Housing Guide 10/19/18

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avigating the housing process at a university with more than 40,000 students in the sixth largest city in the state of Michigan can be challenging, to say the least. I lived in Helen Newberry Residence — one of the University of Michigan’s women’s dorms on State Street — for two years, the first year in a double room and the second, in a single.

But searching for housing for junior and senior years was intimidating, fast-paced and confusing.

I decided to live in a studio apartment on the corner of William and S. Division streets my junior year after narrowing down the general location of where I wanted to be, especially after considering the location of my

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classes and extracurriculars.

This constrained the price I was willing to pay, considering whether the apartment was furnished — which, luckily in Ann Arbor, so many are — and a few other factors.

I knew I did not want to be in a high-rise apartment due to costs and locations, and I wasn’t able to find a one-bedroom apartment in a house. I ended up being nearly equidistant from Main and State streets, which was great for grabbing food late at night, or running home in between classes. I was also close to a few bus stops for getting to North Campus and some grocery stores.

This year, I live across from the Ford School of Public Policy on State and Hill streets with two roommates, and I have my own room.

While I liked my studio, this is a bi-level apartment and

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has a lot of room — two bathrooms, two bedrooms, a living room and a newly renovated kitchen. I’m paying a lot less for more room in this apartment! I’m also near good late-night food, and though I’m further away from my classes — most of which are in North Quad or the Modern Language Building — being on State Street is great, also convenient to grab the bus (when it’s running) and more.

I understand the process isn’t always this easy.

Sometimes roommates fall through, budgets change or there are disagreements as to where the best location on campus is. While I would say I’m pretty lucky to live by BTB Burrito this year, I was also lucky to live by New York Pizza Depot last year — great fast food choices! The fact that housing arrangements

in Ann Arbor are set up so that you have to look for the next fall’s housing as early as the October before makes it pretty inaccessible, hard to understand and stressful — especially right around midterms. But the challenges and difficulties in navigating housing are why I’m giving you a few tips for success: (See page 5)

Types of Housing Apartment or House

Sarah Kunkel / Daily

Living in an off-campus apartment or house is one of the most popular options for post-freshman-year housing at the University. Beyond the Diag, the University’s office for student resources regarding off-campus housing, names 11 “neighborhoods” around Central Campus and one on North Campus that tend to attract the most students. Each neighborhood has many housing options to choose from, ranging from studio apartments to houses with five or more bedrooms, and prices that vary just as much. Areas closest to the Diag tend to have higher rent per person, though, and moving farther away from that may decrease your costs. It’s also worth noting that though there are many costs in addition to rent when you live off campus (utilities, Wi-Fi and groceries, to name a few), living off campus does tend to be cheaper altogether than living in a dorm.

High-Rise Apartment Despite some pushback by students, new high-rise apartment buildings keep popping up in the neighborhoods surrounding campus.

Though some balk at the way these buildings are flooding the market, they can be a great housing option for students. These buildings span the entire range of pricing options, from University Towers on the lower end to Arbor Blu and Landmark on the higher end. With higher prices often comes additional amenities — many of the pricier high-rises have roof access with gorgeous views of the city, pools or gyms, study lounges and free community events for residents. These apartments also usually come furnished and with free Wi-Fi. They tend to fill up less quickly than stand-alone houses, so if a high-rise apartment is your plan, there may be less pressure to get a group of roommates together in October.

Co-op House The Inter-Cooperative Council has 16 co-op houses in locations all across the neighborhoods that tend to be the most popular with students (including one house on North Campus). Cooperative living provides an affordable, community-style living option for students that includes both room and board — something to consider when you move away from the dining hall and have to start buying your own groceries. In exchange for their rent, co-op residents become “partial owners” of their home, and are responsible for participating in a certain number of house chores each week. Co-op houses each have an individual culture, so if you’re considering living in one, it can be helpful to tour several houses before deciding which one you’d prefer. An application where prospective residents rank their top four prefered houses is required, and it’s recommended to fill the application out soon after it is released, as certain houses often end up with wait lists. Co-ops release their application later in the fall semester, so this option can buy you a little more time before having to decide on a place or group of people, as well.

