Cedar Falls Landlords: University of Northern Iowa Off-Campus Housing
university of northern iowa

The Union at the University of Northern Iowa. (Flickr)

Summer has reached its end [insert sad face here] and the school year is here. That means it’s time to put down that ice-cold beer and pick up your laptop, because the search for apartments near Cedar Falls begins again!

Finding a home that isn’t the stereotypical college house (damaged, dirty, and in an area infested by party-crazed college animals) is harder than it may seem. Worry not, because we have the tools necessary for you to get through these stressful times with ease. We have done our research, so you don’t have to. We searched long and hard for the best landlords in the Cedar Falls area near the University of Northern Iowa.

Thankfully for us, quite a few residents left some very helpful feedback. So we’ve sifted through luxurious apartments to residences unfit for well…anyone and have come up with the best of the best! Continue reading

9 Reasons You Know You Went To UVA
Lock and cheese from Bodo's. Yum. (Flickr)

Lock and cheese from Bodo’s. Yum. (Flickr)

1. You know your Bodo’s order by heart. Bodo’s is near and dear to every UVA student’s heart. This legendary bagel spot is the place many students miss the most when they go home for break. Their bagels are perfect for an on-the-go snack, and their food is some of the cheapest on the Corner. It’s no wonder that everyone craves a delicious Bodo’s bagel. Sometimes, if you wake up early enough, you will see a line of students outside the door participating in a classic UVA tradition–they are waiting to get the #1 ticket in line. Getting the #1 ticket gives you unlimited bragging rights! Continue reading

Muncie Apartments and Houses: Ten Top Rated Ball State Landlords
muncie apartments

Be bold. Investigate your Ball State living situation. (Flickr)

If you’re just starting to search for a place to live near campus, it can be difficult to figure out which are the best landlords and Muncie apartments near BSU . Searching for an apartment or house to rent can be overwhelming, especially in a college town like Muncie where there are so many options … including some less than stellar ones.

We understand what it means to find the right landlord. Fearing the collapse of your balcony when it rains or patching up holes in the wall during December are hardly anyone’s definition of an ideal living situation. Don’t end up in a bad spot with a neglectful landlord.

Landlords can come in many different forms, whether it’s personal or managed by a company. However, obtaining the title of “a good landlord” isn’t something just anyone can do. Here’s what being a good landlord means to us:

  1. Fixes maintenance issues promptly
  2. Easy to get in contact with
  3. Respects the tenant privacy by giving advanced notice before coming over
  4. Listens to tenant concerns with the property
  5. Knows who is obligated to do what in maintaining the household
  6. Treats residents with respect

Unfortunately, not all landlords abide by these standards and it’s important to differentiate where they fall on the awful to excellent spectrum before signing your lease. This task can be difficult when you’re expected to make a decision whether or not you’re putting down your security deposit after one or two showings.

Before you decide to put down that security deposit, finish your homework and know which landlords have the best reputation. Continue reading

UMN Off-Campus Housing: 10 Top Rated University of Minnesota Landlords
umn off-campus housing

The bridge back to campus in Dinkytown, which houses many of the best places near UMN. (Flickr)

The sun starts to disappear faster, nights get colder, and thousands of students need to begin their search for UMN off-campus housing. The return of fall brings about many new beginnings, and none of them are quite like moving into a new house or apartment to begin a new chapter of your life. But almost as soon as you move into a new place, it’s time to start looking for the next one.

Such is the life of a college student.

For students at the University of Minnesota, there are a lot of choices and decisions you have to make when it comes to housing. Marcy Holmes? Dinkytown? Stadium Village? Each neighborhood offers its advantages and type of community. With such a vibrant and growing off campus housing community around Minnesota, figuring out where you’re going to move next can be overwhelming.

To make things a little easier on you, we’ve decided to run through University of Minnesota apartments and houses for rent and compile a list of the UMN off-campus housing choices with the most favorable reviews on Google. Continue reading