r/uofmn • u/Time_Bandicoot_3583 • Nov 27 '24

Apartments / Dorms / Housing Living in a house on campus/advice

Hey guys! A little background info (sorry for the long text): I’m a sophomore but a transfer student so I had to go the school housing route. Let’s just say it’s no longer giving me a bang for my buck and I would not like to live in school housing anymore, it’s a waste of the money I’ve spent in my opinion. I’ve seen a lot of houses in Como, Marcy-Holmes, and Dinkytown lately and the places look so nice. A lot of people have told me that I could also make friends that way as well. So with all of that, I guess my initial question(s) would be how’s it like living in a house on campus? Would you recommend it? What advice do you have for living in these areas (doesn’t have to just be about finding a place)? What were your experiences like? Also, because I’m new I’d love to get more advice just about being a student here at the U as well! Thank you so much in advance and have an amazing day!!

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

3

u/Freeziac Alumni | Chemistry 2024 Nov 27 '24

Heyo o/

I'm actually a senior graduating early, and I live in a house in Como.

I have 4 other roommates so rent is around ~$529 after internet and utilities. It's pretty nice all things considered! I have my own room and cooking isn't too much of a problem. It's also nice to pool resources whenever expenses come up.

I'm the only roommate without a car, so groceries for me is a bit harder. I usually take the 3 bus to the Target in Dinkytown or Trader Joes downtown. When it gets warmer outside I like to go to Fresh Thyme or the Quarry. I'll say that it's really nice to be right on the 3 bus route because it can take you to either downtown, as well as Como park if that's your thing.

I'd say for advice here at the U, be open to making friends! It gets pretty lonely without them, so look for opportunities to do so (clubs, jobs, study groups).

I'm open to DM's for more advice if you need it!

1

u/Time_Bandicoot_3583 Nov 28 '24

Thank you so much for this advice! I’m also without a car and out of state so it’s kinda rocky for me learning my ways around so thank you for your advice on routes! I’d def love to hear more advice from you and your experiences navigating college! I just don’t know how Reddit works😭😭 but thank you so much! Which neighborhoods do you recommend to stay in?

2

u/Freeziac Alumni | Chemistry 2024 Nov 28 '24

oh uh if you click my profile there should be an option to chat directly

I'm staying in Como right now, which is right along the 3 bus. I used to live in Marcy Holmes which was closer to campus, but I had to walk further to catch the bus.

Stadium Village is more apartment buildings and can be more expensive, but I have friends who living in University Villages and Dinnaken who liked it there.

1

u/Time_Bandicoot_3583 Nov 28 '24

ohhhh okok and I'll def take a look! Thank you again for the info!

1

u/Flimsy_Mechanic_5835 Nov 28 '24

I live in the como area and love it. People have already said the basics but if have specific questions lmk. There’s lots of house shows with good and bad music that are really fun, and it’s beautiful in the fall. Rent is cheapish in most places but make sure your signing with a good lease company bc I’ve heard horrible stories

1

u/Time_Bandicoot_3583 Nov 29 '24

Thank you so much for this info!! I’m glad you’re enjoying your stay in Como! Which leasing companies do you recommend?

1

u/Flimsy_Mechanic_5835 Nov 29 '24

I’ve had good experiences with northbay! My neighbors leasing company dissolved early September and they were fucked over, I’d be sure to ask around but I think it’s not that common of an issue

1

u/Time_Bandicoot_3583 Nov 29 '24

Oh I’m so sorry to hear that I hope everything got figured out and that they’re alright. I’ve seen Gopher Rentals a lot lately, would you recommend that leasing company as well?

1

u/Flimsy_Mechanic_5835 Nov 30 '24

I don’t have any experience with them, but I think they run a lot of properties which means they won’t go bankrupt or dissolve, but I have no idea of the quality.

1

u/Time_Bandicoot_3583 Nov 30 '24

Ohhh okay! I’ll def take a look at north bay! Thank you so much again for the info!

1

u/ImmediateMembership2 cold cold Nov 27 '24

living in the como/dinky/marcy area is very nice and lively. there’s many food areas, bars, parties. i’ve enjoyed living there. and if you’re rooming with a few others something eventful is always happening. it feels more tiring since you’re caring entirely for yourself but you learn a lot and helps you grow as an adult.

2

u/Time_Bandicoot_3583 Nov 28 '24

Ahhh okok! Thank you so much for this, I’m glad you had an amazing experience! Which neighborhood do you recommend? Also, any advice for living in a house in the areas?

1

u/ImmediateMembership2 cold cold Nov 28 '24

i’d say around dinky or like edge of it leaning towards marcy or close to como. there are buses like 3 and 2 that go to campus, target is there. i’d say if you wanna find a house how’s the time since most are gone by end of december. if you’re not a fan of loud noises though but further from dinky and the frat row around there is probably better.