Off-Campus The cost of living in Ann Arbor can be very high. To get around this barrier, some students choose to commute from home if they live a reasonable distance from campus. If you’re from a place where commuting to campus isn’t a viable option for you, you may want to look for an apartment further from campus or even in a neighboring city. This option can dramatically cut rent costs, and if you don’t have access to a car, you may be able to take advantage of Ann Arbor’s public bus system, which anyone with a valid Mcard can ride for free.

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the grocery

GUIDE Kroger 2641 Plymouth Rd.

Kerrytown Market & Shops 407 N. 5th Ave Argus Farm Stop 325 W. Liberty St Lucky’s Market 1919 S Industrial Hwy

Whole Foods Market 900 W Eisenhower Pkwy Meijer 3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd

Whole Foods Market 3135 Washtenaw Ave Trader Joe’s 2398 E. Stadium Blvd

Kroger 3135 Washtenaw Ave

Meijer 3825 Carpenter Rd

map courtesy of google maps

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(continued from page 2)

Try not to stress — if it’s taking longer than expected to find a place to live, don’t give up and get disheartened. Students are always dropping housing arrangements and looking for new ones as plans change — we’re students, after all.

Look online — there are so many resources for students to use online to navigate the process. Make sure to check out the “Class of” Facebook groups, or the University’s own housing website. They might not result in any specific sales, but it might give you some inspiration as to where to look, what types of housing is available and what costs are looking like. I will say, I had a great experience subletting my apartment last summer using one of the Facebook groups.

Make sure you are comfortable where you are going to be living — are you comfortable being in a house with many other roommates? Are you comfortable sharing a room if you need to? Are you comfortable with what your rent will be? Prioritize your needs and comfort, first!

Walk around — we’re right in the midst of fall weather. Take a walk around the areas in which you want to live and jot down notes of leasing companies or landlord names. If you’re brave and able to, knock on doors (as long as you’re not intruding) — some students might be willing to give you a peek at their living space.

Start early — everyone says this, so take it to heart! Though it’s only October, and you might have just gotten to campus a month ago, if you’re going to want a different housing arrangement next fall, start looking now!

Ask upperclassmen — we’re there for a reason, we’ve been through it already, and if we’re a senior, we likely don’t have to go through it again. We’re familiar enough that if we do have to go through it again, we know more of where we’d want to be on campus! I’d be happy to pass my experience and knowledge to you.

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GUIDE FOR MOVING IN

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PREPARATION

Finish

CREATE A REALISTIC BUDGET FOR MOVING EXPENSES FIND CHEAP PACKING SUPPLIES — MANY RETAILERS AND FURNITURE STORES GIVE OUT BOXES FOR FREE TAKE MEASUREMENTS TO MAKE SURE ANY FURNITURE YOU’RE BRINGING FITS THROUGH DOORWAYS & HALLWAYS GET HELP FROM FRIENDS OR A SHIPPING COMPANY

PACKING

SORT OBJECTS BY ROOM SELL OR DONATE ANY UNNEEDED ITEMS LABEL ALL BOXES (COLOR CODE, MARK IF THEY’RE FRAGILE) FIND OUT IF YOUR NEW PLACE HAS MOVING DAY REQUIREMENTS CLEAN YOUR HOME FOR THE NEXT RESIDENT MAKE SURE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IS LEFT!

MOVING IN

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Start

CLEAN AND DUST YOUR NEW PLACE FIRST USE YOUR CLOSETS GIVE AWAY ANY UNNEEDED BOXES OR PROPERLY DISPOSE OF THEM SET UP MAIL FORWARDING CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS ON AMAZON OR ANY OTHER MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTIONS

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The Best Campus Apartments!

The Best Campus Locations @The Best Value!

