I NEED EVERYONE'S OPINION!

[lynseystew]

Okay, I am contemplating renting from the Campus Villiage apartments. I just talked to the leasing agent today and she is sending me the wire transfer info. I don't know what to do! I would feel a lot better if I had an apartment lined up when I get there, but it kinda sucks going into it so blindly!

What is everyone's opinion about this place? I know everyone has said that they are pricey...what about safety? Do you feel like I would be safe renting on the ground floor, or would you suggest the 2nd floor? It is $100 extra a month for a balcony. There is also a casino really close, what problems would I have because of that (safety, noise, etc...)

It is just really hard to pass this place up because it is brand new and so very close to campus. The fact that it is so close really makes me think hard about renting from here. Does anyone have an opinion? Thanks!

Lynsey

[Rafe]

I think it would be a good place to start.......and maybe stay. If it were me I'd get the balcony--the views are beautiful in that area. From the school one can see all the way from Philipsburg to Marigot, the Caribbean Sea, Simpson Bay Lagoon, and maybe even Anguilla.
My impression of the Casino's of the area is that they seem pretty tame. I walked into a few while I was there and they were always pretty slow. Well, I didn't feel intimidated anyway. I like the area.

[anencephalic]

Hi Lyns,
I personally would get one on the upper floors...the ground floor units are fairly close to the street and could be subject to noise from traffic on Jordan Road. From a security standpoint, I'd also suggest upstairs, but with your dog, it shouldn't be too much of a concern. Might I also suggest one with a view of the lagoon on the backside of the apartments? You'd also have a view of the Dorms, for what it's worth (BTW, someone was selling a high-powered telescope on the campus bulletin board :shock: ) :wink:
See you soon!

Aloha,

[lynseystew]

A high powered telescope huh? YIKES!

Yeah, if I get it I will get the 2nd floor and a view of the lagoon and the school.

Thanks for the advice....anyone else have any?

[AUCMD2006]

i was in the same mindset four long months ago....i was crawiling out of my skin until i had a place and everyone told me what i am about o tell you: there are tons of places to rent from so don't rush inbto anything if you don't want to. those apts are nice but expensive and there are tons of places also close to school. when you get here there are fliers all over the place, we are prime tenants, we are quiet and clean for the most part and more imporatntly they know we get 20k every four months so they don't have to worry about rent. if you aren't 100% sure about geting that place get down here a week early and find one.....if you decide howver to get one of those apts i will invite myself from time to time to enjoy the view since mine is now partailly blocked thanks to that huge canadian high school they just built. :lol:

[futuresurgeon]

what do you mean we get 20k every 4 months?

[anencephalic]

Uh....Alternating Stafford and private loans. One semseter you get a Stafford for $18,500 (which is supposed to last you two semesters, but never does), then the next, you get a $27000 private loan, then the next, your Stafford renews, etc.... That breaks down to roughly about 45K for two semesters ($18,500 + 27,000 = $45,500) so....45,500 for two semseters = $22,750 per semester. I think. :shock: Minus the $9000 tuition leaves you with approximately $3400/month...if this is wrong, blame Greg at MEIO...that's what he told me! :lol:

Aloha,

[futuresurgeon]

is this what everyone gets...and if so how?

[tRmedic21]

That's the standard amount for financial aid. It may vary a few hundred dollars from person to person (mine was slightly lower) and I really haven't been able to get a good reason why.

But that's the gist of it, yeah.

Also, you can get an advance on your Sallie Mae loans in your Stafford semester to help even things out. I would definately suggest doing this for 1st sem, if you can. It helps alot.

I just got an advance for $4,455 today, leaving me with around $21k for next semester. :D

[MushieCookie]

i got approved for $27,8xx for my sallie mae loan.

to get an advance on your sallie mae loan for first semester, what process do i have to go through? do i call financial aid at MEIO or is it something that gets done once we're at school?

[Todd Battung]

I drive by the new aparments all the time and they're sharp. The rent is almost double what pay now so if it wasnt for the money, I would be there in a flash. Especially only having a 30 sec walk to the campus.

Todd

[tRmedic21]

Just drop an e-mail to Greg at finaid@aucmed.edu and tell him you would like to arrange to take out the Sallie Mae advance for your first semester. That's IT!

Greg has always been VERY prompt about returning my e-mails, and I have rec'd a number of them back in as little as 5 minutes!