Recommend me an on-campus apartment!

[JohnH]

I was recently admitted to the Merage School of Business. I'm still debating on whether or not I want to go to school at UCI, but just in case I do... I may consider renting my condo out and moving on campus.

My current condo is located right next to the Plaza Towers, and is super close to UCI. The reason I want to rent it out is because it will save me some money in the long run.

So, anyone want to recommend an on-campus (or close to on-campus) apartment? I haven't really had any time to go look at the model units yet, but I suppose I'll get around to it in the next couple of weeks.

I'd be mostly interested in a studio or one-bedroom unit. (I don't think I could get used to roommates anymore after having lived by myself for close to 3 years.)

Anyone seen the new Puerta Del Sol units yet? I think they just finished construction and opened them up not too long ago. I'm leaning towards either Puerta Del Sol or Vista Del Campo Norte.

Any opinions? And how's parking?

Thanks guys.

[Hai2u]

Really depends on what you drive/if you're planning to drive a lot or at all. I actually work IT at VDC/Norte, and the parking is not that bad but they require you to pay for a permit now (totally not worth it IMO). The location is great though, and bus rides to campus are a plus. I'm not going to lie, the network needs A LOT of work since the previous company that managed the network went bankrupt and left everything totally messed up which we're still working to repair (so internet access is spotty at times). In terms of theft/vandalism...one of my friends got his car keyed over there and two people that I know of had their cars stolen and never recovered.

Stay away from Parkwest. Not sure if other people are having problems, but people keep trying to break into/steal my car (that is until I upped my security some more and put a boot on my car).

In terms of studio apartments and having a closed garage to yourself, look at Ambrose right across from the UTC. Had a few friends that lived there and it's pretty decent, but the price is up there.

Good luck with whatever you choose .

[IdriveAredVAN]

if you are able to drive, you might wanna try Versailles on the Lake. Its next to south coast plaza but its a lot cheaper. In-apartment laundry machines and free water also. If you do a 9 or 12 month lease u can also get 1 months rent free. Im in a 3 bedroom place right now and its 1900/mo altogether.
Just throwin that out there

[DC5 Type S]

*haven't had trouble with theft at parkwest*
but I don't have a suuuper nice car either so

(i actually think theft at VDC is higher than parkwest now, that's what it seems like)

dartmouth has garages too i think

good luck finding a place!

[JohnH]

Thanks for the info!

If you guys wouldn't mind, could you tell me how much you guys are paying for your places? I haven't done any research yet so I don't know much about the rental market.

[DC5 Type S]

Originally Posted by JohnH

Thanks for the info!

If you guys wouldn't mind, could you tell me how much you guys are paying for your places? I haven't done any research yet so I don't know much about the rental market.

even if we have room/apartment mates?

2060 for a 3b/2bath, I pay 350+utilities, usually ~400 with cable and stuff per month

[Hai2u]

Personally ~1300 total for a two bedroom one bath at Parkwest right now, but we got hooked up.

Same story with some friends who live at Turtle Rock, but they got a much better deal...and I'm talking dirt cheap lol. They're pretty much living there for a few bills a month each + utilities for a 3 bedroom 2 bath.

Not saying you should do this, but the Irvine Co. tends to cut deals and hand out discounts on year-long contracts if they really really need to fill an apartment, but can't find anyone to do it. This usually occurs much later than when people usually apply for housing (i.e. closer to summer when leases begin to expire and nobody has taken the apartment in question yet). Pretty much half blind luck and half procrastination will score you an awesome deal.

[IdriveAredVAN]

3bed/2bath w/5 ppl.
i pay 280 and about 20 in utilities

[ScottB]

Where is the Merage School of Business?

[LAWLence]

Originally Posted by ScottB

Where is the Merage School of Business?

It's on campus. I'm jealous every time I walk by because they have catered food everyday after 5PM just for the majors...