Varisty Management 625 Church St (734) 668-1100 www.varsitymanagement.com Studios, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Bedrooms, & Houses Fully Furnished Heat, water, and parking included most locations Many newly remodeled

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the neighborhood

GUIDE The Hill

File Photo / Daily

Perks: Reputation for being the most social group of dorms, close to Palmer Field, which the best clear, wide space in downtown Ann Arbor and has basketball and tennis courts, Close to the Arb, Close to CCTC, variety of dining halls Pits: Long walks to central campus in the winter, can occasionally feel out of the mix of events in downtown and south campus

North Central Perks: Close to almost everything: good food downtown, classes on central campus, the largest and most available dining hall on campus Pits: Caught in the middle of dense development,

South Central Perks: Some of the most unique residences on campus, Close to Greek Life and Co-op houses located in South campus, Close to South U social life, Equidistant from IMSB or CCRB, Close to Ross Pits: Far from green spaces

North Campus Perks: Out of the hustle and bustle of central campus, Get to appreciate North Campus as many students won’t, close to Stamps, Taubman, CoE, SMTD Pits: Have to master the bus system, distance from social opportunities and the hub of Ann Arbor life, can occasionally feel isolating

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“This is my second year living in a Michminnies co-op, the big purple and blue houses in Kerrytown, and it’s a great place to live. Living in a co-op in college is honestly the best life hack. I don’t have to deal with grocery shopping, I get amazing dinners cooked for me 6 nights a week, and it’s still incredibly cheap compared to other places. I would highly recommend, especially if you are looking for affordable housing and/or a large community of really cool people on campus.”

Karlie Cradock LSA Junior

Student Voices

“I live in Markley... I was looking at house for next year, but it’s so hard to find places, like I don’t even know where to start looking, so I’m thinking of RA’ing” Eva Russa LSA Freshman

“I live on Packard street, near Dominos and I like it because it’s close to campus and close to the football stadium and a lot of restaurants. I live in a house with 6 other housemates, it’s nice to be able to have your own room and also live with friends, you can also throw parties in houses.”

Mitch Bigland LSA Senior

“I live in Kerrytown... it is a house.

I think the thing that I like the most about my house specifically is it has a great living room kitchen dining room entertaining area and I like being a good host...

It’s more comfortable, living in a house. I lived in Sterling last year and I am much more comfortable living in this house... this kind of feels much more close to home but it’s not.”

Mikehl Edward Hafner Taubman Senior The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

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Property Inspection Guide Exterior

Bedrooms

Clean common areas Safe stairways Well-lit hallway and entryway Properly maintained yard Safe fire exits Good lock on doors Working smoke detector Pest inspection Mailbox locks and key works Windows in good lockable condition Functional window blinds Working heat and AC

Dressers Bed frame Clean mattress Walls + ceilings Windows Window blinds Functional doors Light fixtures Other furniture (if applicable) Closets (doors+tracks)

Bathroom Walls Ceiling Floor Windows + Blinds Doors Light fixtures Mirrors Cabinets/Drawers Counters Faucet + Shower Proper plumbing Towel racks Toliet paper holder

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Living Room Walls painted and in good condition Ceiling Floors Working lights Good quality furniture (if applicable) Power outlets

Kitchen Working stove Working fridge Working oven Appliances in working condition Cabinets/drawers Faucet (heat+pressure) Smoke detector

Walking Distance to North Campus!

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1780 Broadway | Ann Arbor, MI 48105 | 734.994.6007 Communitywide WiFi Fully Furnished Private Bedrooms & Bathrooms Individual Leases Study Rooms with Free Printing In-unit Washer & Dryer Walking Distance to Campus'

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Steps from Central Campus!

624 Church Street | Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | 734.761.8114 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

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T W O C E N T S O N YO U R R E N T S

A study conducted by Rent Cafe found the average cost of rent in Ann Arbor i s a m o n g t h e h i g h e s t i n t h e s t a t e , w i t h a n a v e r a g e r e n t o f $ 1 , 5 0 1 i n J u l y.

H e r e’s a look at what neighborhoods ar e t he least and most af f ordable base d on the study:

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July 18, 2018: City Council approves new code for Greek housing SONIA LEE

Daily Staff Reporter

At the Monday meeting, the Ann Arbor City Council approved changes to the zoning code for Greek life houses and moved to postpone the approval of a new development plan for the northern part of the city.

City Council voted unanimously to approve new zoning for fraternity and sorority houses, which modifies the definition of “fraternity” and “sorority” and requires the organizations to affiliate themselves with the University or another higher education institution.

Mayor Christopher Taylor commented the changes will improve Greek life organizations’ interactions with Ann Arbor residents.

“Our goal is to more accurately increase the likelihood that fraternities and sororities are good neighbors to everyone,” Taylor said. “In many cases they are.

Occasionally they are not. I think this ordinance change will give us the opportunity to do something about it in that minority case.”

Though the changes do not retroactively apply to existing Greek life organizations and the new zoning rules will only apply to new Greek life organizations seeking a permit or established organizations looking to expand, neighbors of Greek life houses as well as Greek life alumni came forward to discuss the proposal.

Anne Schreiber, an Ann Arbor resident whose house is surrounded by fraternity and sorority houses, was in support of the proposal, saying while some of the organization members are good neighbors, many fraternities in particular cause disturbances.

“There are an awful lot of people that are very unhappy with the way they (fraterni-

ties) behave,” Schreiber said.

“They are unruly, they are noisy, they’re dirty — lots of garbage and papers and stuff. And I don’t think we should give them any more latitude. I think if anything we need to restrict them and give them some parameters. It seems like nobody can take ownership of the responsibility of their misbehavior.”

Peter Nagourney, the cochair for the North Burns Park Association and neighbor to several Greek life houses, pointed out one neighboring residence housed a banned fraternity.

“You should know that one neighbor spent nine months constantly, and I mean daily, dealing with city, University police and Greek life entities before one of these party houses set up by members of a banned fraternity was shut down,” Nagourney said.

“This is a real problem. Others in this neighborhood must constantly deal with trash, public drunkenness, loud music and other violations of city ordinances. Oversight of these groups is not done at the national level despite the claims of their attorneys. Oversight by the University and the Office of Greek Life does not seem to make much difference.”

Elizabeth Jove, a member of the house corporation that owns the Alpha Phi Sorority property and chapter adviser for the sorority, pushed the council to postpone the decision for approval, stressing a need for all voices involved to be heard.

“What we have here tonight is exactly the situation that will continue if council doesn’t let all parties sit and talk together because we’ve heard neighbors who have deeply held concerns and issues with the behavior of these properties, of the people who live on these properties,” Jove said. “This proposed zoning amendment is not going to

address those issues. It doesn’t address trash and noise and parties. It doesn’t address the appearance of your properties.”

Nagourney disagreed, claiming Greek life organizations have previously not been forthcoming in responding to neighbors’ concerns.

“Hearing tonight’s sudden offers to work with the community are a joke,” Nagourney said. “In 20 years I have never heard from any organization about meeting or dealing with these issues. Never once. And my name’s been on the books for over 20 years.”

In addition to the approval of the new housing code for fraternities and sororities, the council also discussed a new development plan for the Cottages at

Barton Green.

The decision to postpone the new housing development by Trinitas Ventures, an Indiana student housing developer, was made following heavy protests from residents of the Pontiac Trail. The proposed development would range from the west side of Pontiac Trail and south of Dhu Varren Road and include 225 apartments with 716 bedrooms in 92 buildings built on the vacant lot. Major concerns from residents and councilmembers included safety, increased parking and traffic, and an increase in undergraduates that would result in noise and littering problems.

Read more at MichiganDaily.com

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L O C AT I O N , L O C AT I O N A look into different spots on campus for living, eating and sightseeing

SARAH KUNKLE/Daily West Quad re-opened in 2015 following renovation. The building is home to the Michigan Community Scholar living learning community.

DARBY STIPE/Daily South Quad, one of the largest of the University dorms, straddles the heart of Central Campus and the off-campus residences of South Campus area.

EMMA RICHTER/Daily East Quad, a Central Campus dorm and home to the Residential College, features a number of bicycle racks for the environmentally conscious student.

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EMMA RICHTER/Daily The entrance at the east end of Nickels Arcade stands sentinel before a number of storied shops, such as Comet Coffee and the University Flower Shop.

EMMA RICHTER/Daily Just off of Central Campus, South State Street is home to a number of memorable Ann Arbor businesses, including Sava’s, The State Theater and Ashley’s.

FILE PHOTO/Daily In this ariel shot of the city, one can make out a number of iconic University buildings, including Angell Hall, Burton Memorial Tower and South Quad.

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